#speakup

Legislative session is in full swing here in the Mountain State, and we are honored this month to bring you the story of Celena Roby Henry in celebration of her story of survival and the positive change she made for survivors in West Virginia. Public policy can often be confusing or even disheartening, and it can be daunting for both survivors and advocates to try and communicate needs to lawmakers. Join us as we talk to Celena about her journey of empowerment and what she sees as emerging needs for people experiencing domestic violence in our communities.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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A personal message from Ann. She gets personal and candid after reading Mariska Hargitay's (Olivia Benson from SVU) article in People Magazine and saw her interview on the Today Show. Ann gets honest and talks about Mariska's situation and how to take pain and turn it into helping others. She discusses showing your true self, scars and all. S

 Having been a director at a battered woman's shelter and a rape crisis hotline, Ann delves into the often-misunderstood response of freezing during an assault and the web of blame and shame that survivors navigate. We stand together with those who have had to face such strength. 

The episode touches on abuse with people who have disabilities or pre-existing trauma. Ann talks grooming and how chillingly proficient abusers are in identifying their targets.  She discusses the reality of not belng believed by those in trusted, authoritative positions. Her main goal is to bring a voice to survivors. 

Ann briefly shares why she has dedicated this episode to her sister and to anyone who has holds the weight of unspoken secrets. 

You don't have to suffer by yourself or in silence. 

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and, while we've talked about the evolution of this kind of victimization before, we had yet to delve into the specifics of how advocacy programs serve survivors of trafficking. Join us as we chat with friend and colleague, Katie Spriggs Brown, Executive Director of sister program, Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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Domestic Violence services are not often thought of in the realm of "homeless service providers," but it's actually one of the most important things we do, given fleeing abuse is federally-recognized as a leading cause for people to experience homelessness.

In this episode, we're highlighting our place within the local homeless service collaborative, The Cabell-Wayne Continuum of Care, as we speak with Brittany Ochoa, the Executive Director of Harmony House and the C-W CoC. Join us as we talk barriers to services, the Housing First model, and how our work together strengthens the community.

For more information on the Cabell-Wayne CoC, check out the website and follow the Continuum on Facebook!

To reach Brittany, you can call (304)523-2764, ext. 101, or email her at Brittany.Ochoa@harmonyhousewv.com

You can learn more about the Housing First model in our previous episode, "Safe Housing for Survivors."

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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It's officially spooky season! Here at Branches, we're united in our love for Halloween but somewhat divided on how spooky culture makes us feel. For some, it's a wondrous, magical time of our favorite decorations and nostalgic movies, while, for others, it can be just one more way the world seems scary. What do you think?

Join us for a conversation about how to prioritize self-care during spooky season, whether that's diving head first into the holiday or changing up your emotional safety plan for yourself and the survivors in your life. Available wherever you stream your podcasts or at branchesdvs.org/podcasts.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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On a new episode of Root for Each Other, our advocates Sara and Emily are discussing the recent sentencing of convicted rapist, Danny Masterson, and the implications of both character reference letters of support submitted by famous friends of the actor and the powerful Victim Impact Statement read by his former partner at sentencing. As always, this is a difficult topic, so please take care of yourself as you listen and know that you can reach us for support 24/7 at 304.529.2382 and our local partner sexual assault agency, CONTACT Rape Crisis Center at 866.399.7273.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Wayne, Mason, Lincoln, and Putnam counties in West Virginia.

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Join us for a look back at our Summertime Advocate Roundtable about BOUNDARIES: What are they? Are they always healthy? Are they a mass conspiracy created by the Wellness Industrial Complex...?

Seriously, though, promoting healthy relationships is what we do best, besides, perhaps, having opinions. Check out our opinions on this topic and more on this episode of Root for Each Other: A Branches Podcast.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Wayne, Mason, Lincoln, and Putnam counties in West Virginia. 

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Welcome to a powerful and uplifting episode of the Too Deep podcast. In this enlightening episode we dive deep into the topic of embracing vulnerability and overcoming moments of helplessness and weakness.

Join us as we explore the universal nature of these moments and challenge the notion that they should define us. We'll share inspiring stories and practical insights to help you find strength and resilience during times of vulnerability.

In addition, we delve into the importance of speaking up and voicing our concerns or opinions, even if we feel shy or hesitant. Discover the transformative power of finding your voice and expressing yourself authentically, regardless of the fear or uncertainty that may arise.

Through open and honest discussions, we'll provide guidance on how to navigate through moments of weakness and overcome self-doubt. We'll empower you to embrace vulnerability as a stepping stone to personal growth, empowerment, and connection.

Join us on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment as we encourage you to rise above discouragement and let your voice be heard. Together, let's break free from the constraints of weakness and embrace the strength that lies within.

Tune in to Too Deep for this empowering episode, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our content valuable. Let's celebrate our moments of weakness as opportunities for growth and personal transformation.

We're back at it again with two delicious options of Rosé the first a 2021 Rose from Meomi, and the second The Dreaming Tree's 2019 Rosé for our wine-o cousins! In this episode, the ladies discuss the ebbs and flows of growing in your career and what comes with your twenties. Learning when and how to approach tough situations in the workplace and how that has affected them. If given the chance to approach a situation differently in your career would you? Let us know and enjoy this week's conversation. 

It's Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and we're tackling a difficult but important subject, Familial Trafficking, and its relevance to life in Appalachia. Join us for a conversation with Angie Seay, Coordinator of the Hoops Family Children's Hospital Child Advocacy Center as she enlightens us on the diligent work her organization is doing to make a safer community for children. 

The first topic addressed in season three and it is by far the most necessary!  Make no mistake, without this as your foundation everything else is up for grabs!  Is there actual objective truth?  Well, is there?  A lot of people say there is no objective truth, but subjective to each person.  Do you know how to address this with people?  Can you make good solid argumentation for why there is and why it is necessary?  What do you say to someone who says they believe in science?  Or to the person who says science and religion, especially Christianity contradict each other?

This episode we tackle this topic head on and don't hold back.  You may want to check and see if your up to this.  It may hit a bit to close to home.  Don't say we didn't give you a heads up.

8   Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9   to fulfill the word which He spoke, “Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.”
(John 18:8–9)

37  Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38  Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?”
(John 18:37–38)

17   “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."
(John 17:17)

2  I will bow down toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
(Psalm 138:2)

Grace and peace friends.

Well, here we are - it's season 3 and we are excited more than you could know!  It's a brand new season and a brand new format.  Each season we try to evaluate and grow.  This season Holly and I are going to be more interactive.  We are focusing this season on current relevant topics which you will be easily familiar with.  You may even have difficulty on knowing how to address them.  All of these topics are central to our overall theme of "Waking The Sleeping Giant".  What is this sleeping Giant?  Join with us and find out - it may be just what you need to hear!

Grace and peace everyone!

It's November, and we want to pause in a moment of gratitude for the people we serve. In this episode, you'll hear stories from advocates across our programming and service area about the privilege of advocacy and how survivors have impacted their lives and work. We're honored to witness their strength and resilience, and we hope these stories are enlightening about the realities of so many of our neighbors who have experienced violence. 

This domestic violence awareness month, we're challenging our beloved state motto, "Montani Semper Liberi," as many mountaineers are not free even in their own home or relationships. For this episode, we're honored to be joined by Joyce Yedlosky, one of two Team Coordinators at the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to talk about bystander intervention, both what it means and its role in the community's responsibility to end domestic violence. 

Have you seen Maid? What about the new season of Euphoria? What do you think about Kimye? Is it significant that Johnny Depp was friendly with Marilyn Manson?

We're delving back into why portrayals of domestic violence matter to the public consciousness and how we think some of the recent discourse helps or hurts survivors. Dig in with us to learn what our advocates are thinking about some of the more recent chatter and streaming gems addressing domestic violence. 

Branches advocates Shannon, Amber, Emily, and Sara sit down to talk about the domestic violence elements of the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard defamation case that is rising to the top of all our social media feeds the last few weeks. What does the case mean in the long term?  What does it mean for survivors?  

In this episode, April and Loren discuss relationship secrets.  Should you keep things private or be open?  The women discuss how they feel about filtering the truth on social media, when it comes to their significant others.

April reveals that it is hard for her to understand the concept of staying in an abusive relationship, now that she is on the other side of the situation.
Loren talks about speaking the hard truth and how women should use their voice to stand up against domestic violence in relationship.

You can stream the full season of "You, Me & My Ex" on discovery+.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship - please seek help!
You can call 800-799-SAFE or visit www.thehotline.org to speak with a trained professional.

MEN & MENTAL HEALTH with our Guest speaker, Stephen Jackson, Outreach Coordinator for Stone Catchers Counseling.

Stephen Jackson a Restorative Justice practitioner with over 10 years of experience. He develops and implements trainings for organizations looking to implement evidence based Restorative practices to improve relationships and outcomes.  In 2016 he became the Social Services Specialist with the Oak Park Public Library where he aided the institution in becoming the 4th library in the nation to integrate Social Services in public libraries. In August of 2019 he transitioned into the newly formed Teen Services department as the Teen Services Coordinator where he was responsible for bolstering programming and service offerings to the teen population at Oak Park Public Library. In August of 2020 Stephen transitioned to managing the Teen Services department.  

He uses his extensive background of serving communities to serve his community. 

Stephen is currently in his final year of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at National Louis University and also develops and implements Restorative Justice trainings alongside his wife through their consulting agency Global Community Associates, LLC. 

Stephen is currently offering complimentary coaching sessions through Stone Catchers Counseling. Contact: (630) 797-9807

https://www.stonecatcherscounseling.com/stephen-jackson-bio