Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse has created a campaign designed to help local CPA’s and accountants encourage community members to donate to local non-profits.
Similar to Lee’s branded Buy Local campaign, this campaign encourages residents to keep their charitable giving within Cache Valley.
Matt Whitaker, executive director of the Cache Community Food Pantry, said the Give Local campaign will assist the Food Pantry in many ways.
“Although we receive many food donations throughout the year, we still need financial support to pay for foods that are not commonly donated, overhead, etc.,” Whitaker said. “The Give Local campaign will go a long way in filling that need.”
Whitaker also expressed appreciation for CAPSA and its efforts to benefit the community at large. Speaking of CAPSA’s development director, James Boyd, Whitaker said, “The efforts by James Boyd to initiate the Give Local campaign is a perfect demonstration of the quality organization that CAPSA is. They are interested in lifting the entire community, not solely those who rely on the services that CAPSA provides.”
Since beginning the campaign in October, Boyd, Whitaker and other non-profit participants have reached out to local financial advisors and met with them regarding the Give Local program.
Troy Martin of Cook Martin Poulson, PC said he’s “All in” when it comes to the Give Local initiative.
“Everyone wants to go travel to South America and work in orphanages or build grass huts, but you don’t have to leave Cache Valley to help someone,” Martin said.
Sammie Macfarlane, executive director of Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, said it’s the willingness of people to give within the community that makes it so special.
“Common Ground Outdoor Adventures is thrilled to be a part of the Give Local Campaign! Seeing individuals invest right here in their own community, to assist those in need, is at the core of what makes Cache Valley such a great place to live.”
As executive director of CAPSA for more than twenty years, Jill Anderson has seen first-hand how generous community members are.
“While we sometimes see the worst of what’s happening in our community, we also get the honor of seeing the best of our community in the support they give to us every year,” Anderson said.
That support enabled CAPSA to become the first and only zero-turn-away shelter in Utah. This means if anyone experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse comes to CAPSA needing therapy services, shelter or any form of assistance, they will receive it.
“I can only imagine the courage it takes to leave an abusive situation,” Anderson said. “CAPSA is making sure that courage is not in vain. We are here to be a safe place for everyone.”
Boyd said he created the Give Local campaign because he knew what a difference every non-profit makes.
“The Cache Education Foundation is bringing technology into the classroom,” Boyd said. “Stokes Nature Center is providing outdoor learning opportunities to children, and Four Paws Rescue is finding homes for pets who have been deemed by someone else as too old or too much work to care for. I wanted to highlight these great things and show individuals they could make a drastic difference in someone’s life by giving locally.”
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.png00Maddie Sotohttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngMaddie Soto2017-11-02 15:40:392025-01-07 12:26:36CAPSA urges community members to donate locally
Most of us probably haven’t heard of NUVPEC, but it stands for the Northern Utah Violence Prevention Education Coalition. To learn more about it, I interviewed the coalition chair, Ana Hernandez.
Q. Can you tell me the history of NUVPEC – when and how it was started?
A. In 2009, CAPSA’s prevention department completed a curriculum for male and female peer-to-peer discussion groups. At that time, CAPSA employees felt it was important to create a coalition. It was called the Northern Utah Violence Prevention Education Coalition in order to address prevention efforts at the community level.
Our mission as a coalition is to reduce the incidences of sexual violence among youth in Cache County. The Northern Utah Violence Prevention Education Coalition aims to provide professional, respectful, sensitive and age appropriate prevention education to youth of all ages. NUVPEC will unite to implement developmental assets with an emphasis on positive values, social competencies and positive identities to help our future generations establish healthy, responsible and caring relationships.
Q. Who’s involved in NUVPEC?
A. Several organizations sit on NUVPEC: The Family Place, Alpha Chi Omega, the Logan Police Department, the Cache County’s Sheriff’s Office, Utah State University, Cache Makers, Pregnancy for Choices, the Department for Children and Family Services, Utah State’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information Office, Intermountain Healthcare, the Bear River Health Department and concerned citizens.
Q. What is NUVPEC doing in our community – what are the positive results you can point to from the program?
A. We hope that we are making a difference by raising awareness of domestic and sexual violence within our youth. Currently, we have several projects in the works.
Upstanding Youth Leadership Conference: Hosted at Utah State University on December 2, we have worked tirelessly with the Utah State Health Department and CAPSA to put this conference together. It is targeted specifically for Cache and Rich youth leaders, and we are hoping that by providing training by Marty Liccardo and other helpful workshops youth will be able to go back to their respective communities and teach their peers about making a difference and changing social norms.
Media Contest: Every year from January to the end of February the state of Utah holds a Media contest surrounding healthy relationships. This contest is for students, and NUVPEC participates by informing all the Middle and High School students about the contest and its theme.
Safe Dates: We partner with the Logan Police Department and the Fun Park to create an environment for youth to have fun while gaining an understanding of how to stay safe on a date and what to do if you feel uncomfortable at any portion of a night out.
Q. How are youth involved in NUVPEC?
A. NUVPEC raises awareness and holds events specifically for our youth. Members of the CAPSA Youth Council also help educate their peers with a member of NUVPEC.
Q. How does NUVPEC inspire and create youth leaders?
A. I hope that by making a difference the youth can see that they too can make a difference. A lot of times youth, and even adults, feel that in order to make a difference they have to be labeled as a leader. However, you do not have to be in any type of position (although it can be helpful) to make a difference and rise to inspire and be a leader.
Q. What have you learned from chairing NUVPEC?
A. When I started, I met with each member individually and listened to their concerns, ideas, and successes with the intention of making the coalition better. So far, I have been able to include more members from our community. I am also reaching out to the Latino community in hopes of bringing awareness to them,as well. I realize that although I am not perfect, I have learned that by showing others that I am human, that I care and that I am there to help them make a difference we become more united and are able to achieve more.
Q. What are the long-term goals of NUVPEC?
A. I want to continue inspiring youth to become the leaders of tomorrow. I also want to reach out to more community organizations and involve them in order to bring more awareness to families, and specifically youth.
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.png00Maddie Sotohttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngMaddie Soto2017-11-02 14:21:042017-11-02 14:30:00An interview with NUVPEC chair, Ana Hernandez
By now, I hope you’ve heard of the #MeToo social media campaign. It was started by Alyssa Milano on Sunday, October 15, as a way to show all of us how prevalent sexual assault and sexual harassment are.
Milano tweeted, “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.” She then shared a photo which read, “Me too. Suggested by a friend: ‘If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote, ‘Me too’ as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem.'”
Personally, I think that goal has been accomplished. My co-workers, family members, neighbors, friends and casual acquaintances have found their voice, and stated, “Me too!”
One post I found most interesting came from a local clergy member in Cache Valley. He shared an article written by a female pastor in California. This pastor, Jennifer, told the stories of her colleagues who have been harassed in church, some have been harassed by congregation members and others have been harassed by congregation leaders. It was a reminder to me that, unfortunately, sexual assault and domestic violence happen everywhere.
Maybe along with declaring, “Me too,” we should stand up to say, “Here too!” It happens in our churches. It happens in our schools. It happens at parties. It happens at work. Unfortunately, it may feel like there is no safe place to turn to, because everywhere people are being assaulted. But I don’t want you to feel unsafe. Even if it is Halloween in a week, I don’t want you constantly looking over your shoulder wondering when something bad will happen. Instead, I want you to first, recognize it happens everywhere, and it’s not your fault. If you’ve been abused, please don’t add to your pain by retracing your steps and just thinking if I hadn’t have gone there… If I hadn’t gone to that party, if I hadn’t gone to his apartment, if I hadn’t gone on that date… It happens everywhere. You are not at fault. There are people who believe you, hear you and care about you. Seek help, and find peace.
Second, I want you to recognize it happens everywhere! If something looks or feels out of place and inappropriate, it definitely might be. Don’t just think because you’re at church, at school, at work or at a friends house that you’re safe. Logan is not a big city. It is a generally safe town, but Logan and Cache Valley are not immune to violence. Please don’t be nervous to walk outside your front doors, but please don’t be oblivious to people’s safety, and don’t just assume we’re safe because we’re in Logan or we’re with friends or we’re at a university sanctioned event. Unfortunately, abuse happens everywhere. It happens in our homes, which seem like they should be the safest places possible. For this reason, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves on signs of violence, and realize how we can stand up for those who we think might be in danger. In that vein, Loveisrespect.org has warning signs and resources for helping a child, a co-worker, a friend, an acquaintance, etc. utilize these resources, and help stop abuse.
#MeToo showed us the prevalence of sexual assault within our communities. Hopefully, thinking about #HereToo can help us realize our role in both not blaming victims of abuse, and helping those in need. Abuse happens everywhere, but kindness and hope are kindled everywhere as well.
At the beginning of October, Gail Weinshenker stepped down from the CAPSA Board. A tremendous force for good, we want to thank her for the indescribable amount of service she has given to CAPSA throughout the years.
In 2016, Weinshenker’s gift of $100,000 allowed CAPSA to
move forward with it’s plans to renovate and expand it’s therapy services and children’s center.
A constant supporter of CAPSA, many employees remember her for her generosity, and her willingness to give whatever she could to CAPSA.
“She donated hand-made purses, large pillows with hand-made pillow cases, clothing, and just so much of her time and her heart to CAPSA,” Katie Stringham, CAPSA’s Development Support Coordinator said.
Along with giving to CAPSA, Weinshenker has improved the lives of students at Utah State University and members of the Cache Valley Center of the Arts’, through her donations of artifacts and money to both organizations.
Learn more of Gail’s giving nature through the following articles:
Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse is recognized by state and federal authorities as the domestic violence, sexual assault and rape recovery center for Rich County. However, due to limited resources, prior to 2017, this meant citizens of Rich County had to travel to Logan for services.
The distance between Rich County and CAPSA’s emergency shelter is greater than 70 miles, and it takes more than an hour and a half to drive to.
Knowing this, CAPSA Executive Director, Jill Anderson decided to expand services to Rich County.
“It takes a tremendous amount of courage to leave an abusive relationship,” Anderson said. “I don’t want people hesitating to leave because shelter is too far away.”
CAPSA began its expansion into the county by educating middle and high school students on healthy relationships and how to prevent bullying.
“Education plays a huge role in ending abuse,” CAPSA’s Prevention Education Coordinator, Shellie Lusk said. “Many teenagers don’t know how to react to violence because no one’s ever taught them what to do when they see it or who to talk to.”
In addition to educating students, CAPSA has assigned a full-time caseworker, Allie Leezer, to Rich County.
To date, Leezer has assisted two individuals with protective orders and finding safe housing. She hopes to assist more residents as they become increasingly familiar with CAPSA and its mission.
“Sometimes it’s scary when you have to contact a caseworker,” Leezer said. “No one ever wants to make that phone call, but I hope the community can begin to see how we are aiding families in need, and we’re helping people live lives free of abuse and fear.”
If you or a loved one has experienced domestic abuse or sexual assault, call CAPSA at (435) 753-2500. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
CAPSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to ending abuse. It provides free confidential therapy and shelter services to those in need, and it has a 24-hour hotline where individuals experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault can call to receive services.
Contacts:
Katie Stringham, Development Support Coordinator, katie@capsa.org, 435-753-2500
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.png00Maddie Sotohttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngMaddie Soto2017-09-18 17:01:572023-05-26 12:38:45CAPSA expands into Rich County
CAPSA urges community members to donate locally
Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse has created a campaign designed to help local CPA’s and accountants encourage community members to donate to local non-profits.
Similar to Lee’s branded Buy Local campaign, this campaign encourages residents to keep their charitable giving within Cache Valley.
Matt Whitaker, executive director of the Cache Community Food Pantry, said the Give Local campaign will assist the Food Pantry in many ways.
“Although we receive many food donations throughout the year, we still need financial support to pay for foods that are not commonly donated, overhead, etc.,” Whitaker said. “The Give Local campaign will go a long way in filling that need.”
Whitaker also expressed appreciation for CAPSA and its efforts to benefit the community at large. Speaking of CAPSA’s development director, James Boyd, Whitaker said, “The efforts by James Boyd to initiate the Give Local campaign is a perfect demonstration of the quality organization that CAPSA is. They are interested in lifting the entire community, not solely those who rely on the services that CAPSA provides.”
Since beginning the campaign in October, Boyd, Whitaker and other non-profit participants have reached out to local financial advisors and met with them regarding the Give Local program.
Troy Martin of Cook Martin Poulson, PC said he’s “All in” when it comes to the Give Local initiative.
“Everyone wants to go travel to South America and work in orphanages or build grass huts, but you don’t have to leave Cache Valley to help someone,” Martin said.
Sammie Macfarlane, executive director of Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, said it’s the willingness of people to give within the community that makes it so special.
“Common Ground Outdoor Adventures is thrilled to be a part of the Give Local Campaign! Seeing individuals invest right here in their own community, to assist those in need, is at the core of what makes Cache Valley such a great place to live.”
As executive director of CAPSA for more than twenty years, Jill Anderson has seen first-hand how generous community members are.
“While we sometimes see the worst of what’s happening in our community, we also get the honor of seeing the best of our community in the support they give to us every year,” Anderson said.
That support enabled CAPSA to become the first and only zero-turn-away shelter in Utah. This means if anyone experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse comes to CAPSA needing therapy services, shelter or any form of assistance, they will receive it.
“I can only imagine the courage it takes to leave an abusive situation,” Anderson said. “CAPSA is making sure that courage is not in vain. We are here to be a safe place for everyone.”
Boyd said he created the Give Local campaign because he knew what a difference every non-profit makes.
“The Cache Education Foundation is bringing technology into the classroom,” Boyd said. “Stokes Nature Center is providing outdoor learning opportunities to children, and Four Paws Rescue is finding homes for pets who have been deemed by someone else as too old or too much work to care for. I wanted to highlight these great things and show individuals they could make a drastic difference in someone’s life by giving locally.”
An interview with NUVPEC chair, Ana Hernandez
Most of us probably haven’t heard of NUVPEC, but it stands for the Northern Utah Violence Prevention Education Coalition. To learn more about it, I interviewed the coalition chair, Ana Hernandez.
Q. Can you tell me the history of NUVPEC – when and how it was started?
A. In 2009, CAPSA’s prevention department completed a curriculum for male and female peer-to-peer discussion groups. At that time, CAPSA employees felt it was important to create a coalition. It was called the Northern Utah Violence Prevention Education Coalition in order to address prevention efforts at the community level.
Our mission as a coalition is to reduce the incidences of sexual violence among youth in Cache County. The Northern Utah Violence Prevention Education Coalition aims to provide professional, respectful, sensitive and age appropriate prevention education to youth of all ages. NUVPEC will unite to implement developmental assets with an emphasis on positive values, social competencies and positive identities to help our future generations establish healthy, responsible and caring relationships.
Q. Who’s involved in NUVPEC?
A. Several organizations sit on NUVPEC: The Family Place, Alpha Chi Omega, the Logan Police Department, the Cache County’s Sheriff’s Office, Utah State University, Cache Makers, Pregnancy for Choices, the Department for Children and Family Services, Utah State’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information Office, Intermountain Healthcare, the Bear River Health Department and concerned citizens.
Q. What is NUVPEC doing in our community – what are the positive results you can point to from the program?
A. We hope that we are making a difference by raising awareness of domestic and sexual violence within our youth. Currently, we have several projects in the works.
Upstanding Youth Leadership Conference: Hosted at Utah State University on December 2, we have worked tirelessly with the Utah State Health Department and CAPSA to put this conference together. It is targeted specifically for Cache and Rich youth leaders, and we are hoping that by providing training by Marty Liccardo and other helpful workshops youth will be able to go back to their respective communities and teach their peers about making a difference and changing social norms.
Media Contest: Every year from January to the end of February the state of Utah holds a Media contest surrounding healthy relationships. This contest is for students, and NUVPEC participates by informing all the Middle and High School students about the contest and its theme.
Safe Dates: We partner with the Logan Police Department and the Fun Park to create an environment for youth to have fun while gaining an understanding of how to stay safe on a date and what to do if you feel uncomfortable at any portion of a night out.
Q. How are youth involved in NUVPEC?
A. NUVPEC raises awareness and holds events specifically for our youth. Members of the CAPSA Youth Council also help educate their peers with a member of NUVPEC.
Q. How does NUVPEC inspire and create youth leaders?
A. I hope that by making a difference the youth can see that they too can make a difference. A lot of times youth, and even adults, feel that in order to make a difference they have to be labeled as a leader. However, you do not have to be in any type of position (although it can be helpful) to make a difference and rise to inspire and be a leader.
Q. What have you learned from chairing NUVPEC?
A. When I started, I met with each member individually and listened to their concerns, ideas, and successes with the intention of making the coalition better. So far, I have been able to include more members from our community. I am also reaching out to the Latino community in hopes of bringing awareness to them,as well. I realize that although I am not perfect, I have learned that by showing others that I am human, that I care and that I am there to help them make a difference we become more united and are able to achieve more.
Q. What are the long-term goals of NUVPEC?
A. I want to continue inspiring youth to become the leaders of tomorrow. I also want to reach out to more community organizations and involve them in order to bring more awareness to families, and specifically youth.
Definitions of Domestic Violence
#MeToo
By now, I hope you’ve heard of the #MeToo social media campaign. It was started by Alyssa Milano on Sunday, October 15, as a way to show all of us how prevalent sexual assault and sexual harassment are.
Milano tweeted, “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.” She then shared a photo which read, “Me too. Suggested by a friend: ‘If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote, ‘Me too’ as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem.'”
Personally, I think that goal has been accomplished. My co-workers, family members, neighbors, friends and casual acquaintances have found their voice, and stated, “Me too!”
One post I found most interesting came from a local clergy member in Cache Valley. He shared an article written by a female pastor in California. This pastor, Jennifer, told the stories of her colleagues who have been harassed in church, some have been harassed by congregation members and others have been harassed by congregation leaders. It was a reminder to me that, unfortunately, sexual assault and domestic violence happen everywhere.
Maybe along with declaring, “Me too,” we should stand up to say, “Here too!” It happens in our churches. It happens in our schools. It happens at parties. It happens at work. Unfortunately, it may feel like there is no safe place to turn to, because everywhere people are being assaulted. But I don’t want you to feel unsafe. Even if it is Halloween in a week, I don’t want you constantly looking over your shoulder wondering when something bad will happen. Instead, I want you to first, recognize it happens everywhere, and it’s not your fault. If you’ve been abused, please don’t add to your pain by retracing your steps and just thinking if I hadn’t have gone there… If I hadn’t gone to that party, if I hadn’t gone to his apartment, if I hadn’t gone on that date… It happens everywhere. You are not at fault. There are people who believe you, hear you and care about you. Seek help, and find peace.
Second, I want you to recognize it happens everywhere! If something looks or feels out of place and inappropriate, it definitely might be. Don’t just think because you’re at church, at school, at work or at a friends house that you’re safe. Logan is not a big city. It is a generally safe town, but Logan and Cache Valley are not immune to violence. Please don’t be nervous to walk outside your front doors, but please don’t be oblivious to people’s safety, and don’t just assume we’re safe because we’re in Logan or we’re with friends or we’re at a university sanctioned event. Unfortunately, abuse happens everywhere. It happens in our homes, which seem like they should be the safest places possible. For this reason, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves on signs of violence, and realize how we can stand up for those who we think might be in danger. In that vein, Loveisrespect.org has warning signs and resources for helping a child, a co-worker, a friend, an acquaintance, etc. utilize these resources, and help stop abuse.
#MeToo showed us the prevalence of sexual assault within our communities. Hopefully, thinking about #HereToo can help us realize our role in both not blaming victims of abuse, and helping those in need. Abuse happens everywhere, but kindness and hope are kindled everywhere as well.
Thank you to all who have supported CAPSA.
Thank you, Gail
At the beginning of October, Gail Weinshenker stepped down from the CAPSA Board. A tremendous force for good, we want to thank her for the indescribable amount of service she has given to CAPSA throughout the years.
In 2016, Weinshenker’s gift of $100,000 allowed CAPSA to
move forward with it’s plans to renovate and expand it’s therapy services and children’s center.
A constant supporter of CAPSA, many employees remember her for her generosity, and her willingness to give whatever she could to CAPSA.
“She donated hand-made purses, large pillows with hand-made pillow cases, clothing, and just so much of her time and her heart to CAPSA,” Katie Stringham, CAPSA’s Development Support Coordinator said.
Along with giving to CAPSA, Weinshenker has improved the lives of students at Utah State University and members of the Cache Valley Center of the Arts’, through her donations of artifacts and money to both organizations.
Learn more of Gail’s giving nature through the following articles:
Major gift helps CAPSA develop needed therapy area and children’s center
Great Chair-ity Challenge decorates sidewalks of Main Street
USU College of Science Honors Scholars, Donors at Fall Convocation
CAPSA expands into Rich County
Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse is recognized by state and federal authorities as the domestic violence, sexual assault and rape recovery center for Rich County. However, due to limited resources, prior to 2017, this meant citizens of Rich County had to travel to Logan for services.
The distance between Rich County and CAPSA’s emergency shelter is greater than 70 miles, and it takes more than an hour and a half to drive to.
Knowing this, CAPSA Executive Director, Jill Anderson decided to expand services to Rich County.
“It takes a tremendous amount of courage to leave an abusive relationship,” Anderson said. “I don’t want people hesitating to leave because shelter is too far away.”
CAPSA began its expansion into the county by educating middle and high school students on healthy relationships and how to prevent bullying.
“Education plays a huge role in ending abuse,” CAPSA’s Prevention Education Coordinator, Shellie Lusk said. “Many teenagers don’t know how to react to violence because no one’s ever taught them what to do when they see it or who to talk to.”
In addition to educating students, CAPSA has assigned a full-time caseworker, Allie Leezer, to Rich County.
To date, Leezer has assisted two individuals with protective orders and finding safe housing. She hopes to assist more residents as they become increasingly familiar with CAPSA and its mission.
“Sometimes it’s scary when you have to contact a caseworker,” Leezer said. “No one ever wants to make that phone call, but I hope the community can begin to see how we are aiding families in need, and we’re helping people live lives free of abuse and fear.”
If you or a loved one has experienced domestic abuse or sexual assault, call CAPSA at (435) 753-2500. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
CAPSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to ending abuse. It provides free confidential therapy and shelter services to those in need, and it has a 24-hour hotline where individuals experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault can call to receive services.
Contacts:
Katie Stringham, Development Support Coordinator, katie@capsa.org, 435-753-2500
Allie Leezer, Rural/Rich Caseworker, allie@capsa.org, 435-753-2500
# # #