New Website Launch!

New Website Launch!

After almost two years in development we are excited to announce the launch our new website! We are pleased to share with you our newly redesigned site, with a bold new look and improved navigation experience.

A few of our goals with the new website were to make it faster, easier to navigate and even more user friendly. So to start, we are now using a Word Press site. We stream lined our menus to give users quick access to pages. We developed content, consolidated copy and organized information for all the pages.

The site’s homepage features CAWS North Dakota’s bright colors and an organized design, as well as, including a new version of our recently redesigned logo. We have created links to our online CafePress store, donations page and Eventbrite calendar. Also, we developed special pages for our many resources, members and trainings.

We will be rolling out new pages and updates over the coming months. We have tried to make all links active and point to the same or relevant information. However, due to the significant changes in the website’s structure, we know there may be a few obstacles along the way. This is where we need the help of our users. Please email Beth Winkler-Hegtvedt regarding a broken link or something that should be reviewed or enhanced.

Going forward, we plan to expand our online content and keep users updated with the latest information. So check back often, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

CAWS North Dakota receives Community Innovation Grant

BISMARCK – The Consensus Council, in partnership with The Bush Foundation, has awarded eight grants to organizations in North Dakota through the Community Innovation Grant program. CAWS North Dakota received $10,000 for statewide resource planning.   Currently, there are 20 domestic violence and sexual assault crisis centers across North Dakota that provide services to all 53 counties and the four reservations. However, not all victims and survivors are able to access these services. Grant funds will be used to help CAWS North Dakota facilitate conversations in communities to help identify what victims need and want in order to be safe. Due to growing communities, especially in western North Dakota, crisis centers are continually asked to do more, often without additional funding. In order for these crisis centers to be sustainable in the future under these challenging circumstances, programs will be provided an opportunity to examine, rethink and modernize services.

During this year long project, CAWS North Dakota will work with a consultant to create a process for crisis centers to assess their services, generate the best way to deliver these services and determine the most effective approaches to operations. As a result, CAWS North Dakota will be able to identify key questions, help crisis center’s evaluate how best to meet the needs of victims and communities and develop a plan to modernize services.

“We are very excited about the opportunity that funding from the Bush Foundation offers. Many of our programs have been in operation for over 30 years and have expanded their services in response to the needs of survivors and communities. We rarely have an opportunity to reflect on the work we do and if we can find ways to improve our service delivery and accessibility for survivors,” said Janelle Moos, CAWS North Dakota’s Executive Director.  

Other grantees in North Dakota are as follows; from Bismarck–‐Mandan: Heart River Lutheran Church for the Bridges of Hope project, the ND Department of Health for Creating a Hunger–‐Free ND Coalition, and Charles Hall Youth Services for mentoring and academic tutoring of foster care children. From the Fargo area, grantees include the African Initiative for Progress for work with the immigrant community, and Theatre B, to use theatre as a tool to teach medical humanities. Additional grants were made to the Grand Forks Community Land Trust for their efforts toward home ownership for people of low and moderate income and to the Great Plains Institute (MN) for the Legacy Fund Initiative in North Dakota.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities of all sizes are eligible to apply for Community Innovation Grants from the Consensus Council ranging from $500 up to $10,000. The Community Innovation Grants support communities to use problem–‐solving processes that lead to more effective, equitable and sustainable solutions. The program is part of the Bush Foundation’s effort to support, inspire and reward community innovation.

ABOUT CAWS North DakotaCAWS North Dakota is a nonprofit membership organization representing the 20 domestic violence and sexual assault crisis centers throughout the state. It is our mission to provide leadership and support in the identification, intervention, and prevention of sexual and domestic violence. CAWS North Dakota is a member of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. For more information, go to www.ndcaws.org.

Planning underway for 2nd annual Race to Zero 5K!

BISMARCK— Planning for the second annual Race to Zero: Run/Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention is underway and registration is now open. The 5K event is intended to raise public awareness about sexual violence throughout the lifespan as well as military sexual trauma. This year, Race to Zero will take place on Saturday, April 12, at the Hay Creek Trail Loop with registration and displays in Shiloh Christian School.

April is both Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. In 2012 alone, more than 900 victims of sexual assault sought help from crisis intervention centers throughout the North Dakota (2013 statistics are still pending). Nearly 40 percent of victims were under the age of 18 at the time of the assault. The Pentagon reported that in 2012, more than 26,000 military service members experienced unwanted sexual contact. Nationally, more than half of sexual assaults go unreported. The intent of the race is to encourage community conversation about sexual assault awareness and prevention. Support for survivors from the larger community can translate into better response for victims of sexual assault and ultimately, change social norms like silence and victim blaming.

Pre-registration is $20 and participants receive a Race to Zero t-shirt the day of the event. Registration the day of the race is $25. Check-in and day-of registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Shiloh Christian School Elementary foyer, and the race begins at 9 a.m. Racers can register for either competitive or non-competitive categories. A small awards ceremony and light refreshments will be held after the race. Educational and outreach displays and activities will be located in the chapel of Shiloh Christian School (just inside the elementary entrance).

To help spread the word about the race, please visit www.facebook.com/RacetoZero or register directly on Eventbrite at https://racetozero.eventbrite.com. For more information about registration, please contact Stephanie Gerhardt at 701-225-6240 or sgerhardt@ndcaws.org. For more information about the race, contact primary organizer Heather Mattson at 701-333-3293 or heather.m.mattson5.civ@mail.mil.

Race to Zero: Run/Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention is a collaborative project between the Abused Adult Resource Center, Bismarck Prevention Task Force, CAWS North Dakota, the North Dakota National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SARP), Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota (PCAND), and Region 7 Foster Care/Adoption Recruitment Coalition. Along with advocacy centers around the state, these agencies work toward a shared goal of zero sexual assaults in North Dakota.

Land Board Approves Funding for Human Trafficking Training and Domestic Violence Assistance

BISMARCK – The State Board of University and School Lands met in late January to approve grant recommendations for the remaining oil impact grant dollars. The 2012 North Dakota Uniform Crime Report (UCR) showed a 7.9% increase in crime rates from 2011-12, largely due to increased populations in western parts of the state. The majority of the funding was allocated to law enforcement and sheriff’s offices in oil impacted counties, with some remaining monies allocated to programs that assist victims of sexual and domestic violence.

Funding in the amount of $30,000 was allocated to CAWS North Dakota for human trafficking training in oil country. A collaborative effort between the Office of the Attorney General, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and CAWS North Dakota, the training will provide professionals in law enforcement, prosecution, and advocacy with new skills and build their capacity to respond to victims of human trafficking over the next year.

“Training service providers on intervention and response to human trafficking is a priority for our agency,” said Janelle Moos, Executive Director of CAWS North Dakota. “This issue is a growing concern in our state and training is the first step toward ensuring victims are identified and offered safety and resources.”

The 2012 UCR also indicated that sexual assault has increased in the state by 17 percent, creating more need for funding in programs that assist victims. Three advocacy centers received funding for security systems that will help keep their clients and employees safe. These programs include: Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Minot, Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Center in Dickinson, and Family Crisis Shelter in Williston. The centers in Minot, Dickinson, and the Domestic Violence Program, NW ND in Stanley also received funding for more advocate positions. The Abused Adult Resource Center in Bismarck received funding for client aid.

Additionally, $143,000 was allocated for emergency assistance for victims of domestic violence. The oil boom has not only increased rates of crime, but it also has created a lack of affordable housing, and places for victims to stay. Funding will allow programs to help victims and children find safety. Costs may include transportation to get to a safe location, housing assistance, and other costs that may arise when victims are fleeing violence.

Updates on human trafficking training opportunities for oil impacted counties will be announced at www.ndcaws.org.

ABOUT CAWS North Dakota: CAWS North Dakota is a nonprofit membership organization representing the 20 domestic violence and sexual assault crisis centers throughout the state. It is our mission to provide leadership and support in the identification, intervention, and prevention of sexual and domestic violence. CAWS North Dakota is a member of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. For more information, go to www.ndcaws.org.