• 45 Ways Volunteer Recognition Day

    by User Not Found | Mar 29, 2023

    Volunteer Recognition Week is April 17-23, and we are celebrating by spotlighting a few of our many volunteers who go above and beyond for our clients. If you are interested in how you can volunteer at The Family Place, click here

    Dallas Service Forum provides home cooked meals to our Central Dallas Counseling Center every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. This dedicated group of volunteers has served clients of The Family Place for nearly five years, bringing laughs and smiles into the building every month. 

    The Doulas from North Dallas Doula Associates have provided home cooked meals to our Ann Moody Place residential clients multiple times and have hosted drives for us including their annual diaper drive. They are continuously spreading the word of The Family Place and showing their support.  

    Cecilia and Dr. Tim Norwood have donated to The Family Place since 1985. In 2018, they started volunteering by donating Christmas gifts and starter kits. They have continued their volunteer work by putting the clients needs first by donating brand new items of our biggest needs every time. Their dedication is shown through their detailed work of labeling every single item clearly for us to easily distribute among our shelters.   

    And finally, thank you to all of our 2023 event chairs. These amazing individuals have dedicated their time and effort into helping make The Family Place events the successes that they are, raising critical funds for our programs.

    Thank you to ALL of The Family Place volunteers who donate your valuable time to keep our clients feeling safe and at home. 

  • 45 Ways The Family Place Be Project

    by User Not Found | Mar 29, 2023

    Our Be Project works to prevent sexual assault through increased awareness. The program is called Be Project to encourage students to Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Courageous, and Be More with a 10-week program designed to teach skills for healthy relationships. The curriculum addresses topics such as: 

    • Gender roles and expectations 

    • Dating violence 

    • Boundaries 

    • Communication skills 

    • Managing emotions 

    • Building empathy and respecting diversity 

      

    Presentations for parents and other influential adults teach them how to Be Informed. Information shared includes these warning signs that a teen may be in an abusive relationship: 

      

    • Decrease in self-esteem since entering the relationship. 

    • The interests, values, and desires of their partner dominate the relationship. 

    • Their partner is using name calling, threats, intimidations, insults, manipulation, physical or sexual abuse. 

    • Their partner feels entitled to be in control and always decides how things will be. 

    • They are afraid to break up, and the partner will not leave them alone. 

    • The teen no longer spends time with friends and only spends time with their partner. 

    • The teen receives constant text messages from their partner. 

      

  • 45 WAYS National Child Abuse Prevention Month

    by User Not Found | Mar 29, 2023

    The Family Place provides comprehensive services that positively impact child survivors of family violence, keeping them safe and creating a pathway to brighter futures. These programs include: 

     
    Emergency Shelter provides family violence survivors with safety, food, clothing, transportation, legal services, counseling, and case management services at three shelter locations. 

     
    Supportive Living Program provides long-term housing, education, and training to help survivors rebuild their lives in 25 on-site apartments at our Safe Campus. 
     
    Children’s Educational Services provides full-time childcare, a K-2 Learning Center and after-school/summer program for school-age children with a curriculum written for the unique needs of traumatized children at the Safe Campus. 
     
    Onsite Medical and Dental Clinics provide health assessment, screenings, immunizations, and care at our Safe Campus and Ann Moody Place. 
     
    Children’s Counseling uses play therapy and activity-based programming to help children who have witnessed family violence change the way they look at the world. 
     
    Faith and Liberty’s Place provides court-ordered supervised visitation and monitored exchange sto families with a history of family violence. 

    Children from violent homes may be developmentally delayed, are more likely to be ill or under-immunized, have lower self-esteem, find it difficult to interact appropriately with peers, have poor problem-solving skills, difficulty managing anger, and often have trouble trusting adults. The children that The Family Place serves are traumatized by both family violence and poverty. We’ve designed our programs to address these special needs and help children thrive while protecting them from witnessing violence and experiencing abuse.  

    Our programs have grown to address the comprehensive needs of family violence survivors and work to prevent violence from continuing into the next generation by identifying trauma and helping children increase their language skills, increase their fine and gross motor skills, feel an enhanced sense of safety and well-being, refrain from incidents of physical aggression, and connect to external support services to address special needs. 

    We also address the health needs of children while they are in our care, ensuring immunizations are current, and, in addition to care from our clinic staff, children receive a physical exam from the Parkland Hospital mobile medical van. Our teachers conduct developmental, hearing and vision screenings. Through daily observations, appropriate referrals are made for dental and medical needs, speech therapy, play therapy, or early intervention programs. 

    All our programs for children have been created to let them be kids and see their way to a future without violence.  

  • The Importance of Safety Planning for Survivors of Domestic Violence

    by User Not Found | Feb 23, 2023

    Having a safety plan in place is critical for anyone experiencing domestic violence. The Family Place’s 24-hour crisis hotline—214-941-1991—provides safety planning services to callers in crisis. Our goal is to ensure that 100% of callers are given a safety plan to help them act quickly to protect themselves from danger.

    A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that helps individuals anticipate and prepare for dangerous situations. It outlines steps to take if violence occurs, such as identifying safe places to go or people to call for help. Safety plans can also include information about legal resources, counseling, and other support services that can assist survivors in the aftermath of domestic violence.

    Having a safety plan in place can mean the difference between life and death for survivors of domestic violence. It provides a sense of control and empowers individuals to take action to protect themselves and their children. Our crisis hotline is just one resource at The Family Place that provides safety planning services and connects survivors to other support services that can help them on their journey to safety and healing.

    Safety Planning for Adults

    • Keep your phone charged and with you at all times.
    • Back your car into parking places in case you need to leave quickly.
    • Memorize emergency numbers, such as 911, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), or The Family Place Hotline (214-941-1991).
    • Identify escape routes in your home and practice using them.
    • Keep important documents, such as identification and financial records, in a safe place or with a trusted friend or family member.
    • Have a “go bag” prepared with essentials, such as clothing, medication, and cash.
    • Make a plan for where you can go and whom you can contact for help, such as a friend, family member, or domestic violence shelter.
    • Share your situation with a trusted friend or family member who can support you and offer a safe place to stay if needed.
    • Consider seeking legal assistance or obtaining a restraining order to protect yourself.

    Safety Planning for Kids:

    • Identify a safe place in the home where they can go if they feel scared or unsafe, such as a neighbor’s house or a specific room.
    • Know emergency numbers, such as 911 or a trusted adult’s phone number, and how to use a phone to call for help.
    • Understand that violence is never their fault and that they have the right to be safe.
    • Practice staying calm and quiet during violent incidents.
    • Have a “go bag” prepared with essentials, such as clothing, medication, and comfort items.
    • Talk to a trusted adult about their situation and how they can stay safe, such as a teacher, guidance counselor, or family member.
  • Our Court-Ordered Programs are Critical to Ending Family Violence

    by User Not Found | Feb 23, 2023

    One of the key components of our work to end family violence is our court-ordered programs that help abusers change their behavior and become better parents and future partners. We work closely with Dallas family and criminal courts to provide these services. These programs, Faith & Liberty’s Place and the Battering Intervention & Prevention Program (BIPP), provide a comprehensive approach that teaches abusers how to change their behaviors positively in all relationships. The programs now occupy opposite sides of a new facility that’s the first to combine these services in one location. The programs do not share entrances and exits, ensuring the safety and privacy of all participants, but a common employee space for shared gathering.

    Faith and Liberty’s Place named for Faith and Liberty Battaglia who were murdered by their father during an unsupervised visitation, provides supervised visitation and monitored exchanges for noncustodial parents to interact with their children in a safe and supportive environment. Referrals come from family courts, primarily from child custody cases where there is a history of family violence.

    Our 24-week program for batterers is a crucial part of ending family violence. Through this program, participants learn how to identify and change abusive behaviors, as well as how to have healthy relationships. By providing this program alongside Faith & Liberty’s Place, which also offers parenting classes, we are providing a comprehensive solution to the problem of family violence. Participants in both programs also have access to a range of resources and support at The Family Place, including counseling, legal aid, and case management services.

     

  • Meet Desiree Moore, Child Development Center Program Director

    by User Not Found | Feb 23, 2023

    With more than 10 years of experience in teaching, Desiree Moore brings skills from various teaching genres and overseeing and directing schools with high-quality curriculums to her role as program director of our Child Development Center. Desiree has a passion for innovative thinking and creativity and works with a team of teachers and educational psychologists to make sure our Child Development Center provides high-quality care and education. Her dedication to innovation ensures that the center stays in line with the latest trends and practices in child development.

    Desiree leads a team of teachers and staff members in implementing child development programs, ensuring that each child’s needs are met while maintaining compliance with all state regulations. Desiree is also responsible for developing policies and procedures that promote the highest level of care and education for our children.

    Prior to this role, Desiree was the director of education at The Family Place, which allowed her to provide strategic leadership in all our education programs ensuring that they align with our mission and values. Prior to joining The Family Place, she held various leadership positions, including at The Goddard School and Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers. She has also worked with Texas A&M on implementing programs in early childhood to create a healthy, fun way of learning for children who lack in other areas of life, such as food and shelter.

    Desiree’s educational background includes a master’s of Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce as well as a bachelor’s degree in General Studies and an associate’s degree in Teaching from Blinn College. Desiree’s commitment to her work and passion for children’s education and well-being have made her an invaluable member of The Family Place team. She has elevated the center’s operations, and her leadership has provided a rich environment for children to learn and grow

  • Shop for a Cause—The Family Place’s Resale Shop Supports Survivors of Domestic Violence

    by User Not Found | Feb 23, 2023

    The Family Place’s Resale Shop is a vital part of our mission to support survivors of domestic violence. The shop accepts donations of clothing, household items, and furniture from the community, which are then provided free of charge to clients in need. The store is staffed primarily by volunteers, and all excess inventory is sold to the general public to raise funds for our programs. Our exciting, seasonally appropriate merchandise is also sold to the general public.

    Located at 11722 Marsh Lane, Suite 354, at the southeast corner of the Park Forest Shopping Center, donations are accepted Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Furniture donations are only accepted on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To ensure that donations meet the shop’s guidelines, items must be in closed containers or sealed garbage bags. Items that cannot be accepted include mattresses, office furniture, large appliances, and baby gear.

    The store is open to shoppers Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Our Resale Shop is known for carrying high-quality brands such as Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, and Lululemon, making it a popular destination for thrifty shoppers.

    By donating and shopping at the Resale Shop, community members are supporting our vital work while also reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Come shop with us!

    For more information, call the Resale Shop at 214-358-0381.

  • The Family Place Advocates for Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors at Texas State Capitol

    by User Not Found | Feb 23, 2023

    Our leadership and staff recently traveled to Austin to participate in Domestic Violence Advocacy Day. CEO Mimi Sterling and other representatives from the organization met with legislators to discuss the importance of continued support for survivors of domestic violence.

    During the meetings, The Family Place representatives highlighted funding priorities and policy initiatives for the legislative session. These included $88M in funding for family violence program services, $5M for offender accountability, and $600,000 for lethality risk reduction. We also advocated for updating survivor service provisions, codifying virtual hearings for protective orders, increasing access to justice for stalking survivors, and reducing lethality due to firearms.

    Domestic violence affects a staggering number of Texans, with 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men experiencing family violence. The lifesaving services provided by organizations like The Family Place are crucial to supporting survivors and ensuring their needs are met. Without funding from the state, local, and federal governments, these services would not be possible.

    The Family Place operates three shelters across Dallas County, providing survivors with safety, food, clothing, transportation, legal services, counseling, and case management. The demand for these emergency services continues to increase as the community grows, making funding and support from the government more critical than ever.

    Our representatives urged legislators to prioritize the safety of survivors of domestic violence and to hold offenders accountable for their actions. Our efforts at Domestic Violence Advocacy Day show our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and our dedication to ensuring the continued support and funding necessary to provide lifesaving services to those in need.

  • Celebrating Women’s History Month and 45 Years of Saving Lives

    by User Not Found | Feb 23, 2023

    The Family Place is celebrating Women’s History Month in March by reflecting on our roots and continuing our commitment to serving women and families in crisis. We were established in 1978 by a group of women who recognized the urgent need for a shelter for families suffering from domestic abuse. Today, we’re the largest family violence service provider in the state with comprehensive programs designed to empower survivors and prevent future abuse. 

    One of the key figures in the early days of The Family Place was Vivian Castleberry, a prominent women’s rights activist and journalist who helped shape the organization’s mission and name. Castleberry was one of several advisors to the group that would eventually become The Family Place. She believed that the name should reflect a welcoming and inclusive space for families in need and suggested The Home Place or The Family Place. The latter name was chosen and has since become synonymous with hope and healing for survivors of domestic violence in North Texas. 

    The Family Place has always been an organization led and supported by women. Today, the board of directors is made up of 60% women, while the executive team is 80% women. Across the organization, women make up 70% of the staff. This commitment to gender diversity reflects the values that underpin our work, which is rooted in the belief that all individuals deserve to live free from violence and abuse. 

    In addition to our direct services, we have been a leader in advocacy and community education around issues of domestic violence. We’ve worked with lawmakers to strengthen legal protections for survivors and have developed training programs for healthcare providers, educators, and law enforcement officials on how to recognize and respond to signs of abuse. By raising awareness of the impact of domestic violence on families and communities, we have helped create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors. 

    During Women’s History Month, we remain committed to our mission of providing lifesaving and life-changing services to women, children, and men affected by domestic violence. Through our unwavering dedication to empowerment, healing, and prevention, we continue to be a beacon of hope for those working to break the cycle of abuse and to build brighter futures.

  • A Memo from Mimi- February 2023

    by User Not Found | Jan 30, 2023

    It’s a big year at The Family Place—our 45th anniversary—and we’re celebrating all year long with the theme of Building Brighter Futures. In this newsletter, we’ll be sharing stories about the many ways we’re doing that. Just look for the “45 Ways” heart icon to count along and learn how we’re making a difference together.

    The Family Place was one of the first family violence agencies and is now one of the largest in the country. As we focus on the future, we’ve identified six priorities to keep us growing in the right direction.

    The first focus is a big one—our budget for 2023 is $17 million. We have our work cut out for us to raise that much money—the largest budget in our history. To meet the needs of our clients takes a collective effort of our community coming together with their time, talent, and treasure.

    Our second focus area is Program Outcomes and Enhancements. We’re transitioning our service delivery model to work more in depth with clients resulting in even more impressive outcomes. Our chief client services officer has been hard at work auditing each program. Through these evaluations, we are making changes to better serve our clients. One of those changes is through our hotline where we have increased our answer rate from 65% to over 94% in a 12-month period.

    Since I joined The Family Place 18 months ago, I’ve worked to Invest in Talent & Infrastructure, which is our third 2023 focus area. We’re continuing to develop our high-performance workforce to improve our infrastructure, including a new safety alert system for the organization. In addition, we need to continue to attract and retain top talent to grow our team. In this newsletter you can read about some of the great jobs we have open, so please pass those on to candidates in your circle.

    We’re continuing to Invest in Our Culture through trust, transparency, communication, fun, and better benefits. We’re also enhancing our employee value proposition to make The Family Place a premier employer of choice.

    The Family Place Board of Directors has always been one of our greatest assets. In 2023, we’re working to increase board/client mentoring relationships to fully utilize the important resources we have on our side.

    Finally, we’re Refreshing Our Brand with input from a diverse committee of stakeholders. The Family Place has a strong and recognizable brand, but even the best brands need a polish every once in a while!

    Stay tuned for updates on these initiatives throughout the year, and, as always, thank you for your support!

    With gratitude,

     

     

     

     

    Mimi Sterling

    CEO

  • The Family Place Receives $1 Million Grant from Highland Dallas Foundation During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    by User Not Found | Oct 14, 2021
    Highland Dallas Foundation Has Awarded Over $2 Million to The Family Place Since 2015 

    Dallas, TX (October 13, 2021) – The Family Place is pleased to announce a $1 million grant from the Highland Dallas Foundation in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is the second $1 million grant issued by the Highland Dallas Foundation to The Family Place since 2015. The grant will be used in part to fund the ongoing rebuilding and restoration of full services to emergency shelter facilities damaged by Winter Storm Uri, which devastated North Texas in February.

    The Family Place is a nonprofit organization that empowers victims of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling and skills that create independence while building community engagement and advocating for social change to stop family violence. Winter Storm Uri left 123 of The Family Place’s clients displaced after pipes in one of the agency’s three residential facilities burst, causing significant structural damage. Approximately $500,000 of the Highland Dallas Foundation’s grant will provide funding for repairs to The Family Place’s Safe Campus Emergency Shelter. The remaining funds will support The Family Place’s Enduring Promise Foundation Campaign and will help provide long-term funding for on-site medical staff who provide essential medical services to clients in two on-site clinics.

    “The Family Place would like to thank the Highland Dallas Foundation for being an important part of the solution to ending family violence in our community with its long-standing support of our organization,” said Mimi Sterling, CEO of The Family Place. “Prior to this grant, the Highland Dallas Foundation provided critical funding to help build our emergency shelter medical and dental clinics, which provide vital medical and dental care to our clients. This latest grant helps ensure The Family Place can continue to serve the Dallas community for years to come helping victims become strong survivors.” 

    “The support we’ve received from the Highland Dallas Foundation goes beyond these generous grants. When we asked donors to participate in our ‘Adopt A Family’ program, the Highland Dallas Foundation stepped up to adopt all the families in need, providing holiday gifts for every resident in our emergency shelter, who were so grateful to receive such an unexpected surprise. This impromptu gesture highlights the level of care and commitment for the Dallas community that drives Highland Dallas Foundation’s philanthropy. We’re grateful for the ongoing collaboration between the Highland Dallas Foundation and The Family Place, which has been instrumental in providing needed services and promoting awareness of domestic violence in our community.”

    According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues. Over the past 30+ years, much progress has been made to support domestic violence victims and survivors, to hold abusers accountable, and to create and update legislation to further those goals.”

    About The Family Place
    In 1978, a group of community volunteers organized The Family Place as one of the first family violence shelters in the state. Today, The Family Place is the largest family violence service provider in Texas, with three emergency shelters providing 177 shelter beds each night, including the state’s only shelter for men and children, and three counseling centers. The Family Place served 11,933 clients in 2020 providing 62,118 days of emergency shelter, 36,015 days of transitional housing, 18,526 hours of counseling to nonresidential clients, and 8,758 hours of counseling to batterers. All The Family Place’s services are in Spanish and in English. For more information on The Family Place, call 214.559.2170 or visit familyplace.org. 

    About The Highland Dallas Foundation
    The Highland Dallas Foundation was established in 2011 for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. The Highland Dallas Foundation is a supporting organization of The Dallas Foundation, the oldest community foundation in Texas. Since its inception, the Highland Dallas Foundation has contributed tens of millions of dollars to charitable causes focusing on the following issue areas: education; support for military, veterans, and first responders; health and medical research; economic and community development initiatives; and youth and family. This charitable giving has made a tangible impact on improving the lives of Dallas residents. 
  • Join us in welcoming Mimi Crume Sterling as our new CEO!

    by User Not Found | Sep 20, 2021
    Mimi Crume SterlingThis month  Mimi Crume Sterling joined The Family Place as CEO upon the retirement of CEO Paige Flink, who has served the organization for 30 years. Paige will work closely with Mimi over the next few months to take The Family Place into the next chapter.

    Mimi was most recently Vice President of Environmental Social Governance and Belonging at Neiman Marcus Group. She relocated her family to Dallas in 2014 after 15 years of working in luxury fashion and lifestyle PR, branding, and marketing in New York City. Mimi joined Neiman Marcus Group originally as Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Relations. After five years in that role, she led Corporate Culture and Philanthropy as a part of the Neiman Marcus Group transformation team.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Mimi to lead the incredible team at The Family Place and continue the impactful legacy that Paige created,” said Harold Ginsburg, Chairman of the Board of The Family Place. “Paige has played a crucial role informing and influencing public perception of family violence and the North Texas community’s response to it. It is with great confidence that we welcome Mimi to continue to carry out our mission.”

    “Mimi’s philanthropic spirit and diverse background make her the ideal fit for this role,” Paige said. “I look forward to working closely with her in the coming months as she transitions to lead an organization I love. I truly couldn’t be leaving The Family Place in better hands.”

    Mimi has raised her family with a focus on service and exploration of diverse cultures.  She says philanthropy was a part of her life from a young age, starting with shadowing her mother who was active within the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Guild throughout the 1970s and 1980s. As a curious and energetic life-learner who has traveled to more than 40 countries and lived on three continents, Mimi meaningfully connects with people from many walks of life. Her happiest place is creating—building communities, solutions, and bright futures. 

    “It’s with great honor and gratitude that I take the reins as the new CEO of The Family Place,” Mimi said. “I could not be more privileged to join such a critical and impactful organization, and I’m dedicated to continuing to execute and implement the laser-focused mission of The Family Place. We want to ensure bright futures for every victim of family violence, empowering them to lead lives free from abuse for generations to come.”
  • Partners Card Picks: West Gissinger

    by User Not Found | Apr 22, 2021

    West can't wait for Partners Card to start so she can save at some of her favorite places! She plans on scoring some new fitness clothes to teach Session Pilates classes in from Bandier and shopping for fun everyday clothes from Favor the Kind. She's also going to use her Partners Card to snag gifts & home decor at Madison, and then pick up some clean beauty products from Follain!

  • The Family Place CEO Paige Flink to Retire in 2021 After 30 Years of Service

    by User Not Found | Feb 05, 2021
    The Agency Engages Victory Search Group to Find Next Generation of Leadership to Follow in Flink’s Footsteps

    DALLAS (January 21, 2021)—Dallas-based family violence non-profit agency, The Family Place, is sending out a bittersweet announcement that current CEO Paige Flink, who has been with the organization in various leadership positions since 1991, is retiring in 2021 after helping to transition the new CEO. The Family Place, the largest family violence service provider in Texas, has hired Victory Search Group to lead the regional search for its next CEO to take The Family Place into the next chapter.

    “Over the last 30 years, Paige has been instrumental in educating and changing public perception, including the North Texas community’s response to family violence,” shared The Family Place Board President Harold Ginsburg. “When she started with the organization, The Family Place had 38 employees and four facilities. Today it has more than 200 employees and eight facilities. She’s grown this organization into a national model, always putting the client first.”

    During her time as CEO of The Family Place, Flink has created a fiscally sound organization through unique fundraisers such as Pepsi KidAround, Palm Night, and The Family Place Partners Card, which raises over a million dollars annually. Under Flink’s leadership, The Family Place has grown from an emergency shelter with 40 beds and one counseling office to three shelters providing 177 shelter beds each night—including the only shelter for men and children in the state—and three counseling offices in Dallas and Collin Counties. She led the organization as it built two state-of-the-art facilities and added innovative programming to meet client needs. After Faith and Liberty Battaglia were killed by their father during an unsupervised visitation in 2001, Flink led the charge to open Faith and Liberty’s Place Family Center. This program provided court-ordered supervised visitation and monitored exchange to prevent such tragedies. More recently, Flink has worked to coordinate shelter services with new technology that provides a real-time bed count to better serve clients seeking shelter.

    “I’m excited about what The Family Place is going to do in the decades to come with the next generation of leadership in place,” Flink shared. “I’ve loved this job. I’ve worn a lot of hats in my life, but the one I’ve worn best is being an advocate for victims of domestic violence.”

    In 2020, Flink won the D CEO award for Nonprofit Leadership Excellence and was honored in the Dallas Business Journal’s 2020 Women in Business awards program. She has received local and national recognition for her work on behalf of victims, including the Peace Award from the Sunshine Lady Foundation, the Women’s Advocacy Award from Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, the Texas Women’s Foundation Maura Award, and the Mosaic Family Services Champion of Human Rights.
  • 2020 Partners Card Picks

    by User Not Found | Nov 05, 2020

    Save money in-store or shop online with some of our favorite Partners Card Picks!

    Allen Dean Home - China, crystal, silver and linens.
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    Madre - Children's accessories, home decor, gifts, and monogramming
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    Mizzen & Main - Performance fabric menswear
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    Theory - Women's and  men's clothing that balances luxury with accessibility
    Shop Now

    MARKET - Curated selection of ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry and home
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    Goo Goo Eyes- Dallas' finest designer eyewear and sunglasses selection.
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    Finley Shirts - Striking and feminine shirts designed and manufactured in Dallas
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    Sam Edelman - Shoes, apparel, jewelry, and handbags
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    Don't forget to register your Partners Card online for access to ecommerce shopping! 

  • The Family Place Celebrates Opening of New Office in Southern Dallas

    by User Not Found | Jun 24, 2020

    On June 25, 2020, The Family Place will celebrate the opening of its new Southern Dallas Counseling Center with a virtual dedication on Facebook Live at 11 a.m. This new, expanded office will provide counseling and case management service to victims of family violence in Southern Dallas. The Family Place has had an outreach office in Southern Dallas since 1997 to bring counseling and support to victims living there who have transportation and other barriers to accessing services.

     

    The Southern Dallas Counseling Center will also be home to The Family Place’s new African American Domestic Violence Council (AADVC). The AADVC was established to address the high rate of domestic violence homicides among African American women in Dallas County.

     

    The office dedication will include brief messages from The Family Place CEO Paige Flink and Dallas City Council Member Tennell Atkins. Theresa Little, Community Outreach Advocate at The Family Place, will also moderate a discussion with AADVC members Torrey Carroll, Founder of TNC Psychotherapy, and Maggie Cathcart, CFO/Owner of Performance Masters Career Institute. The ceremony will conclude with a blessing of the building from Pastor Bryan Carter of Concord Baptist Church and closing remarks from The Family Place Board Member Delia Jasso.

     

    “At The Family Place we understand that victims of domestic violence need programs that are designed specifically for their cultural and community needs” says Flink. “Being able to expand our offices to meet the growing demand for help in an area that to date has been a ‘social services desert’ makes this an exciting day!”

     

    The Family Place’s Southern Dallas Counseling Center was furnished thanks to a generous donation from Texas Capital Bank. The artwork throughout the facility was donated by local artists including The Family Place Board Member Deborah Alves, Ari Brielle, Bob Campbell, Linda Clary, Suedabeh Ewing and Kimberly Kort.

    With the high reports of domestic violence during shelter-at-home orders, the resources The Family Place provides are more important than ever. A recent study led by researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas found that domestic violence incidents increased 12.5% with the shelter-at-home orders. The Family Place’s new larger office space in Southern Dallas will allow case managers and counselors to see more clients and provide expanded space for support groups and community education meetings.

  • Program Highlight: Faith &Liberty's Place

    by User Not Found | Apr 07, 2020

    Faith and Liberty Battaglia were tragically killed by their father in 2001 as their mother listened through the phone. To honor their lives, The Family Place created Faith and Liberty’s Place in 2003.

    Faith and Liberty’s Place (FLP) is a safe, neutral environment for supervised visitations or monitored parent exchanges. Parents’ issues stemming from domestic violence, such as divorce or custody battles, often get in the way of a child’s safety. FLP prioritizes the safety of both children and parents to prevent any abusive behavior.

    Most FLP clients are court referrals due to a history of family violence. While clients must reside in Dallas county, they do not have to be clients of The Family Place. FLP is one of the only visitation sites that is free for clients, allowing non-custodial parents to spend time with their children without any financial burdens.

    The visiting and custodial parents park in separate parking lots, enter through separate entrances and arrive at different times to keep both parties safe from interacting with their partner. When the custodial parent arrives, he or she leaves the children with an FLP staff member to facilitate the visit. Once the supervised visitation concludes, the custodial parent leaves with the children and the visiting parent must wait an additional 30 minutes before leaving the premises.

    In one day, there can be roughly five to six clients that use FLP for visits. Our sight supervisor, Ja’Sprie Mickens, ensures that all visitations run smoothly for our clients since the site consistently operates at capacity. With a CPS background, Ja’Sprie has always prioritized children’s safety and is glad to work more closely with families.

    “My goal is to always put the child first. These children do not deserve to be caught up in grown up situations that are out of their control,” says Ja’Sprie.

    Clients are so appreciative of FLP because it allows children to maintain relationships with both parents while preventing any further conflict from arising. This one-on-one supervision of visits by an FLP staff member allows families to get the most out of their time together. In providing a safe space for visits and exchanges, we can continue to make Dallas a safer community. 

  • Will You Help?

    by User Not Found | Mar 25, 2020
    The Family Place is the first responder when a victim of family violence needs shelter. 

    What if your home was not a safe place? What if sheltering at home was the most dangerous place you could be? We've received calls from people being locked in rooms or stuck inside with their abuser because he's afraid she will contract COVID-19 if she leaves the house. Stress and financial struggles are also known to trigger abuse.

    This is what many people in abusive situations are currently facing. Records show that domestic violence hotline calls have increased in the midst of COVID-19, and we have already seen that to be true.
     
    The Family Place is here to serve and provide resources for those in need. We continue to take clients in our emergency shelters regardless of their symptoms. Once housed we take steps to get them testing if appropriate, medical care if needed, and isolation if necessary.
     
    In critical times, we are encouraged by how our community comes together to support one another. We need your financial support as we continue to provide safety and healing to victims of family violence. 

    Please make a donation today so we can continue to provide life-saving services to anyone who needs them.

    Thank you for your support of The Family Place,
     
    Paige Flink, CEO
     
    P.S. For more insight on how were our helping our community during this time, read this interview on WFAA Channel 8. 
  • Program Highlight: Dignity at Work

    by User Not Found | Mar 09, 2020

    At The Family Place, we offer a variety of services and programs for survivors of family violence to equip them with the necessary means and tools to get back on their feet and start a new, better life.

    Dignity at Work (DAW) is our job readiness program that helps clients obtain the necessary education, tools and resources to find employment and start building a sense of stability in their lives. Clients can participate in individual or group classes where they learn interviewing tips, how to avoid employment scams and participate in mock interviews.

    Dignity at Work seeks to reduce barriers to employment by providing scholarship opportunities, transportation, educational resources, and hosting on-site career fairs. [Clients may also receive clothing vouchers, gas vouchers and bus passes as needed.] Dignity at Work also offers financial education for clients to learn how to manage money effectively and ultimately become financially independent.

    Most importantly, Dignity at Work helps clients recognize and develop their unique skills, so they feel confident when applying for jobs. This program does not just help clients get a job but equips them with the with the tools and education to sustain long-term success.

    Bridget Smith is our Employment Specialist who works directly with clients to create individualized plans for success. Bridget must cultivate relationships with prospective employers across many industries to create opportunities for clients. She also helps coordinate resource fairs and career fairs. If the career fair is not at The Family Place, she will accompany clients to the fair. She is currently working on an apprenticeship program to provide another path of employment for clients. With so many opportunities, clients can find a position that suites their needs and skillset.

    As Bridget says, “the Dignity at Work program is different from any other program you will find in the community. The program is designed to meet the client where they are and build from there.”

    Many of our clients have gone on and succeeded in numerous positions as educators, administrative assistants, real estate agents and entrepreneurs. With Dignity at Work, victims of family violence have access to more job opportunities and are empowered to confidently start their new life as a survivor.


  • FORE! Golf & Tennis Tournament Returns for 14th Year

    by User Not Found | Mar 02, 2020


    DALLAS (February 5, 2020) - Dallas based family violence agency, The Family Place, is pleased to announce the 14th Annual FORE! Golf & Tennis Tournament will be held on Monday, April 6 at Lakewood Country Club. This year’s Golf Chair is Kerry Cole and the Tennis Chair is Sally Giddens Stephenson.

    Kerry Cole is the President of the Energy Equipment Segment at Arcosa, Inc.  Arcosa, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a growth-oriented provider of infrastructure-related products and solutions with leading positions in construction, energy, and transportation markets.

    Kerry was the President of Trinity Electrical Products until the time of the Arcosa spin-off. Prior to this, he was President of Trinity Structural Towers, Trinity Mining Equipment, Trinity Heads, and Trinity Structural Bridge business units along with other various leadership positions since joining Trinity Industries, Inc., in 2000. Kerry has over 29 years of experience in manufacturing organizations.

    Kerry earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.  He and his wife Kellie have three children and reside in Southlake. He is on the Board of Directors of The Family Place. 

    Sally Giddens Stephenson is the Principal of L+S Creative Group, a full-service branding, graphic design, marketing and advertising firm that works with startups and established businesses to provide cost-conscious, comprehensive branding and ongoing support.

    Sally is a former journalist with more than 28 years of experience. She started at The Dallas Morning News and was an associate editor at D Magazine for six years. Sally also worked for The Richards Group before starting her freelance career. She provides branding, marketing, creative concepts and copywriting. As a media strategist, she crafts storylines to maximize publicity or minimize exposure. 

    Sally is a prolific ghostwriter who has written 22 books for experts from various backgrounds and spends much of her time assisting nonprofits helping those in need. 

    Sally is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science in English and German. She is an avid tennis player at Lakewood Country Club and is a proud grandmother. 

    FORE! Golf & Tennis Tournament will return to Lakewood Country Club and bring together loyal corporate partners, community members and donors for a fun day to benefit a critical mission. The golf tournament begins with a player check-in at 9:00 am and a shotgun start at 10:00 am. The round robin tennis tournament begins with the player check-in at 9:30 am, and the doubles tournament will start at 10:00 am.  Following the tournaments, guests will enjoy a cocktail hour and a try their luck at a Prize Pull.

    For tickets and sponsorships, click here or contact Mary Catherine Benavides at  mcbenavides@familyplace.org or 214-443-7770.