Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence Through the Rachel Coalition
by Carol Marcus
Rachel Coalition is a gratifying demonstration of how a few good women can see a problem, roll up their sleeves, and dramatically change the lives of women in need.
In 1997, at a Women’s Division Board meeting, the JFS Executive Director shared the plight of Jewish women in the MetroWest community who were in fear for their lives because of violence they were experiencing in their relationships. Through a grassroots collaborative effort, we raised money and built the Rachel Coalition from the ground up. I am really proud of what we have accomplished. Domestic Violence has not gone away, but many women and children have been saved. We invite Women’s Philanthropy volunteers to join us.
Rachel Coalition depends on volunteers and donors to keep its services and programs operating smoothly and consistently. Our volunteer opportunities range from working directly with clients to working behind the scenes. Our organization epitomizes the concept of volunteering, leading by example, and working within the community to help individuals and children overcome the ravages of domestic violence.
“My passion for the Coalition is the gratification all of us receive when we experience children, adults, and families who have overcome incredible obstacles and are now leading healthy productive lives after receiving Rachel Coalition’s help,” said Sheri Wolfson, chair of the Rachel Coalition Steering Committee.
Women’s Philanthropy members can attend or become involved in our various outreach and education programs and can join one of our committees, such as legal or fundraising. They can receive training to become court advocates or a member of a domestic violence response team, facilitate or volunteer at our In Her Shoes programs, or help plan a community event.
Rachel Coalition Court Advocate Program
After participating in a 40-hour training program, volunteers support and assist victims during the restraining order process at Essex County Family Court. Bonnie Finkelstein, who has been a Court Advocate Volunteer for the past year and a half, described her experience:
“I am a court advocate once each week at the Essex County Courthouse. I have worked with some wonderful, brave, and very scared women. They exhibit the strength to file for a restraining order against a spouse or boyfriend. It isn’t easy. When I meet them, they are total strangers. I greet them, listen to their stories, and answer their questions as best I can. They don’t know what to expect in the courtroom and are not sure if they’ve done the right thing taking these actions. I have gone into the courtroom with many of these women. Often times the person they are filing against is in the courtroom at another table. Where they find the strength and courage to tell their story to the judge is beyond me! When their case has been called and they have finished, I try to talk with them again and tell them what a brave thing they’ve done. Between their tears and hugs they are busy thanking me! All I have done is give them that little push to continue and fight for what they deserve. They should only know how much they have done for me. Being a court advocate may be one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.”
Domestic Violence Response Team
Rachel Coalition trains individuals to participate in Domestic Violence Response Teams. Each municipality in the state is required to have a Domestic Violence Response Team and Rachel Coalition oversees training for all Essex County municipalities.
“Volunteers will be called to come to police stations to speak with victims of domestic violence, be supportive, and explain what their legal rights are in terms of safety and acquiring restraining orders against violent spouses,” stated Suzanne Groisser, JD, coordinator, Rachel Coalition Legal Services.
In Her Shoes
In Her Shoes is an interactive volunteer-led workshop that helps participants experience the hurdles and challenges victims of abuse encounter while seeking help. The program has been taken to college campuses, corporations, synagogues, halfway houses, and elsewhere. Linda Tarr, a volunteer with In Her Shoes, explained:
“In Her Shoes was eye-opening. The program enabled me to temporarily experience life as a domestic violence victim and better understand what happens before a victim decides to reach out for help. After participants walk in the shoes of the domestic violence victims, they discuss their experiences with other audience members. Because I thought In Her Shoes was such a powerful learning tool, I decided that I would love to help other community members experience it. I find it very rewarding to do so. The program is always well received. Every group that I present to is different, but we never fail to have lively and engaging discussions about domestic violence.”
Rachel Coalition has many other community events, including our very popular Run for Rachel. Women’s Philanthropy had its own team participate in the Run this year, for which we are very appreciative.
A candlelight vigil will take place on October 15, 2015 at the Memorial Oval in Livingston. Please mark your calendars and save the date. To learn more about any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Sylvia Heller, Coordinator of Community Programming, at sheller@jfsmetrowest.org or (973) 765-9050 ext. 1708.