Eastside Domestic Violence Program
April 29th, 2010 | By: Nancy Belur
Eastside Domestic Violence Program’s goal is to end domestic violence and create a world of hope.
A very hot spot! Eastside Fire and Rescue generate heat by handing out Hot Tamales candy to Cycle the WAVE riders. Photo by: Don Borin-Sports Action Photography
For 28 years Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP) has strived to make the neighborhoods of east and north King County safer, more peaceful places for families dealing with domestic violence. During that time EDVP has served more than 104,800 victims and their families by effectively implementing innovative cutting-edge programs and lifesaving services. They have been able to accomplish this through their shelter and housing programs and a commitment to outreach services such as the 24-hour crisis line, education, and advocacy.
EDVP continues with its original vision—to end domestic violence and create a world of hope—but they are also strategically growing to meet the needs of an evolving society that faces an increased need for services. For every one person who receives shelter, 18 are turned away. EDVP provides a comprehensive continuum of housing and domestic-violence support services. With help from community members, change will come and lives will improve.
The Rising Star Guild is a local community group that is helping effect that change. The guild was founded in 2000 by a contingency of Issaquah “PTA moms” who, as their children grew, wanted to remain engaged in their community in a purposeful way. When one of them discovered that one out of five teens are victims of domestic violence it struck a chord with these parents of teenagers, and a purpose was born. Currently, the Rising Star Guild is the only organized EDVP guild on the Eastside. It is composed of approximately 25 active members, but would like to expand with new membership.
The Rising Star Guild’s primary focus has been empowering teens to break the cycle of domestic violence for themselves and future generations. The guild collaborates with EDVP to raise funds. The “Spare a Life” Bowl-a-Thon was created specifically for this reason. Other fundraising events include garage sales, a cookbook series, tea parties, wine tastings, shopping opportunities at local businesses, and arts-and-crafts projects. To date, they have raised community awareness and more than $193,000 to support EDVP’s lifesaving programs and services.
In 2008 a passionate group of cyclists, the Lakemont Ladies Cycling Club, teamed up with the Rising Star Guild to cohost the first annual Cycle the WAVE (Women Against Violence Everywhere), a noncompetitive, all-women bicycle ride through east and south King Counties. In its second year more than 600 women registered and raised $53,000, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting EDVP.
The third annual Cycle the WAVE takes place on September 19, 2010. The event’s popularity has grown, and the goal is that 1,200 women will ride in a show of camaraderie and support for victims of domestic violence. The ride will start and finish at Tibbetts Valley Park in Issaquah. Register at www.cyclethewave.com.
Please join EDVP on their journey to end domestic violence. Here are a few ways that you can participate:
Attend a monthly Rising Star Guild meeting; details are at www.risingstarguild.com.
Become a Cycle the WAVE rider or volunteer. If you don’t ride, become a Pedal Partner. Register at www.cyclethewave.com.
Support EDVP by attending the A World of Hope Dinner & Auction on May 15, 2010, at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue; details are at www.edvp.org.
And remember the words of noted anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.”
