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At Catalyst, we take responsibility for using our voice when appropriate and empowering others to speak to their own experience. We are committed to maximizing the visibility and voices of victims and survivors of abuse. On Thursday, our staff honored Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's courageous testimony by wearing black. We know that violence needs to be addressed on multiple levels and are committed to unifying and empowering our community to make change. We achieve this by speaking up, speaking out, and having the courage to hold ourselves and others accountable. Creating social change is challenging, and we are dedicated to supporting each other in this work. We believe survivors.
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A Note From Our Executive Director
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Dear Friend of Catalyst,
As many of you know, Catalyst Domestic Violence Services practices a culture of gratitude. Every month as we transition from the business part of our staff meeting to the learning part, we pause and provide space for staff to verbalize to each other who and what they are grateful for. It is a really lovely moment.
As Fall arrives, it seems like a good time to pause and take a moment to express my gratitude. I am grateful for the board, staff, and community volunteers who commit their time and their hearts to making Catalyst a safe and welcoming place for anyone who needs our services. I am grateful for all the community members who support us, because without them we couldn’t continue to do all that we do to support and empower survivors of domestic violence. I am especially grateful for you. Because of your support, you made it possible for us to provide so much more than just basic services. We are thankful for the bikes, furniture, food, and school clothes your donations have allowed for.
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In this newsletter, you will read about the many ways you can continue supporting the work that we do, including attending an event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, sponsoring a family for our annual Adopt-A-Family gift giving program, applying to our January volunteer training class, and more.
With Gratitude,
Anastacia
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It's Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
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Each year, the community comes together during the month of October to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, celebrate those who survived, and raise awareness surrounding this very important issue.
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DVAM Coffee Sleeves
The Naked Lounge, Chico
All of October!
The Naked Lounge will be accepting monetary donations for Catalyst during the entire month of October. Stop by today to pick up a coffee with these awesome coffee sleeves-- because love shouldn't hurt!
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UnitedHealthcare Food Drive
October 3rd
Throughout the month of September, UHC employees donate enough non-perishable food to sustain our shelter for an entire year. This project is in its 9th year, raising over 15 TONS of food and everyday necessities since it began. This year, they raised 8,240 pounds of food and supplies. This far exceeds records from previous years! We are SO grateful to UHC employees.
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Chili’s Fundraiser
1908 E. 20th Street, Chico
October 10th, 5:00-9:00 pm
Enjoy dinner and drinks at Chili's and 15% of your ticket will go directly towards supporting families experiencing intimate partner abuse in Butte County. Simply present this flyer at check out and you're good to go!
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¿Conoces tu Lenguaje de Amor?
1666 Vista Verde Ave
October 20th, 5:00-8:00pm
Our first DVAM event in Spanish! The evening will include conversations on healthy relationships, with an emphasis on love languages. Dinner and childcare will be provided. RSVP by calling (530) 343-7711 and asking for Aidee.
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4th Annual "Love Is" Showcase
La Salles Restaurant, Chico
October 25th, 6:30-8:30pm
Catalyst will be presenting a lineup of local musicians sharing what “Love Is” to them by playing a set of their favorite healthy relationship promoting love songs. $5 suggested donation. If you would like to apply to perform at the event, please click here.
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2 Free Community Trainings
October 11th from 9:00-12:00pm
Catalyst Chico Business Office
& October 29th 8:30-11:30am
Butte College Center for Excellence
Space is limited! For more information or to register to attend, please visit click here.
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For a full list of DVAM events, please click here to visit our website.
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Spooky Spirits
Children's Advocates Natalie and Daryll work together to help the "Spooky Spirits" surprise the HAVEN children with goodies under their pillows throughout the month of October. It's a spook-tacular tradition!
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Halloween Kid's Carnival
October 27th
We've been busy prepping for Halloween at HAVEN! Here’s a sneak peek of volunteers Cassie and Brett getting ready for our first annual Halloween Kid’s Carnival. These spooky eggs will be filled with treats and hidden throughout the house and garden for lucky kiddos to find!
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HAVEN Thanksgiving
November 15th
Every year, we celebrate Thanksgiving a week early and invite all HAVEN residents and Catalyst staff to attend. This tradition has become cherished by our staff because it allows us the opportunity to share laughs, play games, and break bread with the participants in a relaxed, fun, and casual environment.
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Adopt-A-Family
Looking to spread some holiday cheer? Each year, we host an Adopt-A-Family Program for our families during the holiday season. Without this program, many survivors of domestic violence participating in our services would not be able to provide gifts for their families.
You can participate in our Adopt-A-Family program this year by choosing one of the following donation options:
- Adopt entire family(s), which means we would send you a wish list compiled by the family, or families, and you can do the shopping yourself.
- Donate cash or gift cards to Catalyst which allows our staff to shop and make purchases according to the sponsored family’s needs.
- Donate new, unwrapped items such as wrapping paper, toys, and/or clothing which will be distributed to families who may not have been specifically adopted by anyone. Some of our donors have even thrown parties or hosted events asking that attendees bring gifts for families and kids!
If you are interested in helping a family this holiday season, please contact Carolina at (530) 343-7798 or email her at carolina@catalystdvservices.org
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#GivingTuesday:
A Global Giving Movement
November 27th
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.
Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Giving Day fundraisers work best when it’s peers asking peers to support something they believe in. Consider creating a Facebook fundraiser to let your friends know why you choose Catalyst to support.
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AmazonSmile
While we always support shopping locally, if you choose to do your holiday shopping on Amazon, consider using AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to us! The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges.
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Congratulations to our most recent graduating class of volunteers! We are so excited for all that they will bring to this work. We couldn't do it without them!
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If you would like to apply to volunteer, our next training class will be held for 2 weeks from January 7th - January 17th on Monday-Thursday 9:30-4:30pm.
If you are interested and available, please click here to learn more.
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Discussing your thoughts and feelings with your partner can strengthen your relationship. We include a few questions in every newsletter that allow you to deepen the connection you have with your partner. Take turns asking each other the following questions to learn more about each other!
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Nurturing: What is something small that I can do to show you I care?
The Fun Things: If you could wake up tomorrow morning with one new skill or ability, what would you choose?
Gratitude: What are the five things that you are most thankful for right now?
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