ABOUT ::: Alternatives to Family Violence
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Alternatives To Family Violence is to provide HOPE—Help, Options, Protection, & Empowerment—to those subjected to domestic violence while promoting nonviolence as a social value.
Goals
Alternatives to Family Violence, Inc. will:
Create Community awareness about the needs of women and children subjected to violence and oppression through its programs and community outreach.
Provide an environment that incorporates diversity in its staff, Board of Directors, programs and community partners.
Act as a convener, collaborations builder as well as collaborative partner with community groups to address the needs of women and children subjected to violence and oppression.
Provide funds to support the staffing and programs that address the needs of women and children subject to violence and oppression.
Provide continued education and training to prepare the staff and volunteers to provide effective services to women and children subjected to violence and oppression.
Statement of Philosophy
Alternatives to Family Violence is a feminist organization—this is what feminism means to us:
We recognize that all oppressions are interrelated and are not tolerable. Oppressions stem from a system of power that has defined the “right” or “normal” way to be. This system of power has created a society where people are treated differently because of their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and age. Violence, through words and actions, is used to gain power and control. Thus, violence is used to maintain or to crate oppression.
We acknowledge our own privileges and prejudices and confront them. In order to provide the best services to our clientele, we try to view issues from the client’s point of view, not from our own. The goal is to maintain an environment that is accessible to everyone, not to alienate clients by expecting them to make the same choices that we would make—our clients are the experts about their respective situations.
We work to create an environment that is empowering for clients as well as staff. Empowerment is not about rescuing or telling; it is about creating a space for a person’s talents and ideas to flourish so that she can gain strength and wisdom.
We know what our limitations are and we are strong enough to ask for help from our teammates. Just as we encourage our clients to take care of themselves, we also realize the importance for self care amongst staff. Therefore, we provide Clinical Supervision as well as other support systems. If the systems that we have in place are not sufficient, we encourage staff to seek out any additional resources that will support the maintenance of their emotional health.
We promote respect for all clients and staff without judgment. Making judgments about people does not increase our ability to work with them. It is imperative that we approach teammates and clients with respect and with open minds. Moreover, we recognize that our clients, like staff, are a very important resource and we value their input and ideas.
We are committed to living non-violence lifestyles and to helping others do the same.