Valley Women's Center
December 2009
Wishing you a Happy Holiday from the Valley Women's Center. Here are a few tips to stay safe during the Holiday Season:

Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children.

Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.

Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do.

Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes-particularly long, open sleeves-near open flames - such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelit table.

Never burn candles near evergreens. Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can flare out of control, and send sparks flying into a room, or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits.

Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and eliminate potential danger spots near candles, fireplaces, trees, and/or electrical connections.

 

Source: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.pdf
The Cycle of Domestic Violence  
Incident
  •  Any type of abuse occurs (physical/sexual/emotional)
Tension Building
  • Abuser starts to get angry
  • There is a breakdown of communication
  • Victim feels the need to keep the abuser calm
  • Tension becomes too much
  • Victim feels like they are 'walking on egg shells" 
Making-Up
  • Abuser may apologize for abuse
  • Abuser may promise it will never happen again
  • Abuser may blame the victim for causing the abuse
  • Abuser may deny abuse took place or say it was not as bad as the victim claims
Calm
  •  Abuser acts like the abuse never happened
  • Physical abuse may not be taking place
  • Promises made during 'making-up' may be met
  • Victim may hope that the abuse is over
  • Abuser may give gifts to victim
 
 
 
Welcome New Staff

Dale Robin-Gross began her journey seventeen years ago as a Marriage and Family Therapist. As a graduate of Phillips Graduate Institute, she holds a Masters Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her experience as a teacher for many years in the inner city at Dorsey High School provides a rich perspective. She received training and worked at the Valley Trauma Center in Adoption promotion which is one specialization and one of her passions. Dale also has received her sexual assault certification from Valley Trauma Center. As a registered intern with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in Sacramento, her expertise lies in issues of adoption, blended families, couples communication, single parent issues, divorce, head injuries recovery/rehabilitation, loss and woman's issues. Dale states that "I am excited about being a part of developing an adoption group here at Valley Women's Center. As a comprehensive Center, we want to expand our services to the public and I look forward to providing adoption support and education to those that want it."
   
Substance Abuse Symptoms 
 
 Friends and family may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increases chances for successful treatment. Signs to watch for include the following:
 
  • Giving up past activities such as sports, homework, or hanging out with new friends
  • Declining grades
  • Aggressiveness and irritability
  • Forgetfulness
  • Disappearing money or valuables
  • Feeling rundown, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal
  • Sounding selfish and not caring about others
  • Use of room deodorizers and incense
  • Paraphernalia such as baggies, small boxes, pipes, and rolling paper
  • Getting drunk or high on drugs on a regular basis
  • Lying, particularly about how much alcohol or other drugs he or she is using
  • Avoiding friends or family in order to get drunk or high
  • Planning drinking in advance, hiding alcohol, drinking or using other drugs alone
  • Having to drink more to get the same high
  • Believing that in order to have fun you need to drink or use other drugs
  • Frequent hangovers
  • Pressuring others to drink or use other drugs
  • Taking risks, including sexual risks
  • Having "blackouts"-forgetting what he or she did the night before
  • Constantly talking about drinking or using other drugs
  • Getting in trouble with the law
  • Drinking and driving
  • Suspension from school or work for an alcohol or drug-related incident  
 Source: www.samsha.org

Substance Abuse Referrals

Valley Women's Center 
(818) 713-8700
 
California Diversion Programs Inc
(818) 716-0188
 
Women's Odyssey Organization Inc
(818) 998-8972 
 
Tarzana Treatment Center
(818) 654-3950

 
Wish List:
  • Desks, Chairs
  • Educational Books
  • Kids Toys/Books
  • Pen Holders
  • Reams of White & Colored Paper
 
 
 
 
 

On October 11, 2009 The Valley Women's Center held its annual fundraiser Vanity Faire Fashion Show and Luncheon, honoring Councilman Dennis P. Zine. The successful event raised funds to continue to provide services for our low-income clients.
Annual Holiday Open House
 December 10, 2009
11:30 a.m- 2:00 p.m.
 
22110 Roscoe Blvd. Suite 204
Canoga Park, CA 91304
 
Call (818) 713-8700 to RSVP

Groups Running in December  

 Monday               Parenting Class:                                     6:00- 7:30 p.m.  (Shari and Tiffany) 
 
Tuesday               Anger Management:                                5:00-6:30 p.m.   (Brian and Tiffany)
 
Wednesday          DV Support Group:                                  10:00-11:30 a.m.(Kim and Laleh) 
 
                            Addiction Education:                              5:00- 6:00 p.m. (Brian and Edith)
 
Thursday              Parenting Class:                                     6:00-7:30 p.m.  (Kim and Bob)
 
Friday                   DV Support Group:                                10:00-11:30 a.m.  (Kim and Laleh)
 
Saturday              Relapse Prevention:                                 9:00-10:30 a.m. (Shari and Natasha)
 

Adoption Support Group Now Forming! Call Dale at (818) 713-8700 for more information.  
 
 
Valley Women's Center | 22110 Roscoe Blvd. Ste. 204 | Canoga Park | CA | 91304