A Bright Light Bulletin Fall/Winter 2014 Edition
Making ground in 2014 2015 presents its challenges
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hree significant events sum up 2014 for Kansas City’s Hope House: Passage of an eight-year legislative priority, a National Football League scandal and a late-year funding hit. In 2006, Hope House CEO MaryAnne Metheny began advocating for the right of municipalities to increase their own court fees. This year, Sen. Paul LeVota (D-Jackson County) filed Senate Bill 636 to allow municipalities the ability to increase the court fees by $2 to fund domestic abuse shelters. The language was added to another bill that passed the General Assembly in May. In July, House Bill 1238 was approved by Gov. Jay Nixon and made law. Since the bill’s passage, Metheny has been working with local governments to approve the change. “Lee’s Summit, Greenwood, Lone Jack, Buckner, Independence and Kansas City have already approved of the increase,” said Metheny. “The cities have been supporting us for years. They understand the impact domestic violence has and how these fees fund our programs, so we are thankful for their continued support.” Blue Springs, Raytown and Jackson County are working through the approval process, said Metheny. In addition to the eight-year legislative effort, Hope House was given an opportunity to educate the public due to a national discussion. In August, domestic violence
took center stage due to video footage of an NFL player assaulting his thenfiancée. As pundits discussed the issue, however the question, “Why would she In addition to the events in 2014, Hope House marry him just weeks later,” also welcomed many distinguised visitors to tour was repeatedly asked. the facility. Here, MaryAnne Metheny, CEO of “I can’t imagine what Hope House, and Missouri Secretary of State this is like for her to live this Jason Kander visit during a shelter tour in out in public,” said Metheny. October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness “But, the conversation the Month. Kander thanked Hope House staff who incident prompted was a promote Missouri’s “Safe at Home” program. necessity. Too many people of Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs are questioning the victim when they applied for a Violence Against Women should question the abuser’s decision Act grant earlier this year, but found to abuse. This really shows the need to out we were not approved,” said educate the public on this issue.” Metheny. “Unfortunately, that means Due to the awareness on the Hope House specifically will take a national scale, Hope House will work $100,000 cut. This year, we turned to maintain the momentum in 2015. away more than 2,500 people, so we “We are starting a campaign are researching options to alleviate this called ‘I Am A Leader,” said Metheny. devastating cut so that number doesn’t “The goal is to bring out leaders in increase.” the community who are willing to Hope House staff is up for the step forward and take a public stand challenge, said Metheny. against domestic violence. We hope “These are grants Hope House to spotlight the good that people are and the cities have had in the past,” doing, not on those abusing others.” closed Metheny. “Everyone is on Metheny and others at Hope board with finding ways to increase House are working with several other funds or change programs to groups to build support for the reduce costs. We’ve always had the campaign and have made this a 2015 support of this community and we’ll priority. work as a team to get through this new That task may be difficult for challenge.” Hope House since the organization For more information, contact was presented with a significant Hope House at 816-461-4188. challenge in September, Metheny said. “Hope House and the cities
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A bright light in a community that cares
JAZZ 2014 shows life like none before
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he party lasted into the early hours of the morning. The sounds of music, auctioneers and laughter could be heard from floors above and around the hall. The lights and formal setting made for one of the most exciting and energetic Hope and All That Jazz events in 25 years. This August, more than 500 people attended the 25th Annual Hope and All That Jazz at the Muehlebach Imperial Ballroom to benefit Hope House. “This year, the event was bustling with energy,” said Stefanie Shanks, Hope House special events manager. “Everyone had a great time. And, on top of all the excitement, we surpassed every goal we had in mind.” The event that was chaired by Dave and Geri Frantze included a
plated dinner, the annual Barbara Potts Award presentation, keynote speaker address, live auction with the Nigro Brothers, music by the band Drew Six and dancing. The evening’s master of ceremonies was KMBC-TV9’s Kris Ketz, and included a newly added musical performance from a survivor of a domestic violence home. “This year, we had Kaleen Dolan sing Sara Bareilles’s ‘Brave’ after the Barbara Potts Award was presented,” said Shanks. “Kaleen sang at the Howl at the Moon event in 2013, and everyone was so moved by her performance we wanted to have her at Jazz also. It was perfect.” More than 45 companies and individuals participated as sponsors this year, including Silver sponsors: Burns and McDonnell, DSI, Greg and Deanna Graves, and the Victor E. and
Caroline E. Schutte Foundation. This year’s Barbara Potts Award recipient was Kerry Oliver. Oliver has donated much of her time and effort to Hope House since attending her first Hope and All That Jazz in 1993. After that event, Kerry served multiple years on the Hope House board and started the annual Howlin’ for Hope event in the Power and Light District. “Anyone who knows Kerry recognizes her involvement is personal,” said MaryAnne Metheny, CEO of Hope House. “She speaks out against domestic violence at numerous Hope House events. We are proud to work with her and have her as a supporter.” Metheny and Shanks agreed the night was a success, but stated it would have been impossible without the help of the Frantzes, event sponsors, committee members and attendees. The 2015 event is scheduled for August 15 at the Muehlebach Ballroom. Event chairs will be Peter and Michelle deSilva. For information on the event or sponsorships opportunities, you are encouraged to visit hopehouse.net or contact Stefanie Shanks at 816-257-9333 or sshanks@hopehouse.net.
An excerpt from this year’s holiday giving request
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hen the nurse came in, it was 2:17 a.m. I remember because she asked me a question I’ve never been asked to that point in my 29-year life. “Do you feel safe?” Of course I didn’t feel safe. My lip was cracked open. My eye was swollen shut. And, my son was looking at me in what must have been a combination of fear and anger. But, the shame prevented me from answering truthfully. No, we didn’t feel safe, but I didn’t tell the nurse that. I could take care of myself. The look on my eight-year-old son’s face was unbearable. I could not go back this time. So, I corrected myself. “Miss. No, I don’t feel safe. We’re not safe,” I said. She asked me if I’d like to talk to someone about it. I nodded, and she called a wonderful woman to come to the hospital to meet with me. She was from Hope House. She provided me and my boy a safe home. They helped me understand the abuse was not my problem, but his. They gave me courage. I made the step for me and my son. Hope House helped me take that step. They helped me find a job. With that income, I’m living in an apartment I pay for. It’s small, but it’s mine. My son is going to school and is happily involved in sports. I have a life I never had thanks to Hope House. This holiday season, I’m grateful for the women who taught me I don’t need to be ashamed, the women who helped my boy rise from the abuse to be a strong little man, the women who saved our lives.
Thank you, Sarah
A Bright Light Bulletin - Fall/Winter 2014 Edition
Hope House says goodbye to a friend
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his fall, Hope House said goodbye to one of our most genuine supporters. Donna Watkins was a Hope House board member, chaired the board, served on the Hope House staff in the development department and served on the advisory council before her passing October 9. “Donna understood the issue of domestic violence,” said MaryAnne Metheny, CEO of Hope House. “She was a true advocate for survivors and the children. She had a real compassion for helping others.” Throughout her years on the Hope House staff, she assisted in several key projects and was
influential in creating the capital campaign to raise money for the Lee’s Summit campus. After retiring in 1999, she stayed involved through the advisory board. Personally, Donna was a proud wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, her horses, dogs and other animals. And, she dedicated her life to giving to others. “Working in the field of domestic violence can be challenging and emotional,” said Sue Else, former Hope House CEO. “Donna brought joy and love to her work here daily. She was a person of passion and strength and conveyed that passion to all who were blessed to know her. We will all miss her smile and warmth every day.” Despite Watkins’ passing, her legacy will live on at Hope House. Her family requested all donations in her name be dedicated to the organization. “Hope House was near and dear to Donna’s heart,” said Bob Watkins, Donna’s husband. “She felt so good
SAVE THE DATE: 2015 Margarita Ball April 24, 2015
about what she was able to accomplish there.” During the 30th Hope House anniversary Donna recalled several of those accomplishments. But, she spoke of what Hope House meant to the community too. She challenged others to help the effort. “At Hope House, children are learning what it’s like to live in a place where no one is being beaten up,” said Donna. “They’re living in a place where mom doesn’t have a broken arm. They are in a place where they can heal. And, it’s up to us, you and me to keep that and work for that.” Thank you, Donna for your dedication and compassion, from all of your friends at Hope House. We miss you.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: 2015 Hope & All That Jazz Aug. 15, 2015
Holiday Store Lee’s Summit - Dec. 23 & 24 Independence - Dec. 13, 15-17, 23, 24 For information, contact Event Manager Stefanie Shanks For information, contact Volunteer Program Manager at (816) 257-9333 or sshanks@hopehouse.net Brandi Bair at (816) 257 9342 or bbair@hopehouse.net
Hope House thanks our Club 31 Members: Pat Braley The Chandler Family Dianne & Robert Clarke Audrey & Randall Fuller Carolyn Harris Terry Hayden Lois Hillman Wilma Jean Jones (in memoriam)
Ann & Chad Leabo Tresa Myracle Joe & Traci Nkomo Norm & Darleen Swails Ron & Mary Toles Karma Vowell & Don Harris O.D. & Norma Vowell
We also thank GEHA for matching the first $5,000 in pledges and those who gave anonymously!
Double Your Donation With Tax Credits!
IT’S ALMOST HERE - Your last chance to make a 2014 charitable donation to a domestic violence shelter. Under the Missouri Domestic Violence Tax Credit program, Missouri taxpayers who contribute at least $100 to Hope House during the taxable year are eligible for a 50 percent tax credit. Were you planning to give $500 in January? Give now to double your impact. Donations must be received (or postmarked) by 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2014 in order to qualify as a 2014 contribution. For more information, contact Nancy DuVall at nduvall@hopehouse.net or 816-257-9328.
A Bright Light Bulletin
Fall/Winter 2014 Edition
HOPE HOUSE P.O. Box 577, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 hopehouse.net 816-461-4188 Hotline: 816-461-HOPE (4673) Metro Hotline: 816-HOTLINE (463-5463) MaryAnne Metheny, CEO Nathan Dampf, Managing Editor For questions or comments, please email us at info@hopehouse.net Hope House is proud to be a member agency of
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Hope House Holiday Wish List (new items only please): *Gift cards in $25 or smaller increments please Teens - watches, wallets, IPods/MP3 players, cologne, TV shows & movies on DVD, DVD players, hair accessories, purses, local sports jerseys, tennis shoes, and gift cards* (Foot Locker, Old Navy, Wal-Mart, Target, ITunes), prepaid cell phones with minutes, cell phone accessories, digital cameras, jewelry, electronic games/game systems, movie passes (AMC Independence, Dickenson Theaters), tablets, E-readers (Kindle, Nook) Women - long distance/international phone cards, gift cards* (Target, Wal-Mart, Beauty Brands, gas, and grocery), perfume sets, bath/lotion sets, flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, tablets, E-readers (Kindle, Nook) Children - No violent toys or toys with weapons please Special Agency Needs - II stage snow blower, oral thermometers, digital camera, durable baby gates, night lights, shower totes, padlocks, alarm clocks, new residential grade microwave
Hope House Leadership 2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ashley Gillard, Chair Carol Baker, Chair Elect Christine Ferguson, Immediate Past Chair Cynthia Raven, Secretary
Becky Sandring, Treasurer Monica Alderson Dr. Stephanie De La Torre Linda Duncan Brian Herrmann
HOPE HOUSE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (HHYP) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lindsey Rood-Clifford - Chair Abby Mocek - Secretary Beth Brown Trish Carlyle Ashley Gillard Ellie Hancock
Tracy Hancock Ben Thompson Jessica Thompson Erin Webb Rachel Zimmerman
Sarah Millin Raiza Moola Lee Moore Michael Moore Adam Rossbach
Terri Thomas Gary Walker Lisa Williams Michael Williams
COMMUNITY COUNCIL Carol Sue Bass Jacqueline Clark Dick Doherty Colleen Foudree Daren Fristoe Tom Holzbaur
J. Scott King Barbara Koirtyohann Tom Krewson Phil LeVota Carol Mays Judy Ness
Barbara Potts Norman Swails Lysle Weeks Sally Winship