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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