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Saving Adelante’s Domestic Violence Program
Oct. 4, 2012: Carlos Herrera, Vice President of Intellectual Property, and Rodolfo Martínez, Business Finance Leader, with Owens Corning presented Adelante, Inc. with a check for $3,000 and ignited immediate action to save Adelante’s domestic violence outreach program.
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Adelante, Inc. is asking the community to act now by making a significant contribution to replace funding discontinued by Lucas County Jobs and Family Services (due to the State of Ohio funding reductions) and help victims access resources to alleviate scars, secure freedom, obtain independence, and safely live a better life.
Domestic violence affects all women - regardless of race, age, economic class, and education including Spanish-speaking Latinas. Victims face many barriers when leaving an abusive relationship such, but not limited to, financial dependence on the abuser, hope that abuse will stop, embarrassment/shame, physical/emotional damage, and fear of retaliation if they leave the abuser. Cultural studies have shown that Latina victims face additional challenges creating a more complex situation.
Lack of English language proficiency, and a lack of knowledge about rights, laws and safety techniques as well as cultural barriers such as family connectedness makes it overwhelming difficult for Latinas to seek help for domestic abuse. These barriers are impactful factors to why intimate partner violence is rarely reported in the Latino community.
According to Mary Price, executive director of Adelante, Inc., “Our domestic violence program provides victims and survivors of intimate partner violence culturally competent and supportive services to educate, support, and empower women. Since July 2009, over 190 women (80 percent Latina) received individualized client advocacy, one-on-one coaching, and participated in group sessions as well as accessed legal services, housing, emergency assistance and other services. Additionally, transportation and child care is provided during group sessions. Services delivery is bilingual to remove barriers to services for Latinas who have a higher rate of domestic violence than non-Hispanic Caucasians counterpart.
“As a trusted, culturally competent organization, Adelante is an essential resource and partner in Northwest Ohio’s system of community resources. Adelante has built collaborative relationships to promote education, healthy lifestyles and access to equitable resources for individuals and families especially in the Hispanic community - helping people to live their best life. We focus on practices that are best for our clients and comprehensive services that empower individuals to model a better quality of life in Northwest Ohio.
Ignite action by making a contribution toward our goal to raise $50,000 in the next three months for Adelante’s domestic violence program, and provide bilingual and culturally competent services ensuring justice, autonomy and safety for Latinas and other women who are victims of intimate partner violence. The loss of funding closes an option for bilingual, culturally relevant comprehensive life changing services for Latina victims and survivors and their children. With the generous support of Owens Corning and their Hispanic Council, Adelante will continue services in October and November as we work to meet our goal.”
Editor’s Note: Donations can be sent to Adelante, Domestic Violence Program, 520 Broadway, Toledo OH 43615. Questions? You can email the Executive Director – Mary Price [email protected]
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