Summer Associate - B-MVP FJC Awareness Campaign

Summer Associate - B-MVP FJC Awareness CampaignYWCA Billings is dedicated to saving and changing lives. They offer victims of abuse safe shelter, and affordable housing with transitional services that offer a hand-up rather than a handout-helping people gain solid footing and break out of the cycles of violence and poverty. In Billings, domestic violence (DV) is the leading violent crime. For many survivors, the path to safety is blocked by a devastating choice: stay in a dangerous situation or face homelessness - DV is the immediate cause of homelessness for up to 57% of women. With over 1,800 neighbors in Billings living in both poverty and the shadow of abuse, the need for a lifeline is urgent. Survivors face a mountain of barriers, from legal battles and childcare needs to housing instability and trauma recovery. Last year, YWCA Billings supported 1,300 survivors through legal aid, counseling, and housing assistance. But to truly break the cycle, they need to bridge the gap between crisis and independence and ensure that safety is never out of reach. Northern Lights Family Justice Center (FJC) is the first in Montana, thanks in large part to the services of a previous AmeriCorps VISTA Member. Communities with Family Justice Centers experience reduced domestic violence crimes and increased victim safety, which includes finding stable housing. In addition to addressing victims' basic needs, as described above, the co-located, coordinated service model of an FJC improves outcomes for domestic violence victims across many aspects of life as they move towards safety and independence. This project will help alleviate poverty by addressing housing stability for victims of domestic violence. DV victims who are in safe, stable housing and who are receiving additional services like mental health counseling or continued advocacy, create better futures for their families, and in turn break the cycle of poverty. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.Member Duties : Help move survivors from "surviving" to "thriving" by bringing the resources to them at the Northern Lights Family Justice Center! The overall goal of this project is to ensure victims of domestic violence (DV) gain access to housing resources and secure safe, affordable housing so that they may overcome barriers, and gain the skills, knowledge, and empowerment to escape the cycle of violence. The Summer Associate will: increase the volunteer capacity of the Northern Lights Family Justice Center through VOICES committee member recruitment; raise awareness about the Center and the services available there; and increase the on- and/or off-site partner services offered for survivors.Program Benefits : Living Allowance , Training , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend .Terms :Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours .Service Areas :Health , Veterans , Community Outreach , Neighborhood Revitalization , Tribal , Children/Youth , Education , Housing , Hunger , Public Safety , Community and Economic Development , Homelessness .Skills :Writing/Editing , General Skills , Leadership , Conflict Resolution , Community Organization , Counseling , Public Speaking , Team Work , Communications , Social Services .