Jeff Jacobs , Mayor Steve Tate , Jennifer Tate , Ellena Woodhams , Erin O ' Brian and Perla Flores at " Drive Out Domestic Violence ” campaign kickoff event at Sycamore Creek Winery on September 16 , 2018 .
A Worthy Campaign Hits the Road
On September 16 th , 2018 , Community Solutions and Honda launched the “ Drive Out Domestic Violence ” campaign at Sycamore Creek Vineyards .
According to Lisa DeSilva , Chief Development Officer at Community Solutions , “ Honda is a family-run business that strives to give back to the community . They understand the value of our Solutions to Violence programs . As partners , we both want to have a broader reach and deeper engagement with our community . That ’ s how we ’ ll increase our impact on domestic violence .”
The Honda dealership provided a 2018 Honda Accord for use in the campaign . The car was wrapped in a temporary plastic covering of purple , the official color for domestic violence awareness . Inspiration for the campaign came through DeSilva ' s collaboration with Ellena Woodhams , Marketing Director of Stevens Management , which owns Honda of Morgan Hill and a handful of other dealerships .
Signing on to Show Support
At the kickoff , a survivor of domestic violence shared her story and then signed her name on the car . Attendees were invited to sign their names on the car in support of solutions to end domestic violence . They also learned about community advocacy .
The campaign car will continue to be driven around South County and displayed at Taste of Morgan Hill and other events of the fall season , offering more community members a chance to sign and become advocates for change . For every signature , Honda of Morgan Hill is donating $ 1 to Community Solutions .
“ In between signing events , people have been visiting the Honda dealership to donate and sign the car , including survivors and their families ,” DeSilva said . “ We all like to do business with companies that care about our community .”
The campaign will conclude with Community Solutions ’ annual Black , White & Bling gala fundraiser at the Granada Theater on November 3rd , 2018 . The signature-laden car will be on display , and Honda officials will present their donation check to Community Solutions . After the gala , the car will be returned to the dealership to be sold . Gala proceeds will benefit clients of Community Solutions programs . All in all , it ’ s a great way to engage the entire community in an important effort .
Domestic Violence Hits Home
Tragically , last year in Santa Clara County , 13 people lost their lives to domestic violence . That brought the total number of domestic violence-related deaths , between the years of 2000 and 2017 , to nearly 200 .
The County ’ s domestic violence hotlines received more than 20,000 calls for service in 2017 ( excluding 911 calls ). Over 6,000 people experiencing domestic violence were provided with in-person services , including 737 who were sheltered in a safe place and given resources to escape violence and abuse . Over 23,000 bed nights were provided , but even so , over 2,200 requests for shelter went unmet .
Survivors without shelter are at greatest risk , yet only four organizations currently operate shelters to meet the needs of the entire county : NextDoor Solutions to Violence , YWCA , the Asian Women ’ s Home , and La Isla Pacifica . Founded in 1978 , La Isla Pacifica is the only shelter in South County . Its location is kept confidential to help
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 gmhtoday . com
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