Please join EPEC in Observing Black History Month 2020
Also – watch our Facebook page this month for our “Wisdom Wednesdays” where we pay homage to various people of color.
Shelter Needs:
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Sheet sets / blankets
- Plus-Size Women’s Clothing
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Body Lotion
Note that we serve survivors of all shapes, ages, sizes, and genders when donating the above-needs! All donations are tax-deductible and can be dropped off at any one of our three locations in Berkeley, Jefferson, or Morgan County!
Black History Month and the Battered Women’s Movement
by Vivian Baylor, EPEC, Program Manager
Many people do not know that the civil rights movement laid the foundation for the feminist movement which set the stage for the battered women’s movement. The U.S Commission on Civil Rights was created in 1957 serving as a temporary, independent, bipartisan agency established by congress in response to the Civil Rights Act of 1957. The Commission was created to study alleged cases of discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, or national origin, and also studies alleged depravations of voting rights and discrimination in the administration of justice (1). A study of the problems battered women face was conducted based off of the statutory mandate requiring the collection of information regarding the denial of equal protection under law on the basis of sex, and, in particular, the administration of justice (2).
Back in the 1950’s, women who complained of abuse were often treated badly by the police, courts, and other elements of the criminal justice system. There were also very limited resources to help victims of domestic violence. Because of these issues, in 1978 the Commission held a meeting where over 100 nationally represented women came together to organize around the needs of the newly formed battered women’s movement (2). Because of this discussion, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) was formed. The rest is history.
1. Lancey, G. P. (2008). The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights: History, Funding, and Current Issues. Members and Committees of Congress. Retrieved from http://research.policyarchive.org/20077.pdf
2. Flemming, A., Horn, S., Freeman, F., Ruiz, M., & Saltzma, M. (1978). Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/53356NCJRS.pdf
UPCOMING
- February 2020. February is Teen Dating Violence and Prevention month!
- February 11. Wear orange day to raise awareness of Dating Violence!
- Closes February 11. Get in on our Chocolate Covered Strawberries Fundraiser – orders must be placed by February 11 and delivery options are available – see below for details!
- February 13. Jefferson County is holding their Palentine’s Social – see below for details!
- February 21. EPEC’s annual Sock Hop to support safe nights for survivors.
- February 2020. See below for Peer Support Group information for all outreach offices in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.
A Sweet Way to Save Lives
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fundraiser
- $12 / half pound
- $20 / pound
Pre-order by February 11th on our website epecwv.org/send-strawberries
- Pick-up/Delivery on February 14
- Pick-up: 236 W. Martin St., Martinsburg, WV
- Delivery is available within 10 miles of any of our outreach offices
Palentine’s Social
Join us for a Palentine’s Social
February 13, 2020
6-7 pm
113 E. 3rd Ave, Ranson, WV
Food, music, and fellowship provided by the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center
Call (304) 725-7080 for more info!
4th Annual Sock Hop Benefit Dance and Charity Auction
Friday, February 21, 2020
6-11 PM
Town Run Brewing Company
202 E. Washington St.
Shepherdstown, WV
Admission with donation at the door
All proceeds benefit Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center in support of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
- Dance lessons by Check Happy Productions at 6 pm
- Live music by The New Rocketeers
- Rick Rohn Disc Jockey Productions
Berkeley County Peer Support Group
A peer support group for domestic violence victims and survivors
January-June 2020 Schedule
- January 7
- January 21
- February 4
- February 18
- March 3
- March 17
- March 31
- April 14
- April 28
- May 12
- May 26
- June 9
- June 23
New Year, New You!
A “come as you are” peer support group for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and allies.
113 East Third Avenue, Ranson, WV
Every Other Thursday
5:30-6:30 PM
Find our schedule on the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center Facebook page!
Direct questions to Community Coordinator, MK, at commcoordinator@swcinc.org or call Advocates Amanda and Cammy at (304) 725-7080.
Morgan County Peer Support Group
A peer support group for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Where? Morgan County Outreach Office
106 Sandmine Road, Suite 3
Berkeley Springs, WV
When? Every other Thursday from 6-7 pm
February-August Schedule
- February 13 and 27
- March 12 and 26
- April 9 and 23
- May 7 and 21
- June 4 and 18
- July 2, 16, and 30
- August 13 and 27