Chest of Hope Magazine October 2022

Message From The Executive Director

MerlynPittman,FounderandExecutiveDirectorofChestofHope

What's Going On With Mortgage Rates, Carla Carroll for Diversified Capital Funding

Highlighting Hope, "destruction"~a poem by Brianna

Ron Freitas-All Roads Lead to Justice, Editor

DA ElectRonFreitasoncrimeandcureinSanJoaquinCounty

Onajee for Hope, Staff Writer

Flawed Justice, The Pieper Lewis Case, Editor

Domestic Violence & The Types of Abuse, Merlyn Pittman

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Gerilyn Martin Featherston

County Urges Updates to Information To Retain Medi-Cal

Purple Thursday, Editor

A Partner in Hope, with Gerilyn Martin Featherston

Higher Hopes, with Jessica Alfaro

Legislating Hope, Staff Writer

Finance Corner, Christina Wyatt, Financial Coach

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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Merlyn Pittman Executive Director

It has been thirty five years since Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first launched in October 1987 to raise awareness of the issues surrounding Abuse, this Month evolved from what was known as the “Day of Unity” in October of 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence ( NCADV) the intent of which, was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children From the first inception of raising awareness in 1987 to this Month of October 2022, great strides have been made locally and internationally to step up the fight against this abuse of human rights But even though these strides have been made, the effects of abuse on men, women and children have been talked about and advocated against, this has not led to the expected change in attitudes and social behavior towards the issue(s), Instead, it remains a big problem in our society

The theme of this year ’ s Domestic Violence Awareness Month of October 2022 is #Every1knowsSomeone1 which strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it goes way beyond physical violence I would like to embrace that theme and issue a Clarion call to all genders to not take the issue of Domestic Violence lightly, Family Violence, and Gender Violence, known by various names, however with the intent being the same. This impact causes diminished psychological and physical health, decreases the quality of life, and decreases productivity I ask that we be our brother's and sister's keepers within our communities and workspaces and defend victims of Abuse.

Merlyn Pittman, Executive Director

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MORTGAGE RATES

It was a wild ride in 2020 and 2021 when borrowers could get interest rates in the 2.00% 3.00% range. We quickly had to get reacclimated this year (2022), when rates went up faster than even some mortgage leaders expected. Rates have increased more than two percentage points since the beginning of 2022 and are in the 5.00% 6.00% or higher range, depending on the scenario.

Though borrowers are uncomfortable adjusting to these rates, they are a new reality. The Federal Reserve informs us that due to inflation, interest rate rises are necessary to control inflation.

What are some options in this timeframe?

Equity lines allow you to get a line of credit and can be used like writing checks against the number of funds in the equity line You may have an “interest only” payment for the first 10 years.

Cash Out Refinances may provide a higher rate, but this can still be an option with sufficient equity to obtain additional cash if the rate and payment are palatable.

Interest rate Buy downs allow you to buy down the interest rate for a lower payment. For purchase loans, a “seller credit” may be used to help the buyer get a lower interest rate.

Adjustable rates mortgages which are fixed for a shorter term (eg. 5, 7, or 10 years) before adjusting may have lower rates. They can be riskier than 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. The good news is that rates are projected to fall to an average of 4.5% or lower sometime in 2023, according to Fannie Mae Yet, with some home prices coming down, etc it can be risky to delay a home purchase if now is the right time for you.

Highlighting

"destruction"

by Brianna

In the last several years, human trafficking has become more prevalent in the valley, and the COVID 19 pandemic has increased domestic violence. Freitas spoke about his plans for addressing these crimes. “We have a lot of plans, especially in those areas. We think a well balanced approach education, early intervention, and enforcement reflects our communities values and brings common sense to law enforcement and public safety in our community.

One educating the public that this is taking place. That this isn’t something that only happens on a television show. It is happening in our community. Two-intervention. Getting people out of the system early before they are so entrenched that we can’t save them. And three, for those who do prey on our community, upon our children, we do have enforcement for those individuals who want to stay criminally involved.”

(Continued on Page 10)

Ron Freitas is the new District Attorney Elect for San Joaquin County. A veteran prosecutor with the District Attorney’s office for over 30 years, there is very little that Freitas has not seen in the criminal realm.

ONJANEE FOR HOPE

Chest of Hope recently participated in United Way of San Joaquin's 12th Annual Wine, Chocolate & Art event organized by Manteca Community Council to help raise funds and awareness of local nonprofit agencies serving a variety of community needs in the area. Chest of Hope, who partners with Ojanee as a way of fundraising to address the needs of those affected by domestic violence and human trafficking, presented an impressive array of sustainable, handmade African gifts to guests in attendance The proceeds help Chest of Hope in its mission of "transforming lives and creating hope" by providing education, intervention, and support to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking

To learn more about Ojanee and shop their market, please visit: https://onjanee.com/shop/

Many San Joaquin County residents think that human trafficking does not occur in small towns. Freitas wants to make it clear that human trafficking does happen here “It’s here, and it’s horrible Lives are lost to it In the juvenile division, at a very young age, we see that gangs have figured out that human trafficking is a way for them to make an easy buck It’s very rarely prosecuted So, they can do this with impunity, and they don’t care about the lives they ruin. So it is here. We have to be diligent and aggressive to ensure that our children do not become a partofthisanddonotfallpreytothesepredators.”

Freitas also spoke about how important it is that victims are not criminalized and get the help and support they need “This is really important to us Because we were very aggressive with it, we were endorsed in our campaign by three statewide organizations that fight for victims' and victims' rights: Crime Victims United, Crime Victims Alliance, and Crime Victims for Law and Order And these are State organizations that take on the victims' plight. We want to bolster our victims' voices, and we ’ re looking to form more coalitions so that our victims and what happens to them will have a louder voice in the community, and we can better serve them with more dignity and respect The transition team has some things in play We will have announcementsinour100 dayplanthatwilltakeVictimServices toanewlevel,bolstersuccessfulthingsthatwehaveinplace,like the Family Justice Center, and make our victim’s voices that muchlouderinthecommunityandthroughouttheState”

The new DA elect expressed his love for the communities throughout San Joaquin County, sharing that he and his wife have raised their children and grandchildren here He also had a message for those who may believe that they can come into San Joaquin County and commit crimes “This is a great place to live There is no reason for this community to be on the Worst Five List in the nation With our central location, airport, unique delta, business opportunities, great educational system, housing, and people, we should be on everyone ’ s top ten list of places to be We are close to the ocean and the mountains; This is a fantastic and special place! For those individuals who come here to commit crimes, this is a new day in San Joaquin County and will not be tolerated anymore The community has voiced its desire for change; We are more than happy to be the vehicle to help law abiding individuals, businesses, and schools so we can all succeed and make this the great place it hasthepotentialtobe”

Photo Credit: The Record

FLAWED JUSTICE

The Pieper Lewis Case

PieperLewisisjustoneofseveralyoungwomen who have been punished for injuring or killing their rapists or traffickers following one or more acts of sexual violence Lewis was 15 years old when she killed the man who had repeatedly raped her In addition to a deferred sentence, a judge ordered that Lewis pay the deceased family $150,000 in restitution. Lewis's story made national headlines, and the outpour of support has caused many to question the fairnessofasystemthatwouldcharge,convict, and sentence a victim of sexual or domestic violence or human trafficking who defended themselves against their attacker. Unfortunately, the justice system is very flawed, often treating victims as criminals, penalizing themforinjuriesordeathofabusers,essentially revictimizingthem

In a recent interview with San Joaquin County DA ElectRonFreitas,hespokeabouthowimportantitis thatvictimsaren'tcriminalizedandgetthehelpand supporttheyneed.“Thisisreallyimportanttous.We wanttobolsterourvictims'voices,andwe’relooking toformmorecoalitionssothatourvictimsandwhat happens to them will have a louder voice in the community,andwecanbetterservethemwithmore dignityandrespect,"statedFreitas

In California, Governor Newsom recently granted clemency to Sara Kruzan, a victim of rape As a teenager, Kruzan was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for killing a man who sexually abused and trafficked her in 1994 Advocates for victims of sexual violence across the country are hopeful that their advocacy leads to changes in the law that better protect victims of crime and not punishthem

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Types of Abuse and How To Protect Yourself

By Merlyn Pittman

·

“OctoberisthemonthwhereDomesticViolenceisrecognizedandso,I wouldliketomakementionandexplainthemoreprominenttypesof abuses,someindividualsmayexperienceoneortwofromthislistor more

DomesticViolenceorintimatepartnerviolenceinanutshellisallabout “PowerandControl”itcanbedefinedasapatternofbehaviorinany relationshipthatisusedtogainormaintainpowerandcontroloveran intimatepartner Abuseisphysical,sexual,emotional,economicor psychologicalactionsorthreatsofactionsthatinfluenceanother personThisincludesanybehaviorsthatfrighten,intimidate,terrorize, manipulate,hurt,humiliate,blame,injure,orwoundsomeoneDomestic abusecanhappentoanyoneofanyrace,age,sexualorientation, religion,orgenderItcanoccurwithinarangeofrelationshipsincluding coupleswhoaremarried,livingtogetherordatingDomesticviolence affectspeopleofallsocioeconomicbackgroundsandeducationlevels

Anyonecanbeavictimofdomesticviolence,regardlessofage,race, gender,sexualorientation,faithorclass

Victimsofdomesticabusemayalsoincludeachildorotherrelative,or anyotherhouseholdmember

SituationsRemember,leavingabattereristhemostdangeroustime forvictimsofviolenceThougheachfamilyisdifferent,herearesome waystoincreaseyouroddsofbeingsafe:

SAFETYWHENPREPARINGTOLEAVE:

1Openasavingsaccountinyourownname

2.Leavemoney,anextrasetofkeys,copiesofimportantdocuments, medicationandextraclotheswithsomeoneyoutrust,soyoucanleave quickly

3 Determinewhowouldletyoustaywiththemorlendyoumoney Makearrangementsforpets

4KeepAhelplinecloseathandForChestofHope(12092595552)

Domestic abuse is typically manifested as a pattern of abusive behavior toward an intimate partner in a dating or family relationship, where the abuser exerts powerandcontroloverthevictimTYPESOFABUSE:

Physical Violence: Physical violence occurs when someone uses a part of their body or an object to controlaperson'sactions

Sexual Violence: Sexual violence and abuse is any behavior thought to be of a sexual nature which is unwanted and takes place without consent Sexual violence and abuse can be physical, psychological, verbal or online Any behavior of a sexual nature that causes you distress is considered sexual violence or abuse

·EmotionalViolence

Feelinsecureandhavelowself esteem.

Appeardepressedoranxious.

Bewithdrawneveninthepresenceofothers. Nolongergooutandsocializeastheyusedto Missworkorothereventsandresponsibilities

PsychologicalViolence

Anyintentionalconductthatseriouslyimpairsanother person ' s psychological integrity through coercion or threats Statistical definition: Any act which causes psychological harm to an individual Psychological violence can take the form of coercion, defamation, verbalinsultorharassment

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Gerilyn Martin Featherston

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, whereas we educate and bring awareness to the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial aspects of domestic abuse We shine a light on the facts, myths and behaviors that are associated with domestic abuse and hope that this knowledge will not only bring awareness and understanding but also empathy for the victims and survivors of this abuse Domestic violence has become more prevalent since the pandemic when victims were sheltering in place with their abusers We have seen an uptick in calls for emergency sheltering for not only victims but also for their families The facts are that all genders are affected by domestic violence and included in this is harassment and stalking when the victim does decide to leave In the past several months, we have heard of survivors being stalked and killed by their intimate partners because they left There is no easy solution or just one answer for the abuse that these victims and survivors endure, and this is why we need your help

Chest of Hope is an organization whose mission is to help these victims survive and thrive, to become more independent and to allow them to heal in a safe place We provide transitional homes, counseling, multiple therapies, financial training, parenting classes and healthy relationship classes to enable them to make better choices and to feel safe We try to provide well rounded programs that also help other family members affected by the abuse We need your help Donating, money, time or in kind donations will allow us to continue those who are affected by domestic violence Go to www chestofhope org or call us at 209 831 7889 you can give a monthly, yearly or one time donation, but please give and help the survivors thrive

Spiritual Violence: Spiritual (or religious) violence occurs when someone uses a person ' s spiritual beliefs to manipulate, dominate or control the person Spiritual violence includes, but is not limited to: Not allowing the person to follow her or his preferred spiritual or religious tradition

Cultural Violence: In particular, immigrant and refugee families are at risk for domestic violence because of their migration history and differences in cultural values and norms

Verbal Abuse: They call you names Anytime someone engages in name calling, it is a form of verbal abuse They use words to shame you They make jokes at your expense They humiliate you in public They criticize you They yell, scream, or swear at you They make threats

Financial Abuse: Financial abuse is one form of domestic abuse Withholding money, stealing money, and restricting the use of finances are some examples of financial abuse

There are three stages to the cycle of violence:

· First is the tension building phase Tension Building The abuser is argumentative, angry, uses yelling, criticism, swearing, and angry gestures Sometimes the abuser will use coercion, threats or minor fights may occur

Second is the actual explosion phase where the physical abuse occurs It can last from a few minutes to several hours

Third is the honeymoon phase

The honeymoon period occurs right after an instance of physical, sexual or emotional abuse During this time, an abuser will apologize for their behavior while showing sorrow and promising that the abuse will never happen again

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAN BE DANGEROUS, FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN

Survivors who are in violent relationships know this well Chest of Hope works closely with survivors of violence to enhance and to fine tune a safety plan specific to their situations Remember, leaving a batterer is the most dangerous time for victims of violence Though each family is different, here are some ways to increase your odds of being safe:

SAFETY WHEN PREPARING TO LEAVE:

1 Open a savings account in your own name

2 Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important documents, medication and extra clothes with someone you trust, so you can leave quickly

3 Determine who would let you stay with them or lend you money Make arrangements for pets

4 Keep a helpline close at hand For Chest of Hope call (1 209 259 5552)

5 SAFETY DURING AN EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT:

1 If an argument seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area that has access to an exit and not a bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near weapons

2 Practice how to get out of your home safely

3 Have a packed bag ready and keep it hidden but accessible in order to leave quickly

4 Ask a neighbor to call the police if they hear a disturbance coming from your home

5 Devise a code word to use with your children, family, friends and neighbors when you need the police

6 Decide and plan where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don’t think you need to)

7 Use your own instincts to judge if the situation is dangerous You have the right to protect yourself until you are out of danger

8 Always remember, you don’t deserve to be hit or threatened

OUR HOPE IS THAT ONE DAY WE WIL LIVE IN A SOCIETY THAT IS VIOLENCE FREE HOWEVER IN THE MEANTIME WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE AND DO OUR PART TO PROVIDE HOPE AND EFFECT CHANGE

County Agency Urges Updates to Information

The COVID 19 pandemic wreaked havoc on families throughout the country in 2020, causing unprecedented strains on hospitals, doctors, and nurses San JoaquinCountywasnotimmunetothese challenges Many families in the county saw their entire lives flipped upside down due to the closure of schools and businesses San Joaquin County Human Services Agency served as a critical resource for families trying to stay afloat with basic food and medical needs The agency manages several family assistance programs, including CalFresh, CalWorks, and Medi Cal. As schools and businesses have slowly begun to reopen and people have begun returning back to work,SanJoaquinCountyHumanServices Agency is reminding beneficiaries to report new income to their eligibility workersassoonaspossible

inarecentFacebookpostontheirprofile page, San Joaquin County Human Service Agency advised those receiving assistance to update their income information, stating that Medi Cal coverage would remain in place during theCOVID 19publichealthemergency

"Did you start a new job? Let your Medi Cal eligibility worker know It’s important that you report your new income to the county as soon as possible YouwillstillkeepyourMedi Cal coverage during the COVID 19 public healthemergency."statedtheposter.

Last December, Chest of Hope celebrated its 10th year of service to the Domestic Violence Community and is in its 10th year of honoring and celebrating Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In addition to hosting several great community awareness fundraisers and events, on Thursday, October 20, 2022, Chest of Hope will celebrate another year of #PurpleThursday and invites the community to participate by wearing purple in support of bringing awareness to domestic violence This day is typically used as an opportunity to share with others the plight of victims and survivors of domestic violence and how supporters use their time, talents, and influence to help end domestic violence in their communities.

For more information about Chest of Hope and the programs offered to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, please visit chestofhope.org or call 209.831.7889.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

A PARTNER IN HOPE

GERILYN MARTIN-FEATHERSTON

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and as a development director, I go and find sponsors and donors to help us fund programming and housing thru the many fundraisers that we have throughout the year. This year we are being ambitious in having five in one month. Yes, five in one month is very ambitious and we’re challenging our sponsors, donors, friends, family and anyone who can come and be a guiding light to those who are being abused and don’t see a way out. As the needs for more emergency shelters and transitioning houses grow, we need help in funding them, with donations, in kind gifts and volunteers. We help those who are being abused, whether it be physically, psychologically, mentally, financially or sexually.

Our programs can and will help them thru counseling, group or individual, therapeutic programs, life coaching, parenting classes, financial literacy classes, and much more. We help victims become survivors and progress in stabilizing and growing into a better life without abuse.

Come out and join us at our Domestic Violence Awareness events on Saturdays this month...

October 15 Hocus Pocus Paint Party

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October 22 Flashback to the

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October 29 Music for Hope

Mask

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HIGHER HOPES

is article examines how domestic violence impacts the lives and ucation of young children, children, and young people and how y can be supported within the education system Schools are often service in closest and longest contact with a child living with mestic violence; teachers can play a vital role in helping families ess welfare services In the wake of high profile cases of child use and neglect, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness multi agency responses to children living with abuse As in the e of 4 year old Daniel Pelka who died in 2012 following abuse and rvation by his mother, who experienced domestic violence, and her tner led to a serious case review A strong correlation exists ween domestic abuse and child abuse, with approximately half of domestic violence situations involving direct child abuse Children can also be indirectly affected by the violence occurring in their homes by seeing or hearing it The impacts of domestic violence on the mental health of children and the impact on their education Often causes disruption to their schooling and harms the quality of their educational experiences and outcomes. The abuse children experience can result in emotional trauma, physical and psychological barriers to learning, and disruptive behavior in school, while the underlying causes of these problems remain hidden. Knowing when and how to seek advice from multi agency professionals is an essential part of effective practice among school staff. Despite their vital role in identifying signs of abuse, research indicates teachers often lack confidence and knowledge for such work

Hence, in October 2022 Chest of Hope will be holding workshops with the parent liaisons of TUSD and the moms participating in their coffee hour We will be addressing these topics and providing parenting classes We work closely with our teens and look forward to resuming our teen dating violence classes in person in early 2023 Unfortunately due to Covid, we had to close the teen lounge Throughout this class we will discuss the different topics of Teen DV education such as; the types of abuse, red flags, healthy vs unhealthy relationships, setting boundaries, effects of abuse, power and control wheel, breaking cycles, etc The teens are excited about its return

Jessica Alfaro

Legislating Hope

Transforming Legislation To Transform Lives

Domestic Violence: AB 2391

AB 2391 will go into effect on January 1, 2023. The bill limits the legal power of domestic abusers by placing sanctions on abusers who have restraining orders in place and prevents those individuals from filing baseless lawsuits that would make it possible for them to stay in contact with their victims.

The goal of the approved bill is to stop domestic violence victims from being harassed by abusers taking advantage of the legal system and permitting the court to label abusers as vexatious litigants. To learn more about what behaviors and acts are associated with vexatious litigants, please visit: https://www sjcourts org/formsfiling/vexatious litigants/

Finance Corner

A Christina Wyatt recently addressed an audience of women at Safeway’s “Women On The Move” conference, where the theme was empowering women in mental, physical, and financial health Wyatt, a Financial Advisor, spoke about financial literacy and the importance of having a financial foundation and being financially prepared Wyatt explained how different women spoke at the conference and shared their stories and expressed appreciation for Safeway providing a platform for women to have the discussion “I appreciate and value Safeway for doing that for women and offering it to them because not many companies do that, and I think it's an important focus for women rightnow”

Wyatt shared her advice for women who are trying to find themselves and gain financial independence after coming out of an abusive relationship: "They need to know their financial picture They have to know where they’re at and where they want to go That’s the important part of having a financialcoach It’sjustlikegoingtothegym, and there’s workout equipment; You may not know what to do with it, but having someone coaching you and keeping you accountable can help you reach those financial goals sooner.

Wyatt stated that she offers complimentary financial overviews held over Zoom. “They are weekly.Icanbecontactedtoscheduleonewith anyone, and I don’t charge anyone for my service. I have a goal of helping one hundred families by the end of September, teaching financial literacy” During the COVID 19 pandemic, many found themselves forced out of work As things begin to return to a sense of normalcy, Wyatt was asked her thoughts on those who feel hesitant about returning to the workplace and are considering working for themselves “I actually fired my boss in 2020, right in the middle of this pandemic It was the biggest risk that I took, but it was the best decision that I’ve made It is hard, but if you are focused and determined and know what you want, there is support out there, not only with mebutthroughtheChamberandpeoplewithin the Tracy community. If there are goals and dreamsthatyouhave,definitely,goforthem.

To reserve a complimentary virtual Financial Overview with Christina Wyatt, please send an email request to wyatt4love@gmailcom or call 2092296569