Chest of Hope Magazine/March 2023/ Issue 7/Women's History Month Edition

CHEST of HOPE ISSUE 7/March 2023

CHEST of HOPE

Contents Message From The Executive Director

Women Making History in Tracy 5

Legislating Hope Women's Voting Rights 9

The Art of Hope Sandra Bayhi 13

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Merlyn Pittman Origin of women's history month: In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration.

Six years later, In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women's History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women's History Month.”

Women’s History Month: Pioneers in Domestic Violence Erin Pizzey and Dr. Lenore Walker In 1975, Dr. Lenore Walker met Erin Pizzey, who had opened Europe's first domestic abuse shelter. Walker developed the Battered Woman Syndrome Questionnaire (BWSQ) to assess the psychological effects of abuse. Walker continues her research today to constantly validate the questionnaire.

Tracey Thurman In 1985, Tracey Thurman sued the Torrington, Connecticut, police for failing to protect her from her husband’s repeated attacks and threats to kill her and their 22-month-old son. The last attack – 13 stab wounds and a broken neck – left her partially paralyzed after an 8-month hospitalization. The court awarded her $2 million, and the case led to the 1986 Family Violence Prevention and Response Act. Jan Langbein Jan Langbein is often called on to provide expert testimony in court cases on the effects of domestic abuse. She trains prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement across the country. She was a President George W. Bush appointee as a senior policy advisor to the director of the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.

Lovern J. Gordon Lovern J. Gordon spent two years in her own abusive relationship. Gordon chose Awareness Against Domestic Violence as her platform to promote during her reigns. Gordon founded the Love Life Now Foundation in Massachusetts and hosts events that have raised thousands of dollars for shelters across the state. She earned a Domestic Violence Advocate Training Certification.

Roxcy Bolton's pioneering efforts to fortify equal opportunities for women across the United States drove the proclamation of Women's Equality Day in 1972.

These are just a few of the hundreds of thousands of women who have fought to end domestic violence and are still doing so today. This Women’s History Month, we want to thank all of them – and all of you – for your efforts to wipe out this major health concern. ~mp

Throughout history, American women have proven themselves to be way-makers, forces to be reckoned with in the face of challenges and barriers.

As we celebrate Women's History

as an administrative assistant. Over the

Month, Chest of Hope wanted to

years, Valenzuela has held nearly every

take the opportunity to

position within the organization. When

acknowledge the contributions and

the former CEO stepped down last

share insights of women leaders,

year, Valenzuela's extensive experience,

charting their own paths and

relationships and dedicated service to

creating history in Tracy along the

the Tracy business community

way. Maria Valenzuela began her

positioned her as the most desired and

journey with the Tracy Chamber of

most qualified candidate for the open

Commerce nearly two decades ago

position. (Continued on page 8)

From The Heart

by Maritza Alvarez I am a case manager for Chest of Hope, a non-profit organization that helps victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Chest of Hope runs an emergency shelter and multiple transitional homes in San Joaquin County. As a case worker, I am considered an essential part of the organization and take my role very seriously.

I share the successes of the women who are in the midst of dealing with one of the most horrible experiences of their life. When they come into our programs, they come dealing with many emotions. The feeling I have when they allow me to be a part of their healing is unexplainable. I can see my positive effect on these women, my community, and my family. The inspiration that these women give me and those around them is impressive as they are willing to give to others even if their glass is empty.

HOW TO BUY A HOME WITH A LOWER INTEREST RATE

With interest rates still higher than in some recent years, there are options. Depending on the loan, market rates are still approximately 6.5% or higher. A 2-1 buydown is a financing technique that allows a borrower to have a lower interest rate for the first 2 years of the mortgage. In the 3rd year, the mortgage payment would be the original, permanent rate.

This may be a more affordable option for homebuyers who want to take advantage of buying in this market (some area home prices have gone down). This may also be a way for sellers to sell their homes faster. There’s a “cost” involved. The seller could potentially give a “credit” to the homebuyer to pay for this. Alternatively, if the buyer has additional funds, they could pay for the buy-down themselves. The payment could be in mortgage “points” a “seller credit” or a lump sum deposited in an escrow account. It’s important to remember that the buyer will need to be able to afford the original payment in year three.

Buyers may qualify for a larger home or mortgage with the buy-down. But, their income must keep pace with the full payment in year three. The interest rate is 2% lower than the market rate. In the 2nd year, the rate is 1% lower than the market rate. The rate would be the full, original rate in the third year. For example, for a fixed-rate FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment (NOT including taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance), the first year's payment at 4.5% would be $2487.54. The 2nd year payment would be $2787.52 at 5.5%. The third-year payment at the original rate of 6.5% would be $3,103 through the remainder of the loan. The buyer may be able to refinance later when rates go down. It’s always best to get a quote from your lender. Terms may vary.

Fun Fact Pittman originally founded Chest of Hope to assist orphans around the world with food, clothing and other basic resources. Chest of Hope continues to assist abroad through a partnership with Onjanee. For more information visit: https://onjanee.com/shop/

Merlyn Pittman, Founder and Executive Director of Chest of Hope

Merlyn Pittman is the Founder and

2021 Data Report provided by the San

Director of Chest of Hope.

Joaquin County District Attorney's Office,

Headquartered in Tracy, California,

1,342 domestic violence cases were filed,

Chest of Hope has been a vital resource

including 180 stalking/human trafficking

in support of women and children

cases. Victim Services and Family Justice

affected by domestic violence and

Centers data show that 16,662 individuals

human trafficking in San Joaquin

were served, and 35% of those served

County. Chest of Hope supports victims

were impacted by domestic violence.

through a comprehensive program that

7,790 were referred to some type of

offers housing, counseling, legal

supportive service. Chest of Hope helped

assistance, parenting classes, financial literacy training, and most recently, emergency shelter for victims fleeing immediate danger. Although domestic violence is not the most popular fundraising cause, the cause is extremely important, and the need for services in San Joaquin County is undeniable. According to the Pittman sharing her longterm vision for Chest of Hope during a Supporter Appreciation event at The Press last year.

Fun Fact Chest of Hope is currently the only organization in San Joaquin County offering comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, that includes transitional and emergency housing.

Pittman and CoH team members invite the Family Justice Center to tour their new emergency shelter.

a number of those clients.

It takes a very special person to take

legacy she would like to leave for women who look to her leadership and decide to

on such a heavy responsibility of caring

follow in her footsteps someday, she

for our community's vulnerable. When

replied, "There's always more that can be

asked to share how women in her life

done for humankind. Always try to lift

have inspired her journey, Pittman

someone up. Life is very fleeting. All the

responded, "The woman that I look up

things that we strive for, at some point

to is my Mom. I didn't know any of my

become a non-entity. It's not just about

maternal or paternal grandmothers. My

all the glitz and glamour; it's about

Mom is the one who has guided my

making a difference in this thing called

steps. I have looked at her and seen how "life." positive, resilient, and strong she is...When my father died at the age of three, she raised me, and I can say that I never lacked anything. She worked hard and did what she had to do to raise her daughter, her only child." Chest of Hope has served as a training ground for many who choose to work in the nonprofit sector. When asked what In 2021 Pittman presents a check to the mother of siblings who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence.

Fun Fact According to a 2019 report by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, women accounted for 53% of chamber executives in the United States.

Maria Valenzuela, CEO, Tracy Chamber of Commerce Photo Credit: Jim Haskell

Valenzuela joins the ranks of women

Balancing the home/family aspect of it

who account for 53% of chamber

will come naturally because as women I

executives in the United States. As the

think we definitely do better under stress

new CEO, Valenzuela reflected on how

than men do. We're able to balance.

she was inspired by former chamber

Things kind of fall into place. I have to

CEO Leslie Hamrick who led the

make sure that...Hey! I can't forget that

chamber at a time when the board was

I'm not only a mom but also a partner

male-dominated. "She led the chamber

and a spouse, and I do have a job to tend

and was one the greatest leaders of the

to. I have to overcompensate for

chamber since I've been there." When

everything so that I do not fail."

asked about the legacy she would like to leave as the leader of the chamber, Valenzuela stated, "...that the chamber has relevancy in our community, and it makes a difference." Like many professional women, Valenzuela has had to address work/life balance and offers words of encouragement for other women who may look to follow in her footsteps. "It's definitely doable.

Valenzuela helps present certificate at chamber mixer hosted by TCCA.

Fun Fact In 2020, Mayor Nancy Young became the first elected female and the first Black woman to serve as Mayor of the city of Tracy. She was also the first Black woman to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore for the city. Mayor Young was re-elected to office in 2022.

During Women's History Month, Chest of Hope had the pleasure of interviewing the Mayor of Tracy, Nancy Young on some of the women who have helped inspire her journey of community service. Mayor Young stated that multiple women had inspired her, including her mother, her pastor, and

Nancy Young, Mayor of Tracy, CA.

When asked what legacy she would like to leave for women who may want to follow her footsteps in leadership, she shared, "As a Black woman, a woman or a person period, just be authentically whoever you are. You don't have to be like me;

her high school counselor, Mrs. Monroe. "My

you can be like you. No matter how we go

Mother still inspires me."

through life, we can only be the best us we can

Mayor Young attributes some of her inspiration to serve to the Pastor that she grew under in Los Angeles, CA., from 19771987. "Her name was Pastor Pearly Petersen, and everything she did was about

be. I want to inspire women to take limits off.

Other women will limit themselves and try to limit you, too-and that's not even the men!

Encourage one another and don't put limits on each other. We live in a world of opportunity, and God has given us all our own strength and

community and helping. She literally had

purpose. Never be afraid to walk in your own

people move into her home and church. We

purpose. Anyone can do what they set their

got a big enough building where we had

hearts to do."

rooms that housed people and their families. We would go door to door, giving out food. She showed me the world of giving, servanthood, and caring about other people beyond ourselves. But more importantly, she being a female pastor was rare, at least in our circles. She just inspired me to do whatever I wanted to do. There were no limitations; women could be leaders and lead men, not just little kids and women."

Mayor Nancy Young being sworn in by her Mother after re-election.

Women Making History in Tracy continued on page 15.

Legislating Hope Transforming Legislation To Transform Lives

The 19th Amendment: Women'sVoting Rights The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage.

In 1848, the movement for women’s rights launched on a national level with the Seneca Falls Convention, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott.

Following the convention, the demand for the vote became a centerpiece of the women’s rights movement. Stanton and Mott, along with Susan B. Anthony and other activists, raised public awareness and lobbied the government to grant voting rights to women. After a lengthy battle, these groups finally emerged victorious with the passage of the 19th Amendment.

Despite the passage of the 19th amendment and the decadeslong contributions of Black women to achieve suffrage, poll taxes, local laws and other restrictions continued to block women of color from voting. Black men and women also faced intimidation and often violent opposition at the polls or when attempting to register to vote. It would take more than 40 years for all women to achieve voting equality.

Source: https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/19thamendment-1

THE ART OF HOPE

BY SANDRA BAYHI

I am a glass enamel artist. I use finely powdered glass enamels mixed with waterbased or oil-based mediums to paint onto glass. My paintings are done in a reverse process onto the back of the clear glass. Each piece is fired multiple times in the kiln to cure the enamels as well as to change the glass, rounding it and forming it into the final product. Glass is simply a unique substructure for my artwork and allows my paintings to become more than just drawings.

I have entered and won many art competitions over the last 40 years. My stained glass art was once voted "The Mayor's Choice" and purchased by the City of Tracy for permanent display in the Grand Theatre. I've been published in a number of magazines, including San Joaquin Anthology Magazine. I've participated in numerous art shows in San Joaquin and Alameda Counties including at the Fairgrounds and the long-running Expressions competition.

I often make many charitable donations of my art to organizations like Chest of Hope and others whose missions I support. I enjoy helping non-profit organizations with their fundraising efforts.

Sandra Bayhi owns Bayhi Stained Glass in Tracy, CA, and has been making stained glass art for over 40 years.

Fun Fact Davis credits many years of working with young children for keeping her patient and young at heart. Davis has a background in Early Intervention, Challenging Behaviors and Children with Special Needs.

Eleassia Davis was elected to Tracy City Council in 2020 and in December 2022, was appointed by the Council to serve as the Mayor Pro Tem. Davis credits many individuals with contributing to her growth and development in both her personal and professional life. "As a disclaimer, my credit to women is not intended to negate or diminish men's valuable contributions to my life," Davis chuckled, "Being the oldest child of four children born to teen parents, I always felt the weight of being the "responsible" one. I had to learn, grow and adapt quickly to less-than-ideal circumstances. I attribute a lot of my ability to navigate tougher life circumstances to my upbringing. I am stronger for it." Davis credits friends and several mentors, but especially Paula Baca, for helping her step out of her comfort zone by expanding her circle of friends and activities. "I know many people, but Paula was my first true friend in Tracy. She saw things I didn't see or chose not to see in myself. She gently encouraged me to get involved in the community. By becoming involved, I started discovering that I was passionate about advocating for

Eleassia Davis, Mayor Pro Tempore of Tracy, CA.

causes that were important to my entire community," Davis remarked. When asked what legacy she would like to leave for women who may decide to follow in her footsteps as an elected official, she responded, "It's important to me that women understand the beauty of good character. Whether you choose to become a policymaker, a doctor, a lawyer, a janitor, an engineer, a banker, a caretaker, or homemakerwhatever you choose, do it for the right reasons.

Do it to the very best of your ability with integrity, humility, and respect for others."

We asked Davis what one message she would like to share with women during Women's History Month. "Sometimes the world can be very harsh.

You will often be misunderstood, and even more often, you will struggle to understand the ways of people in your life and our world. I encourage women to choose positivity. Worry less about the things they can't control and invest more time and energy in loving and celebrating themselves and all the good, positive people and things in their lives. So many positives to be thankful forwaste no time worrying about the negatives."

HOW BEING THE HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD CAN AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH

BY GUADALUPE R.

The role of the head of the household and to the best of their abilities is to go through the day multitasking, making sure their loved ones are safe, and taken care of, and continue meeting their daily responsibilities. In addition, the list continues changing and growing leaving undone tasks and responsibilities for the next day, not knowing how or when they will be completed. This silent behavior is called Multitasking and is taken as the new norm in our lifestyle. Multitasking flows silently, smoothly at times and at a fast tempo causing tension and stress that begins and continues building and affecting our Mental Health and body while our daily routine continues. To give you a better idea, here are some common symptoms and signs that our body gives us and in most cases ignore: headaches, chest pain, changes in sex drive, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and upset stomach, just to mention a few.

Our Mental Health also communicates by releasing signals called Neurons, originating from the brain through the rest of the body targeting the brain's Amygdala, Hippocampus, and Prefrontal Cortex. These specific areas have the tasks and are implicated in the stress response that we face on a daily basis while we continue multitasking.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of our life, if we experience mental health problems our thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including: Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse Family history of mental health problems.

Our Mental Health plays an extremely important part in everyone's daily routine; identifying the signs of our body is the key to continue implementing what we love the most. To continue taking care of our loved ones and performing our role as head of the household.

Chest of Hope is excited to continue its Parenting Workshop Series. For more information about the time and location of our Parenting Workshops, please call 209.831.7889 or visit chestofhope.org.