Written by: Holly Smith, VSC’s Lead Therapist and Expecting Mother Over the last 6 years with VSC, I have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful people. Colleagues, clients, and community partners alike have all become a part of my family. As I prepare myself for the next major journey in my life… Continue reading A Message of Gratitude
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Healing for the Nonprofit Community
Healing for the Nonprofit Community – A Conversation with Barry Kerzin, MD Written by: Brandi Godbee, VSC Victim Advocate On a warm summer morning, Rollins College’s Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership hosted “Healing for the Nonprofit Community – A Conversation with Barry Kerzin, MD”. Barry (as he prefers to be called) provides… Continue reading Healing for the Nonprofit Community
Kathy’s Story
Every day, our team serves victims of past childhood sexual abuse. Oftentimes, these individuals seek help many years after the assault, sometimes far into adulthood. Healing from a sexual assault is a very personal experience and is different for everyone. The process takes time and happens gradually. Here is Kathy’s story: “I am a survivor… Continue reading Kathy’s Story
Survivor Story: Emily’s Story
A true story that recently happened in our community: “Emily, a 20 year old living in Central Florida, was alone at a local laundromat finishing her laundry early one morning when suddenly a man with a gun appeared. Emily had been to this laundromat dozens of times before but had never thought her life could… Continue reading Survivor Story: Emily’s Story
“Inside Out” Healing
Spring Women’s Empowerment Workshop The Internal Family When I first saw the Disney movie: Inside Out, I was amazed. The core principles of mental health, healing, and internal dialogue were perfectly captured! With all the movies these days misrepresenting what therapy is and how healing occurs, I was pleasantly surprised to see these concepts displayed… Continue reading “Inside Out” Healing
Amanda’s Story
I am writing this letter in hopes of helping others like me have the resources available to them that I had. When I was a child, I felt I lived on a different plane than other children. My hazy existence was brought on by my abusive father, who regularly forced his ideals of what a “special” father-daughter relationship should be. I… Continue reading Amanda’s Story
Jenny’s Story
Dear Friend, With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 33 men experiencing sexual violence, we need your help now more than ever. Last year, because of the support of individuals like you, our trauma-informed care team responded to 1,513 crisis calls through our 24/7 hotline, collected DNA evidence for 274 victims of sexual… Continue reading Jenny’s Story
Tips for Enjoying the Holidays
Written by: Chelsea Mandes, VSC Victim Advocate Intern With holiday gatherings right around the corner, many people may find that their expectations for a good time as well as their anxiety regarding the people, places, and topics that may or may not present themselves can seemingly cripple a person’s ability to enjoy what are supposed… Continue reading Tips for Enjoying the Holidays
Men and Sexual Assault Victimization
Written by: Chelsea Mandes, VSC’s Victim Advocate Intern Sexual assault is a hot topic these days: from the multiple alleged campus sexual assaults in the media, to allegations of rape against beloved celebrities and athletes alike, it seems that one cannot go one day without a new allegation of sexual misconduct levied against a man. When… Continue reading Men and Sexual Assault Victimization
Continuity of Care
Written by: Katherine Olsen, VSC’s Social Justice Intern Continuity of Care (COC) is a common concept in the medical and mental health fields and is considered a central goal in both arenas. Although definitions vary, COC can be broadly described as health care events that are experienced as coherent and consistent with the user’s needs. … Continue reading Continuity of Care