LINKSC E L E B R A T I N G 3 3 Y E A R S O F S E R V I C E

Winter 2015 Volume 29, Number 4

SERVING AUTAUGA, BUTLER, CHILTON, CRENSHAW, ELMORE, LOWNDES, AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES

MONTGOMERY AREA FAMILY VIOLENCE PROGRAM, INC.

Family Sunshine CenterBoard of Directors

PresidentShavon T. Charlot

Immediate Past PresidentAndrea McCain

Vice PresidentLucy Martin Jackson

TreasurerJeri S. Groce

SecretaryJessica Hardy

LéNetta BanksElizabeth S. Burt

Pam BryanHannah Chadee

Heather Coleman DavisD’Linell Finley

Tammy Knight FlemingPeggy GivhanKathy Gunter

Teresa S. JohnstonE. Baxter MorrisWalter OverbyAnne Permaloff

Ellen StoneAzzie Taylor

Jonathan VegaR.B. Walker

Sam Whalum, Jr.Kelli Wise

Stalkerware

The Stalking Resource Center reports that6.6 million people are stalked in one yearin the U.S., and 76 percent of femicidevictims have been stalked by theirintimate partner. Now, with the wideavailability of commercial spyware, thestalker has another powerful tool to use.According to NPR’s All Tech Considered, anastonishing 85 percent of the shelters theysurveyed report working directly withvictims who say their intimate partnerstalked them using GPS, with 75 percentreporting the use of remote surveillancetools like spyware.

One popular spywareprogram, Stealthgenie,claims it is so easy toinstall that “even yourgrandad will bemonitoring phones in notime!” According to ablog post onWorkplacetablet.com, ten minutes alonewith a cell phone is all a stalker needs toinstall the spyware. Once the software isinstalled, it erases any trace of itselfexcept for what looks like a legitimate file,such as “android.sys,”which looks like itbelongs on the phone. Another spywareprogram, mSpy can remotely record callsmade from or received on the phone;restrict calls from certain numbers; viewany text message; read emails; track GPSlocation; view browser history, favoritesand block websites; access calendar,address book, and contacts; managewireless connections; track Skype calls andread Skype messages; monitor WhatsApp,Snapchat and other social networks;remotely snap photos with no sound orflash, view surroundings; listen in on any

conversations occurring within range ofthe phone; monitor and block anyapplications on the device; see allkeyboard strokes entered; view all photosand videos; device wipeout - resets thedevice and destroys all data; render thedevice useless by locking it.

While it is difficult to detect stalkerwareon mobile devices (which include phones,tablets and some iPod/mp3 players) it canbe done. A battery that drains faster thanusual, strange background noises whencalls are made, a phone that suddenlylights up and becomes active for no

reason are all possible indicatorsthat spyware has beeninstalled. An iPhonewould have to bejailbroken beforespyware could be

installed. ‘Installer app,’ ‘cydia’or ‘icy’ on the home screen, indicate thephone has been jailbroken. Also, if all appson the phone are not listed in the user’sApple store account it means the phonehas been jailbroken. Updating theoperating system is the easiest way toremove the spyware and the jailbreak, butdata should be backed up first.

Surveillance has always been part ofdomestic violence. In the past, a victimwould have been followed around by astalker. Now stalkers can sit back andwatch from the comfort of their own sofa,or from their desk at work.

January is Stalking Awareness Month.Please take a moment to ensure all yourdevices are safely private, and share thisinformation with friends.

It’s so easy to install you won’t even realize it’s recordingyour every move

CARES Program brings attention to the impact of childhoodtrauma

One in four American youth experience a traumatic event by the age of 16, and many of thesechildren experience multiple or repeated traumas.

Childhood trauma if left untreated can interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate and learnand can have an impact on brain development. Symptoms can include: depression, inability tohave or sustain relationships, feelings of shame, behavioral responses that are “zoned out” or“off the walls”. Some children try to avoid talking or feeling anything about what has happened.Symptoms vary depending on the child’s age and developmental level.

The Family Sunshine Center CARES Projectsponsored its second annual community-wide training on child trauma on October23, 2014 at the AUM Taylor Center inMontgomery, in efforts to bring attentionto the impact of trauma, and to increaseawareness and knowledge of trauma-informed care within the River Regioncommunity.

Essentially, trauma-informed care involves a purposeful, therapeutic approach to individualsexposed to trauma and can operate on many levels. It can be provided to a child within anylevel of care--inpatient, residential treatment facilities, foster care, shelters, detention, securejuvenile treatment facilities, schools, home and community. Trauma informed care involves aprovision of care that is trauma competent. The CARES Program uses and trains other cliniciansin Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidenced-based treatment modelproven effective with children 3-18 years old.

The training served 210 individuals from various disciplines (education, counseling, social work,court systems, DHR, police, and the military) within the River Region as well as other citiesthroughout Alabama. The training was an overall success. Ninety-eight percent of attendeeswho completed an evaluation indicated that they were better able to identify how traumaticexperiences impact and affect children and adolescents. Ninety-four percent indicated that thetraining helped increase their knowledge about trauma informed care for children andadolescents.

With an increased understanding of childhood trauma reactions, the hope is to reduceautomatically labeling the child’s behavior and consider the role that traumatic experiences orexposure may play in behavioral symptoms.

The third annual training is scheduled for October 22, 2015. For questions about this and otherCARES Program trainings, call Dena Sabb, CARES Training Coordinator, at 334-206-2100, ext. 130.

If you know of a child who has witnessed or experienced trauma and is exhibiting any of thereactions described, please call the Family Sunshine Center 24 hour crisis line at 334-263-0218.

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Dear Gentle Reader,

I was working late one recentThursday night at the same time theCARES Program was having theirmonthly Family Night, a night whenthe advisory group, composed ofparents of the children participating inCARES counseling services, wasmeeting. When the Advisory groupformed, the parents told us they notonly want their children to receivecounseling, but they also want tohave fun family times so that thechildren are not always focused onthe abuse and trauma they haveexperienced. During the month ofNovember, they chose to celebrateThanksgiving, and the aromas waftingthrough the hallway made my mouthwater.

When services are in progress I alwaystry to keep my distance so as not toinfringe on the privacy of clients inthe building. I was working on mycomputer when I heard WandaBowden, the CARES Director, say “Ijust have to tell you this.” Her facehad the biggest smile as she said, “Itjust does not get any better than this!The little children are in a groupputting turkey feathers in pine cones;

Dear Gentle Reader

Continued next page

Awareness, Prevention and Training Links

After 21 long years I finally just left. I should have done it actually on our wedding night 22 yearsago. I’ll never forget that night. After our wedding ceremony, he disappeared. Apparently thiswould set a precedent for the whole marriage. He finally came back home drunk and mean. Afterbreaking out windows of our rental he started in on me. I just took it (shocked and in disbelief) -the insults, the accusations; the anger and hate just spewed out of his mouth since I was an easy

Client LinksA message from a client

For the last several years, FSC Public Affairs Director Melanie Beasley has held focus groups withshelter residents to determine what brought them to the center, what services have helpedthem the most, and how they would recommend the center reach others who are in need ofshelter or counseling services. “My first big surprise was how much these women needed totalk about what went on in their lives, and how many commonalities there were among theirstories,” Beasley said.

Most residents heard about the center from friends or relatives. One saw a poster on the backof a restroom door in WalMart. Most residents Beasley spoke with agreed that it was a hugeblessing just to rest and sleep through the night when they first came to shelter. Others emphasized the importance of the residents talkingamong themselves, and realizing that perpetrators often use the same methods to keep their victims under their control. “I came here out offear for my life,” said one. Another remarked that she had been held hostage in her home, and she feared a house fire would be the end of herand her infant daughter because all the doors were locked from the outside and there were bars on all the windows and doors. Anotherdescribed the horrible abuse she had experienced through many years before she knew that help was available. She was actually from out-of-state, and not until she moved to Montgomery was she aware that domestic violence shelters existed, and that she and her children could findrefuge from the abuse.

Overall, residents were very relieved to be in shelter, found the staff very nurturing, caring and helpful, appreciated the counseling they receivedand assistance in making a plan for their future. Most of the women had set a goal for themselves to find a way to “give back” to those whowere currently helping them, whether it was to become a nurse, a counselor or social worker, or simply to volunteer in some way when theircircumstances improved.

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Focus groups shed light on “Why Victims Stay”

the older children are togethernaming all of their blessings; and theparents are having a good time beingtogether. It is one of the mostperfect moments I have ever had.”

At the Family Sunshine Center we caneasily understand the importance ofsavoring the golden moments. All ofus see and hear brutal stories, andmany times experience thefrustration of trying to help victimsnavigate the “systems” associatedwith the situation they areexperiencing. But the counselors andsocial workers especially, see andhear a lot of horrible stories. There iseven a label for the stressexperienced by helping professionals.It is called “vicarious trauma.” And itis the Golden Moments, though fewand far between, that we cherish,knowing that our efforts are makinglives better.

Thank you for all of the blessings youshower upon our work and may theyreturn to you.

‘Till next time,

Karen SellersExecutive Director

target because I loved him and I was carrying our child. I spent many a night running throughour neighborhood frightened and not knowing where or who to turn to. I always went back.Through the years, I learned to cope with this way of life...in silence...thinking I might be able tohelp him. I told no one, for fear of others not understanding and also the shame and feelingsomehow they would blame me. After all, who would hurt a good wife??? It was not a marriage,and to cope I detached myself emotionally and learned to do everything alone. Maybe mychildhood played into my accepting this unhealthy behavior as I had 3 dads and we were almostkilled by my first stepfather in a drunken rage. We ran from our apartment in the middle of thenight when I was only seven years old.

I arrived in Montgomery on March 1, shaken, but I resolved to make a new start in Dixie awayfrom him. I was told about the Sunshine Center and how they’ve helped women like me. I stillremember how I cried and cried just telling my story and how supportive everyone was. I feltlike a burden had been lifted off of my shoulders - one I had carried a very long time. Throughthe counsleing sessions with Jackie I began to see the person I could become and how I hadbeen ‘squashed’ so many years ago. I began to have hope that maybe, just maybe the secondhalf of my life would be better. I don’t know where I’d be without the Sunshine Center. Theygave me the affirmation I was looking for and the confidence I thought I had lost. Y’know whenone is told from the time they are young that they aren’t good enough, that they wereunworthy of love and see unhealthy relationships that it clouds your thinking of what is wrongand what is right. Jackie helped me to see how very special I am and that I deserve to not onlybe treated with respect, and dignity, but also worthy of love. Isn’t it odd that here I am, 55 yearsold and never knew what love meant? I’ve spent most of my life being mistreated, abused andthought it was something I had done to deserve it...but, she also taught me to forgive and howto move on with my life. I could be angry and bitter, but that’s not a way to live either. Forgive.I’m thankful for Ms. Jackie and the Sunshine Center. They’ve helped me to rebuild my life, getmy confidence back and how to just say no - no to violence, no to emotional and mental abuse,no to being walked on.

I’m 55 now and looking back realize I am stronger than I imagined, smarter than I was told, andworthy of love. I just want my life back and better than before. I long for my own place, a safeplace, and to have peace.

Thanks,DM

Making Homes Safe Havens is taking on a new look next year during a new time of the year. FSC board members and staff are working on makingit a one-night boutique style event to celebrate Domestic Violence Awareness month on October 8th of 2015. In the past, supporters havegraciously opened up their homes to host parties to benefit the Sunshine Center. This year, the Sunshine Center will return the favor and host theparty. The beautiful signature birdhouses, many provided by the Montgomery Art Guild, will still be the center of the event and be up for auctionat the ticketed event in October. The venue has not yet been selected but it is guaranteed to be a beautiful and fun night out with friends andloved ones. Details on how to purchase tickets will be coming soon.

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A new look for Making Homes Safe Havens

Development Links

Tragic loss of son brings memorial gifts to FSC

To any one of us, the loss of a child is devastating. Edward Crowell, Sr.,and his wife Earnestine are no different. I’m sure the day they learnedof their only son’s motorcycle accident was a day that changed both oftheir lives. At the Family Sunshine Center, we join them in mourningthat most profound of losses, and offer our most sincere and heartfeltthanks for the outpouring of financial support the Family SunshineCenter received in memory of their son, Edward Crowell, II. These giftscame from people from all walks of life--friends, co-workers, neighbors,acquaintances, people touched by parents and son alike—who sent to us their offerings of honor, love and respect. “May it besome small measure of consolation to Ed and Earnestine that so many

people shared gifts in their son’s memory, and to know that a gift tothe Family Sunshine Center is a very fitting tribute to one who was socommitted to freedom, independence and following a dream,” said FSCExecutive Director Karen Sellers. Eddie Crowell was an acclaimed artistwith a studio in Miami, Florida. Mr. Crowell, Sr., served as an FSCboard member for many years, and Earnestine has been a long-timeadvocate for the FSC mission with the legislature.

Please note that the memorial list on page 5 only includes gifts madethrough November 30, 2014. Any memorials after that date will beincluded in the April 2015 issue of LINKS

April 18, 2015, 5 p.m. • Bartlett Ranch755 Old Carter Hill Road, Pike Road, Alabama

Call 206-2100 or email events@familysunshine.org for more information and to purchase tickets

The second annual Ranch Roundup is scheduled for April 18th at theBartlett Ranch. It will be a regular hoedown! There will be deliciousfood provided by Jim n’ Nick’s, live music to get you swinging by theLo-Fi Loungers, libations to quench your thirst, and games galore forpatrons to play that will benefit FSC’s mission! Some of the fun gameswill be Jail & Bail, Mug Slide, and Wine Toss among others. You’ll also

be able to document your fun by grabbing some western props andtaking a picture in our photo booth with your favorite partners!Everyone will have a great time in an effort to bring an end todomestic violence and sexual assault and foster hope and healing.Tickets are selling fast so call 206-2100 to get yours today! Prices are$50 per person, $80 per couple and $300 per table.

When I was growing up, my grandmotheralways said, “One good turn deservesanother.” I didn’t know exactly what thatmeant at the time, but have since come tolearn that it simply means “paying it forward.”That’s exactly what one business executive didin recent weeks. Having served a long careerunder the tutelage of the Weil family inMontgomery at Weil Brothers Cotton, AustinWade observed the importance of giving backto his community.

Now in his second career, he recognized anopportunity to give back, and has donated a

minimum of $500 to provide translationservices for victims of family violence/sexualassault served by the Family Sunshine Centerthrough his current employer, CyraCom. Atthe November 19 meeting of the FSC Board ofDirectors, Mr. Wade presented the check toFSC Board President Shavon Charlot, and didso in honor of his mentors at Weil BrothersCotton.

The translation service, Wade said, willexpand the scope of services the FamilySunshine Center provides to "the otherlanguage communities in the area.” FSC staff

had called Mr. Wade about a specific case. Atthat time, Wade thought, “If you need helpwith one family, you might need help withmore."

The Weil family was honored and humbled bythis gesture, and very happy to know that FSCnow has translation services available to it forthe next three years via CyraCom.

CyraCom has 1,500 interpreters throughoutthe United States. The company also providesall the services for Ronald McDonald Housesthroughout the country.

Austin Wade and CyraCom Pay it Forward By Melanie Beasley

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Honorariums & MemorialsSeptember 1, 2014 — november 30, 2014

HonoRARIuMS

In honor of Daryl Bailey Mr. & Mrs. David O. BeasleyIn honor of Lee Beck Ms. Janet M. WallerIn honor of Cathi Blaylock Mr. & Mrs. David O. BeasleyIn honor of Lil Conoly Ms. Leslie R. PrimIn honor of Lucy Harper Ms. Amy CookIn honor of Debra Ann Johnson Mr. & Mrs. David O. Beasley

In honor of Mary Frances Krause My. & Mrs. M. Philip MantelIn honor of Mrs. Grace L. Mann Mr. & Mrs. Lane MannIn honor of Kristine & Philip Mantel Mr. & Mrs. M. Philip MantelIn honor of Shirley McKenzie Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. HodgesIn honor of Coach John McWilliams, III Mr. & Mrs. David O. Beasley Mr. & Mrs. Dave WiggintonIn honor of John & Betty Reeves Mrs. Mamie M. Sellers

In honor of Gray Ryan Ms. Leslie R. PrimIn honor of Mrs. Mamie Sellers Mrs. Joseph R. SnyderIn honor of Karen Beasley Sellers Mr. & Mrs. David O. BeasleyIn honor of Mrs. Karen Sellers & Staff Col. and Mrs. Eddie C. NorrellIn honor of Sandy Smith Mr. Robert N. HarrisonIn honor of Shavon Charlot and Baby A Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Beeker

MEMoRIAlS

In memory of Howard Alexander Mr. & Mrs. H.F. BoppIn memory of Mary Joyce Taylor Beasley Mr. James W. BeasleyIn memory of Edward Crowell, II Alabama House of Representatives Staff Members Alabama State Legislature Reapportionment Office: Cynthia Dillard Margaret Rogers Bonnie Shanholtzer Donna Shanholtzer Martha Tyson Amerifirst Bank Directors, Officers & Employees Mr. C. Porter Bannister, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jerry L. Bassett Mr. & Mrs. Jere Beasley Mr. D. Marcel Black BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Mr. Jim Brown Mr. Koven Brown Ms. Holle Christiansz Mrs. Linda B. Christy Mr. & Mrs. Steven Chromey Bill Cobb and Associates, Inc. Mr. Gary Cobbs

Ms. Penelope Davis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Flowers Mr. & Mrs. James D. Floyd Franklin Resource Group, LLC A.G. Gaston Construction Company, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Logan B. Gray Mr. John D. Harrison Mr. Jeremy Jackson Mr. & Mrs. James K. & Margaret Lowder Mr. & Mrs. Ronald B. Luther Mr & Mrs. James S. Mackin, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. John McMillan Miller Development Group Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Montgomery Area Committee of 100 Col. & Mrs. Eddie C. Norrell Ms. Kathy Pratt Mr. & Mrs. William J. Stevens The Thompson Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Stephen R. Windom Mr. & Mrs. James A. WitheringtonIn memory of Clayton Edward Dunavant Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Calkin Mr. & Mrs. John M. Foshee, Jr. Medical Education Assistance Corporation Mr. & Mrs. Jerry H. Robinson Mr. & Mrs. Cameron West

In memory of Judy Eisenstadt Ms. Carol J. HonakerIn memory of Linda Gill Mr. & Mrs. William G. CumbieIn memory of Merle Haynes Mr. & Mrs. David O. Beasley Mr. & Mrs. Craig Brantley Chambless-Math and Carr P.C. Easter Seals-Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf Mr. Richard M. Kennamer Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Martin Mr. & Mrs. Tom C. Sellers Mrs. Tommie H. Smith Ms. Voncile W. Talley Mr. & Mrs. E.J. Turner, Jr.In memory of Mrs. Lucy Spain Jackson Mr. & Mrs. Louis C. Cardinal, IIIIn memory of Selma Lemley Mr. & Mrs. David O. Beasley Mr. & Mrs. Craig Brantley Mr. & Mrs. Tom C. SellersIn memory of Mr. Luther Jackson McGaughy Mr. & Mrs. Louis C. Cardinal, IIIIn memory of the Robinson Children Mr. & Mrs. Steve M. SearcyIn memory of Anita Washington Netrages Tennis Team - USTA League

We appreciate each gift and strive for accuracy in donor recognition. If there is an error, please contact the development office at 206-2100.

A list of financial and in-kind donors can be found on our website at familysunshine.org/give/donors.

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Jane Allen • Candyce Anderson • Jennifer Anderson • Myriam Angell • Theresa Armstrong • Fannie Ashley • Daryl Bailey • LéNetta Banks • Dr.Glen Bannister • First Lady Dianne Bentley • Judge Delores Boyd • Arnold Bradshaw • Ben Bradshaw • Kathleen Brown • Pam Bryan • BarbaraBullock • Marisabel Burge • Juanita Burney • Elizabeth Burt • Glenn Campbell • Shanice Carter • Ellen Charlot • Shavon Charlot • ShelbyChurchwell • Edith Clemons • Olivia Collins • Dr. David Coombs • Wal'shannon Crawford • Heather Coleman Davis • T'Keiyah Davis • Walter Davis• Jayde DeLoach • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • LaDarius Downs • Exchange Club • Faulkner University Women's Basketball Team • Faye'sPhenomenal Falcons • Connie Felder • Dr. D'Linell Finley • Karen Fisher • Jessica Fowler • Stefany Gaines • Gamma Sigma Sigma • Sherry Gilliard• GracePointe Church of Christ • Jeri Groce • Kathy Gunter • Carolyn Gwin • Jessica Hardy • Lucy Harper • Bob Harrison • James Henderson, M.D.• Annie Hennagin • Carol Brewbaker Hodges • Morgan Holladay • J. Ryan Humphreys, M.D. • Ann Marie Jackson • Lucy Martin Jackson • FayeShaw Jenkins • Teresa Johnston • Tay Knight • Charlie Lane • Morgan Lang • Katie Lange • Fred Large • Lynda Large • Helen Loeb • Casey Long,M.D. • Christine Mandry • Bill Marks • Robert McCaa • Andrea McCain • Zenene McCullough • Karistla McDowell • John McWilliams, III • JohnMcWilliams, IV • Yvonne Messer • Brenda Mitchell • The Montgomery Academy • Ximena Moore • Ingrid Morales • Baxter Morris • MicheleMurphy • Susan Nimmer • Chigozie Obiaka, M.D. • Katie O'Mailia • Walter Overby • Dr. Anne Permaloff • Susie Person • Jamie Pruitt • JasinghRajput, M.D. • David Reid • Alison Robinson • Alexis Rogers • Chiara Romano • Francesca Romano • Jesica Romano • Dena Sabb • BrittanySanders • Ashlei Seals • Steve Searcy • Mamie Sellers • Rose Shook • Erin Sloan • Southside Church of Christ • Hunter Starkie • Ellen Stone •Strait Gate Christian Center • Hilda Swain • Azzie Taylor • Melissa Taylor • Amelia Thornton • Trinity Presbyterian School • Jonathan Vega •Robert Wagstaff • RB Walker • Dr. Laura Ward • Shameca Welch • Sam Whalum, Jr. • James Whitehead • Dave Wigginton • Dee Wrencher •Debby Yarbrough

Thank you to our Volunteers September – october, 2014

Volunteer Links

AFP Honors Family Sunshine Center Donors

Congratulations to winners of the 2014 Alabama FundraisingProfessionals Philanthropy awards, Tomi Selby with InformationTransport Solutions and the family of Adolph Weil, Jr. Family SunshineCenter, a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals,nominated these individuals.

Each year, a foundation established by the Weil family provides oftenlife-saving and always life-changing donations to organizations toadvance the arts, education, healthcare, the environment and servicesfor adults and children pursuing a safe and better life. Thoseorganizations include the Alabama Dance Theatre, AlabamaShakespeare Festival, the Capri Film Society, Alabama Public Radio,Montgomery Symphony, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts,Montgomery Zoo, American Red Cross, Hospice of Montgomery, Boysand Girls Club, Brantwood Children’s Home, and, of course, the FamilySunshine Center, among others. In addition, years ago, Laurie Weil,together with her friend and colleague Kathy Sawyer, founded CampSunshine for girls. This camping experience was designed to offereducational, cultural and fitness experiences (plus plain fun) to girlswho otherwise would not have access to camping experiences. Theylater expanded this effort to include boys. These family members alsocontribute countless hours of board leadership and service, helpfuladvice and boundless friendship to advance those programs and valuesthey hold important in their community. All told, the family hasbrought immeasurable change, opportunity and joy to lives, young andold, through outreach, education and charitable giving.

Selby is a strong believer in corporate citizenship, and, each year forthe last eight years, has hosted a golf tournament to help localcharitable causes. Through the years, through the golf tournaments aswell as through the business, they have supported such worthy causesas the Family Sunshine Center, the Jason Michael Hilty ScholarshipFund, the Imagination Library of Elmore County, Children’s Harbor,Special Olympics, Multiple Sclerosis Association, the Boys and GirlsClub of the River Region and other children’s and wellness

organizations. In addition to significant monetary gifts to the FamilySunshine Center, ITS has also offered valuable information systemsadvice and is currently trying to upgrade the center’s capacity tocommunicate using the most modern technology.

FSC Honors Generous Donors

The lobby of ServisFirst Bank in downtown Montgomery was open andfilled with people long after banking hours in October as the bankhosted the 2nd annual Family Sunshine Center event honoring Circle ofSunshine members—individuals or groups who make an annualcontribution of $1,000 or more to the center.

“For years, we visited and revisited ways to honor our most generousdonors, and finally decided on establishing the Circle of Sunshine. But,we did not have the funds to honor those Circle of Sunshine membersthe way we would like to until ServisFirst stepped up and offered tohost a party for us. We cannot thank them enough. Neither can wethank a very special, very generous group of donors enough. Theydefinitely help sustain us through each year,” said Karen Sellers.

While many of the $1,000-plus donors remain with the agency year-after-year, the goal is to develop more Circle of Sunshine members byencouraging those who are already very close to the mark to give justa little more, and making people aware of this elite circle of givers inhopes that some who have the means to help are inspired to do so.Special thanks are extended to Carl Barker, Ray Petty and other ServisFirst Bank leaders for adopting the Family Sunshine Center cause andhelping the agency honor its donors; to the Rosewood String Quartetfor their continued service to the cause; to caterers and bartenderswho provided wonderful food and drink; and to Family SunshineCenter board members, volunteers and staff for helping organize theevent and ensure its success.

If you would like additional information about the Circle of Sunshine,please contact the Development Department at 334.206.2100.

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Holiday LinksThe FSC sends out a big Thank You to it’s Holiday Donors and Volunteers!Ada Assembly #19 Golden CircleAir Force ROTC Southeast RegionAir National GuardAlabama Artificial Limb & Orthopedic ServiceAlabama Department of Education

– Career Tech SectionAlabama Education AssociationAlabama Power Service OrganizationJane AllenALFA EmployeesAlliance Insurance Group, LLCAlpha Delta Kappa – Omicron ChapterAnonymousAntioch Baptist ChurchAuburn University Montgomery

Continuing EducationOutreach

Autauga County Dometic Violence Task ForceRobyn BakerBaptist Health ORBath & Body Works – EastchaseBath & Body Works – PrattvilleCorey BeasleyBeasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PCCharity BeemonBlount Elementary SchoolKristy BowenNancy BradfordCraig, Jenny, Joe & Heather BrantleyJudith BryanRenee BurchCarol BurchettElizabeth BurtHenry ChappellShavon CharlotCheryl ChisholmChristChurchChurch of the HighlandsCindy ClarkCharlotte ClevelandThe CME Church – Montgomery-Phenix City-Opelika

District Board of Christian Education Dept.Lee CobbCreek CasinoGlenn & Jennifer CrumptonBrooks & Catherine DarbyDay Street Baptist ChurchTravis DeFoor, Jr.Delta Kappa GammaDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Rebecca & Wendell DevereuxDillard’s EastChaseDr. Sharon Everhardt & studentsFaithwalk MinistriesFaulkner University – JPILF,

Women’s Legal Society, Phi Alpha DeltaFederal Defenders – Middle District of AlabamaFederated GroupFedEx – MontgomeryFirst Baptist Church

Ricki Dobbs SS ClassGreg Wren SS Class

First Christian Church Disciples of ChristFirst United Methodist ChurchForest Hills Neighborhood Association

Sherry GilliardGirl Scout Troop 9418Golden CircleGracePointe Church of ChristCathy GrassianoGreek Ladies of PhiloptchesDawn GriffittsGood Samaritan Baptist ChurchGood Samaritan Ministries, Inc.Goodwin Animal HospitalJean GougeGunwhild Grant-PhillipsJeri GroceHalcyon Elementary SchoolLauren & Michael HarperLauren HamillHCS GroupHeritage Sunday School ClassJohn HolmesHope Hull United Methodist ChurchJ. HubbardHuntingdon College

Go & ServeSigma Tau Delta

Marcy L. IngramIron Warriors Motorcycle ClubLucy JacksonJackson Hospital – Nursing AdministratorsJackson Surgery Center – Recovery RoomJohnson & Johnson InsuranceKappa Delta SororityKing’s Table Catering – Al SteinekerKoch Foods of Alabama, LLCKudzu Quilters GuildKyungshinLearPatricia LewisMaxwell Air Force Base

Federal BOPJudge Advocate General SchoolNCOIC

Alexa McCantsMiranda McMeansGloria McMillanMcMillain International Academy – 5th gradeMerrill LynchKristy Milton FamilyMind & Body Spa - Staff & ClientsMontgomery Business & Professional WomenMontgomery County Bar Association

Women’s SectionMontgomery DHR JOBS ProgramMontgomery Job Corps CenterMontgomery Water WorksPat MoorehouseIngrid MoralesRev. E. Baxter Morris

National Association of Women in ConstructionNew Freedom Deliverance Worship CenterNew Life COGICNorthview Safe Harbor ChurchPeace of Christ Cenacle of the MCAAnne PermaloffPrattville Exchange ClubRaggedy Angels Ministry of St. James UMCRamer Civic ClubJohn & Lynn RayRecon Builders, Inc.Ridgefield Garden ClubRite Way ServiceRiver Region Alternative Gift FairSettra RobertsAlexis RogersMartha RogersRoss Stores, Inc.John RyleeSaveATripp – Tripp Clements CleanersSharpe FamilyBeverly SharpeSherlock Smith & Adams, Inc.Shiloh Baptist Church MatronsRose ShookMargaret SmithGail Snider and Down the Street CafeSouthern Pride Elk’s LodgeSpirit and Truth MinistriesSpiritual Book Study & Dream GroupJoanne StaleyStanhope Elmore High School – Beta ClubHunter StarkieStarr Baptist ChurchDrs. Steineker & Dillon – staffJoyce StewartSt. James United Methodist ChurchSuccess Unlimited AcademyTaziki’s Mediterranean CafeTrenholm State Technical CollegeTri Community Development CorporationTroy University MontgomeryRandy Tucker, BlueCross BlueShield of AlabamaUnited States Air Force SNCO AcademyUSPFO-ALVani Cakes: Specialty Cakes and CupcakesVaughn Road Elementary SchoolRobert WagstaffWarren Averett, LLCJoan WelschWomen of Hope Standing TogetherWestminster Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian WomenWord of Life ChurchYMCA Goodtimes

Cash donations, items from the wish list, family adoptions, angel trees, Thanksgiving mealsand special meals for staff; volunteers for our client party and wrapping presents for clients!We want to thank everyone who helped make this such a special time for the clients andemployees of the Family Sunshine Center!

Please note, this reflects assistance the center recieved or knew to expect by December 18. Ifyou see an error, please let us know, 334.206.2100.

Montgomery Area Family Violence Program, Inc./d.b.a./

Family Sunshine Center

P.O. Box 5160Montgomery, AL 36103-5160

Office: 334.206.2100 24-Hour Crisis Line 1.800.650.6522 24-Hour Local Crisis Line (collect calls accepted) 334.263.0218 TTY Hotline for the Hearing Impaired 1.800.787.3224 Fax: 334.206.2111

www.familysunshine.org

The Family Sunshine Center is a River Region & Chilton County United Way Agency.

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #647

Montgomery, AL

Our Mission: To end family violence and sexual assault, and foster hope and healing through crisis intervention, advocacy, and community education.

This project was supported by an anonymous donor, and by Subgrant #13-FV-VS-009 awarded by ADECA/the Administration for Children andFamilies/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publicationare those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ADECA/the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Mission Moment

Several Sundays ago I made a short visit to our shelter. Of course, I parked in the secured client parking lot and expected tojump out and do my business fairly quickly. However, as I was heading to the door, three clients came up to me, arm-in-arm,and asked if I worked for the Family Sunshine Center. “Yes. I do,” I said. They all gave me a hug and said a personal thank-you for “what you do.” They went on to say how much better their livers were . . . that they had all gone to church togetherthat morning, and, at least for one, it was the first time she’d been able to go to church in a very long time. Needless to say,these women made my day, and certainly made my trip to work on a Sunday totally worthwhile. So, please know, those ofyou who work at the FSC, volunteer, donate, provide board service or otherwise give of your time, talents or treasures, yourefforts are deeply appreciated. I could tell by the smiles on the faces of some very encouraged and uplifted women on arecent Sunday afternoon. – Melanie Beasley

Happy New Year!We wish you the very best in the coming year!