GFWC PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL PROJECT

2006-2008

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Ivous Sisk, MFWC Chairman

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Click here to view and print a listing of GFWC-MFWC "Domestic Violence" News Headlines for use at local club meetings and/or in club yearbook in 2007-2008.

Click here to view and print a fact sheet and information on the Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America, an exciting new  partnership of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Click here to view and print copies of the  GFWC- Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs Million Voices Campaign Pledge Card.  The MFWC Goal is to get every MFWC Member, ALL students and ALL of her Friends, Family, and Co-Workers to sign the Million Voices Campaign Pledge.

Click here to print a letter from the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association and here to print a letter from Wilburn Oil Co., Inc. to businesses announcing the placement by MFWC clubs of "If Abused-Get HELP" stickers with the National Domestic Violence toll free phone number in women's restroom stalls and on restroom mirrors in Mississippi.    

Click here to view a news release of a special tribute to GFWC in the Senate on November 15, 2006, for GFWC's work to fight domestic violence.  The efforts of our Mississippi federation are mentioned in the release. 

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Members of the Fulton Civic Club, Fulton, MS during November 2007 club meeting.

Members of Woman's Club, Aberdeen, MS during November 2007 club meeting,

Juniorette and General club members from Calhoun City

 and Tupelo getting Voices to End Domestic Violence signed during October at their booth in

 The Barnes Crossing Mall, Tupelo.

GFWC-MFWC Juniorettes with MFWC President, Judy Martin and Susan Shurden, Juniorette Director, attending their State Retreat in Jackson at MFWC Headquarters.

Mazie Smith, Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Public Policy Chairman and Ivous Sisk, MFWC Chairman, GFWC President's Special Project-Domestic Violence promoting special project,  Voices to End Domestic Violence.

Attending the National Domestic Violence Hotline Vital Link Awards in New York City November 15, 2007, members of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, a sponsor of the program, with GFWC International President, Jackie Pierce.

Ivous Sisk, MFWC Chairman, GFWC President's Special Project-Domestic Violence, and Nannette White, GFWC President's Special Project Chairman, pictured meeting with John D. Baxter, EdD, Psychology Services Administrator, U. S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons at The GFWC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to discuss the GFWC Resolution 014-610, Prison Reform, and to work with Baxter on strengthening the Federal Bureau of Prisons domestic violence educational program. The FBP believes in treating the whole person and GFWC members will be working on the local club level to give support to the family members of those serving in prisons.

The Booneville School District, Healthy Marriage Initiative Program, GFWC-MS Federation of Women's Clubs, Tishomingo County Families Resource Center, MS Department of Human Service, Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsored a "Reach-Fest Rally" at the Northeast Mississippi Community College from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25. Carolyn Gowen, Program Director of BHMI, Booneville, (L) and Ivous Sisk, GFWC-MFWC Domestic Violence Chairman, are pictured with program participants and representatives with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Jackson, MS. holding the GFWC-MFWC Voices to End Domestic Violence banner.

At the Vital Link Awards, Robin Givens, actor and author of "Grace Will Lead Me Home" was presented the Voice for Change Award for sharing her story to help others find the courage and strength to prevail over abuse.  Pictures with Robin, Ivous Sisk and Rose Ditto, GFWC President-elect.

Attending the National Domestic Violence Hotline Vital Link Awards GFWC Members, Ivous Sisk, Mississippi, Rose Ditto, Wamego, Kansas, and Trish Rodriguez, Dover DE.

Sheryl Cates, Chief Executive Officer, National Domestic Violence Hotline & the Teen Dating Abuse Helpline and Ivous Sisk, attending the NDVH Vital Link Awards and promoting the "million Voice Campaign" to end domestic violence.

Ivous Sisk and Jerry Wilburn, with the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association presenting large sign of our MFWC sticker that is being placed in ladies restrooms across the state.

GFWC-MFWC Sponsors "Walk For A Life" during MFWC State Convention in Natchez, April 28, 2007.  Some 300 items and $600 were collected for the Guardian Shelter for Battered Families in Natchez for the GFWC President's Special Project-Domestic Violence.

The GFWC-MFWC "Walk For A Life" gifts from clubs and club members from across the state were presented to Rhonda Terrell, District VI President and Natasha Coleman, District VI Domestic Violence Chairman, by Ivous Sisk, MFWC President's Special Project Chairman.  Looking on from L-R Nannette White, West Monroe, LA. GFWC President's Special Project Chairman, Judy Martin, MFWC President, and Carlene Garner, Tacoma, WA, GFWC First Vice President.

Promoting GFWC Domestic Violence Awareness Tote Bag and Pin, (L-R) Lynda Essary, District II Chairman, Natasha Coleman, District VI Chairman, Judy Martin, MFWC President, Ivous Sisk, GFWC- MFWC President's Special Project State Chairman, and Nannette White, West Monroe, LA, GFWC President's Special Project Chairman.

Attending GFWC International Convention in Philadelphia, PA, June 2007, with actor and activist Victor Rivas Rivers.  (L-R) Ivous Sisk and Rowena Drinkwater of Mississippi, Victor Rivers, California.  Nannette White, GFWC President's Special Project Chairman, West Monroe, LA, and Linda Boyd, SRC Domestic Violence Chairman, FL. Rivers spoke at a luncheon and provided a heartbreaking but ultimately inspiring account of how domestic violence can literally destroy a family. 

GFWC-Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs win award for report in the GFWC President's Special Project-Domestic Violence at GFWC International Convention in Philadelphia, PA.  (L-R) GFWC International President, Jackie Pierce, Ivous Sisk, MFWC State Chairman, Judy Martin, MFWC

 President and Jerry Lynn Cancel, GFWC

               Director of Junior  Clubs.             

GFWC-MFWC District III, promoted the GFWC President's Special Project - Domestic Violence, with a booth at the Mall in Tupelo.  A variety of pamphlets were distributed and purple chocolate candy kisses distributed to all.

Pictured:  Ivous Sisk, GFWC-MFWC President's Special Project Chairman; Sonja Hamilton, SAFE Inc., Social Worker; Virginia Hale, President, Tupelo Sorosis Club, Becky Wright, President GFWC-MFWC District III; Miranda Vaughn, Bruce Fine Arts Juniorette Club.

GFWC-Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs has partnered with the Booneville School District to work on a Healthy Marriage Demonstration Grant Project.  Pictured above, Gloria Smith, Woman's Club of Booneville, Domestic Violence Chairman, Reneta Andrews, SAFE In., Carolyn Gowen, Director of the Program, Ivous Sisk MFWC Chairman, GFWC-President's Special Project-Domestic Violence.

The Administration for Children & Families of the U.S. Department of Human Services funded about 120 Healthy Marriage Grants across the nation and Mississippi got one.  The Booneville School district was awarded over 2.7 million dollars over the next five years to provide services to help area high school students develop the skills needed to have successful marriages and family relationships.

The five goals of the program are:

1.  To increase the knowledge of adolescents about marriage-related concepts, including recognition of signs of abusive relationships.

2.  To increase positive attitudes/beliefs about marriage-related concepts.

3.  To help students change short-term behavior.

4.  To demonstrate positive long-term changes in behavior related to healthy relationships.

5.  To increase the knowledge and understanding of parents and community about healthy relationships through educational and media campaigns.

If you are interested in doing volunteer work to stop domestic violence, domestic violence concerns in relationships, or having a presentation at your club, school or church, contact Ivous Sisk, Tupelo, MS 662-842-9595.

"CUT IT OUT"!

A National Program to educate Beauty Shop Employees of the importance of recognizing the signs of domestic violence was sponsored by SAFE, Inc. and the GFWC-Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs at the Lee County Library, Tupelo.  At the refreshment table:  Ivous Sisk, MFWC, Renata Andrews and Deborah Yates with Safe, Inc.

MFWC clubs are urged to sponsor a "CUT IT OUT" program in their area.  For information, contact Ivous Sisk. 

Walk for a Life and Candle Lighting Vigil was sponsored by the Futura Club, Philadelphia, on the MS Band of Choctaw Indians Reservation.  Club members started the day with a "Walk for a Life" event carrying a huge STOP Domestic Violence Banner.  A large variety of materials were furnished by the club for the Reservation Office and for distribution at the event.  Lynda Essary, Club President, was a featured speaker on the program.  A "Candle Lighting Ceremony", remembering tribal members who had died because of domestic violence was held.  An evening tribal dinner and dance concluded the day's activities.  This club has made friends and opened doors to help and support tribal members with domestic violence problems.

The MFWC District Project, "BAGS" for Domestic Violence Shelters, was a tremendous success with a great response by Clubs and Club Members.

The GFWC-New Century Club of Calhoun City is supporting the Hope Christian Academy and Home for SAFE, Inc.  Delivering needed items to the shelter, New Century Club members Pam Helms and grandson, Avery, and Lori Cospelich, District III Domestic Violence Chairman.  Accepting the items is Shirley Laurence with SAFE, Inc.

"Domestic violence has been the topic of many programs presented to the GFWC-MFWC Clubs.

Pictured with GFWC-MFWC Thursday Club of Walnut Grove Chairman are special guest speakers:  Willie Jones, Walnut Grove, Chief of Police, Greg Waggoner, Sheriff of Leake County, Jennifer Purvis, Community Educator and Joy Jones, Case Manager with Care Lodge, an emergency shelter for abused adults and their children.

Pontotoc Woman's Club Members say "No Excuse for Abuse" by getting Board of Supervisors and Sheriff of Pontotoc County to sign Proclamation denoting October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  A victim of domestic violence, Mitzie Below, gave an inspirational talk and sang to the club members dressed in purple, wearing purple ribbons enjoying purple candy and beautiful purple decorations.

Attending GFWC Southern Region Conference Domestic Violence Workshop in Sandestin, FL:

Jeannie Pittman, Florence, MFWC District V Domestic Violence Chairman; Lynda Essary, Philadelphia, MFWC District II Domestic Violence Chairman; Ivous Sisk, Tupelo, and Jo Anne Reid, Ackerman.

Proclamation Signing by Lieutenant Governor, Amy Tuck for GFWC-
MFWC proclaiming October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

L-R Judy Martin, Ivous Sisk, Amy Tuck and Carolyn Huey.

GFWC-MFWC Club Members on Capitol Hill
L-R Ivous Sisk, Judy Martin, Hugh A. Gamble, Ill, General Counsel for
Senator Trent Lott, Rowena Drinkwater and Jo Anne Reid.
The source of GFWC's public policy initiatives are its resolutions,
which are adopted at annual conventions and reflect the organization's
consensus on issues of importance on the local, national and
international levels. With a resolution 'on the books,' GFWC has the
authority to advocate for or against an issue.
While attending GFWC Board Meeting in Washington, DC, September
8, 2006, MFWC members marched to Capitol Hill to meet with their
Senators, Honorable Trent Lott and Thad Cochran as advocates for
funding of the Violence Against Women Act and the passage of the
Elder Justice Act.

Click here for a sample letter that would be great for you to send to your MS Senators strongly urging them to support the Elder Justice Act and the Violence Against Women Act.

Bruce Mayor Signs Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation

Pictured above are the presidents of the four GFWC-MFWC clubs in the town of Bruce with Bruce Mayor Jesse Quillen (front right) as he signs a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Witnessing Quillen's signature are (left to right) Ellen Jeffery Shaw, The Fine Arts Club of Bruce; Karen Brown, Bruce 20th Century Club; Bethany LaValley, The GRACE Club of Bruce, and Bethany Pratt, Bruce Fine Arts Juniorettes.   

Nannette White, GFWC President's Special Project Chairman (Left)

Ivous Sisk, MFWC Chairman of the GFWC President's Special Project (Center)

Jackie Pierce, GFWC International President (Right)

 The 2006-2008 GFWC International President’s Special Project is Domestic Violence.  The GFWC-MFWC theme is “There Is No Excuse For Abuse”.  The objective of this project is to educate members and others about domestic violence and encourage citizen action to address multiple domestic violence concerns.

 Some of the suggested activities and program/project ideas for the next two years include:

~Every club appoint a Domestic Violence Chairman

~Have one or more programs a year related to Domestic Violence

~Contribute financially and/or Volunteer time to Domestic Violence

~Ask local radio stations to air the MFWC Domestic Violence P.S.A.’s

~Collect “CHANGE” at every meeting for Domestic Violence

~Promote Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October

~Donate books, magazines, and school supplies to local shelter

~Help to provide birthday parties, picnics or special events for shelter residents

~Donate “necessities” to a local shelter

~Purchase and Use Domestic Violence U.S. Postal Stamps

~Contact Mayors and County Officials for Local Proclamations

Additional ideas and information can be found at dvam.vawnet.org in the GFWC Club Manual and the MFWC Handbook.  Names and telephone numbers for Abuse Shelters in Mississippi can also be found in the MFWC locations mentioned above as well as below.

ABUSE SHELTERS IN MISSISSIPPI

**Biloxi
Gulf Coast Women's Center For Non-Violence, Inc., Phone: 800-800-1396
P. O. Box 333, Biloxi, MS 39533, Phone: 228-435-1968
Serving: George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone Counties
 

**Columbus
Safe Haven, Inc., Phone: 800-890-6040
P. O. Box 5354, Columbus, MS 39704, Phone: 662-327-6040
Serving: Attala, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Lowndes, Monroe, Montgomery, Oktibbeha and Webster Counties
 

**Jackson
Catholic Charities, .Inc., Phone: 800-273-9012
P. O. Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225, Phone: 601-366-0222
Serving: Hinds, Issaquena, Madison, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Warren and Yazoo Counties
 

**Laurel
Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Phone: 800-649-1092
P. O. Box 273, Laurel, MS 39441, Phone:
Serving: Covington, Forrest, Greene, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Perry, Smith, and Wayne Counties
 

**Meridian
Care Lodge, Phone: 800-693-4673
P.O. Box 5331, Meridian, MS 39302, Phone:
Serving: Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Scott, and Winston Counties
 

**Natchez
The Guardian Shelter For Battered Families, Phone: 800-273-6938
P. O. Box 1225, Natchez, MS 39121, Phone: 601-442-0142
Serving: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, and Winston Counties
 

**Oxford
Domestic Violence Project, Inc., Phone: 800-227-5764
Box 286, Oxford, MS 38655, Phone: 601-234-5085
Serving: Coahoma, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate,

Tunica, and Yalobusha Counties
 

**Pascagoula
The Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter, Phone: 800-382-7649
P. O. Box 630, Pascagoula, MS 39568, Phone: 228-762-8267
Serving: George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone Counties
 

**Tupelo
S.A.F.E., Inc., Phone: 800-527-7233
P. O. Box 985, Tupelo, MS 38802, Phone: 662-841-2273
Serving: Alcorn, Benton, Itawamba, Lee, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Union, Tippah, and
Tishomingo Counties

**Vicksburg
Haven House Family Shelter, Phone: 800-898-0860
P. O. Box 57, Vicksburg, MS 39181, Phone: 601-638-0555
Serving: Hinds, Issaquena, Madison, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Warren, and Yazoo Counties