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We are hiring for two Family Advocate positions. These roles focus on services for victims of domestic violence in our outreach communities.

Essential functions:

• Provide Legal Advocacy during EPO court hearings for victims of domestic violence; provide resources to all petitioners present in EPO Court; provide support advocacy for specific family court matters and criminal court proceedings.
• Provide individual counseling services to victims and survivors of domestic violence.  Includes financial assistance, case management, community resources and facilitate psycho-educational support groups.
• Attend community meetings including but not limited to coordinated community councils.  Provide professional community and school trainings regarding domestic / dating violence related themes as needed and as identified.
• Participate in community efforts to actively end power based violence.
• Assist victims in filing and preparing protective orders and amendments to protective orders.  Also assist in filing contempt motions and criminal charges and child support.
• Provide crisis call counseling and legal advocacy over the phone and in person regarding EPO, criminal proceedings, child custody issues etc.
• Attend staff meetings and case reviews
• Complete client reports and maintain appropriate case records
• Maintain monthly statistics and ensure complete and accurate numbers are turned in by the 5^th of the month.

Additional Requirements.

• Complete KDVA certification within first year of employment.
• Provide advocacy within the bounds of Victim Service Standards.
• Support the general functions and operations of the agency.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to the attention of Diane Fleet, Assistant Director, P.O. Box 55190; Lexington, KY 40555 before 8-30-13.  Documents may also be submitted email to diane dot fleet at bdvp dot org. Please use the subject line: Family Advocate Application.  Applications will be reviewed as received until the positions are filled.

Last summer, two Girl Scouts from Troop 21 decided to build hope for the families living in our emergency shelter. After learning about our mission, Despina Wilsonand Shelby Ware were committed to creating a comfortable space for families to rest, reflect, and renew. The resulting project–our new Contemplation Pavilion–proves young people can realize big goals with strong vision, community support, and a lot of hard work.

Despina and Shelby each contributed their own skills and special touch to the pavilion project. While Despina worked to secure materials, funds and volunteers for the structure itself, Shelby created an informational brochure and organized a brick paver sale and installation to recognize volunteers and donors . Dozens of friends, family, and local businesses pitched in to help the girls prepare the site, pour concrete, build the structure, and install the roofing.

The pavilion already has become a special place on our property. In addition to providing refuge from the sun and wind when we’re working on the farm, it provides a wonderful gathering space for family picnics and community celebrations. Our staff and residents look forward to planning support group meetings in the beautiful outdoor space when the warmer weather finally arrives.

This big accomplishment by Shelby and Despina reminds us to “never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people” — especially Girl Scouts with a mission to help! Both girls earned the Gold Award, the highest Girl Scout honor, in recognition of their philanthropic project.