It's not too late--the calendars flip to 2012 in just four days, but you still have time to give a gift this year.

2011 has been very busy.  When jobs are scarce and money is tight, victims have more obstacles to leaving abusive relationships, creating more dangerous situations.  These victims often rely on free programs (like ours) for support.

Since January 1, we have responded to the emergency room 34 times to support a rape victim during a forensic exam.  Overall, we've spent 10,507 hours working with victims through our programs.

But there is still more work to be done.

With your support, we can help people who have experienced life-altering trauma to sort through painful feelings, reach safety, and regain hope.

If you were thinking of waiting to make a donation, please reconsider.  By making a donation now, you will help us to better plan for the coming year and ensure that our services remain available to victims needing help, free of charge.

Please donate today; you can easily give a gift online at www.dvsas.org/pages/Make-A-Donation.

Thank you for your support and kindness as we enter the new year.

With appreciation,

Jenn Mason

Development and Education Director

Are you a service provider, social worker, or therapist?  Do you work with people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault?  This two-day training is designed to help you more effectively work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Participants will learn the dynamics of abuse, effects of trauma, and common coping mechanisms.  The training will also cover safety planning, communication techniques, tools for empowering clients.

Working with Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Training for service providers, social workers, and therapists

Date: November 14 and 15, 2011

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Location: St. Luke's Education Center

Cost: $75.00 (lunch included)

Registration Deadline: November 4, 2011

Registration is now closed.

New! Click here to preview our live auction catalog!

On November 5, 2011, join DVSAS at the enchanting On Moonlight Bay Gala at the Fairhaven Cruise Terminal! Each year, the gala raises over $40,000 to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through DVSAS programs.

Get ready to have fun with emcee Galen Emanuele of The Upfront Theatre, auctioneer Manca Valum, and live music by The Walrus!   Show your support during the silent and live auction, eat a delectable dinner by A Taste of Elegance Catering, and dance the night away during this fun and enchanting affair.

Online ticket registration is closed.  If you would like to attend, please call (360)671-5714 to see if any seats are still available.  Tickets to the On Moonlight Bay Gala are $75 per guest.   Cocktail attire recommended. 

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Would you like to donate an item to be in the silent or live auction?  Fill out the form!

Sponsorships are still available!  Download the sponsorship packet here for more information.

On Saturday, September 17th, Something Different Salon and Bella Skin Care are holding their first annual Hair-a-Thon! 

Here's how it works: 

1.  Make an appointment for a service at Something Different Salon for September 17, 2011 by calling (360)676-6608.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

2.   The stylist's and esthetician's of Something Different Salon are donating 100% of their services...

3.  ...so, use the money you would normally pay for your haircut/color/service and donate it to DVSAS instead.  Donations will be accepted at Something Different Salon following your service.

4.  Thank Something Different Salon for their generosity and support!

The services that will be provided are:
-Shampoo/Styles
-Men's, Women's & Children's Haircuts
-Eyebrow & Lip Waxing
-Light Makeup (eyes)
-Skin Consultation
*There will also be a bake sale, face painting & balloon animals!

Raffle Drawings ($2/ticket):
-Dinner for 2 at Goji Bistro
-Pizza from the Bellingham Westside Pizza
-Product Baskets
-(Treat)ment Facial
-Movie tickets
and much more!

Grand Prize Raffle ($10/ticket): 2012 wedding package, valued over $2500

-An engagement session, the whole wedding day, CD of pictures and wedding book, complementary of Hatch Photography.
-A bridal package with Something Different Salon including a facial, makeup & hair for the bride.
*Pre-booked dates are not eligible.

The raffle tickets are for sale now for purchase at Something Different Salon and will be chosen the day of the benefit!

If you need a haircut, waxing, skin treatment or other service, pre-book your appointment today!
Call Something Different Salon at (360) 676-6608.
4260 Cordata Parkway, Suite 102(behind Best Buy and directly across from Whatcom Community College)
Services will be provided 8am to 8pm on Saturday, September 17.

If you like to laugh, join us on August 21 at the Upfront Theatre to have a hoot of a time!  The Upfront Theatre players will perform live improv comedy and keep everyone laughing the night away. The Upfront Theatre is one of Bellingham's most popular night-out destinations...and ALL proceeds from this show will benefit DVSAS and Dorothy Place!

Make the evening even more special by going VIP!  VIP seats are "up front" and close to the action.  They also include an appetizer plate and bottle of wine!  VIP tickets are $25, general admission is $15.

Tickets available at the door!

We understand that tragedy can affect everyone differently.  Advocacy counselors will be available at the vigil for anyone who would like to process individually.  We are also available through the 24-hour helpline at (360)715-1563 or (866)715-1563.

Race results by last name

Race results by time

Sunday, October 2, 2011

5K Walk/Run, 10K Run

Day-of registration begins at 8:30a.m., Race starts at 9:30a.m.

Dogs and strollers welcome.  Participants are encouraged to show their support by wearing purple!

$15.00 pre-registration fee

Not able to participate?  Make a donation instead!

       *If you are on a sponsor team, please register by contacting Karen Burke at 671-5714. 

Join us for the the 4th Annual Race for the End of Domestic Violence, benefiting DVSAS and Womencare Shelter!  Last year's race was a success and we are looking forward to even more participants, more fun, and more support this year. 

Participants are encouraged to set up teams and to obtain pledges to raise funds to support domestic violence services in Whatcom County (download a pledge form here).

The course begins and ends at Bloedel Donovan Park and winds through Whatcom Falls Park and surrounding areas.

Join us for one of the most beautiful races in Whatcom County!

Note: Course may change slightly.

View the 5K Course and Description (PDF) or GMaps Pedometer.

View the 10K Course and Description (PDF) or GMaps Pedometer.

Please read the race waiver prior to registration.

Join us at the On Moonlight Bay Gala on November 5, 2011!  The gala will be held at the Fairhaven Cruise Terminal and will feature dinner, live and silent auctions, live music and dancing with The Walrus, and more.  Event registration coming soon!

Would you like to donate an item to be in the silent or live auction?  Fill out the form!

Sponsorships are still available!  Download the sponsorship packet here for more information.

Do you work or volunteer with survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault?  Volunteers and employees of ANY organization are invited to join together with other advocacy counselors to get support, talk about your experiences, and address secondary trauma that may be occurring as a result of your work with survivors of violence and trauma. 

Objectives of this initial meeting will include:

• Establishing ground rules and expectations
• Determining a regular meeting time and frequency
• Recognizing the effects of secondary trauma
• Beginning to address secondary trauma

Who:  Advocacy counselors, case managers, and other people who are supporting those affected by trauma, domestic violence, and sexual assault

Where:  DVSAS  basement, 1407 Commercial St

When: Wednesday, June 1^st, 3:00-4:30 pm

Have you been looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift?  Are you looking to spend an hour of ultimate relaxation?

DVSAS and Core of Life Wellness Center have teamed up this spring to help raise funds in the most blissful way imaginable: through massages! Purchase a $45 gift certificate for a 60-minute massage and ALL PROCEEDS will be benefit DVSAS!

Thank you to Dr. Chad Booth of Core of Life Wellness Center.  His offices are located in Bellingham, WA at 1114 Finnegan Way.  Certificates will be available online until Friday, May 6.  They may also be purchased  via phone at 360-671-5714 or in-person at 1407 Commercial St. Bellingham, WA.   Certificate must be presented at time of massage.

Please note: Certificates will be emailed to designated recipient within 48 of purchase.  You may select from either the above Mother's Day card or a regular gift certificate without Mother's Day poem or greeting.  Personalized message will be added to certificate.

Personalize your gift certificate now!