Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Welcome back. It's hard to believe we're starting to talk about events coming up in October, but we are. The Harvesting Hope fundraiser to benefit Dove, domestic violence ended here in Quincy, is scheduled for October 24th at 6pm at the Marriott Hotel here in Quincy. So executive director Mick Hirsch and Cassie McGlynn are both here from Dub to tell us more about it. Welcome back.
[00:00:20] Speaker B: Thanks. Great to be here again.
[00:00:21] Speaker A: Great to have you back here at qatv. And welcome to Cartle and Quincy for the first time, but hopefully not the last time.
You're both relatively new to Dove, right? Came out at about the same time.
[00:00:32] Speaker B: Yeah. The last time we were here back in the spring, I think it must have been March, probably early April. We were brand new. Brand new. I started working as executive director in February, so I was brand new, still learning everything.
Now I at least have about six months under my belt and feel like there's a firmer foundation.
[00:00:52] Speaker A: So for folks, Mick, who aren't familiar with DOVE or its mission, tell us in a nutshell basically what DOVE is and what it does. Sure.
[00:01:01] Speaker B: So Dove tries to address the problem of domestic violence, and we do that through both prevention and recovery. So the prevention side, we're out in the schools. We're doing a lot of trainings. We're really just trying to educate the public as well as students, doing early intervention to help them understand the warning signs, really.
And also what to do in the case that maybe you do know somebody or you see something that isn't right for yourself or maybe for a loved one, family member, friend, colleague, whatever. The recovery side, for those individuals who are survivors, we provide things like counseling. We have a lot of other services, from legal services to helping people with housing, which is a major problem that a lot of individuals with domestic violence histories face.
You know, they lose their housing when they have to flee their home.
[00:01:54] Speaker A: Absolutely. Now, although you are relatively new, Dove is not. It's been around for a very long time.
[00:01:58] Speaker B: That's absolutely correct. Yeah. Very good point. So for over 46 years. Yeah. So it definitely has good roots in the community, and it's been well supported by the community. So it's a pretty special place.
[00:02:11] Speaker A: Absolutely. Cassie, you also came on board recently, right?
[00:02:15] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. So I had a pretty. Pretty great journey with dove. I started as a consultant for this event last year, and they brought me on as the development and communications associate and then promoted me to the development director.
Yes. Thank you.
I'm pretty proud of myself and the work that Dove does. It's really great and extraordinary. Organization to work for.
[00:02:35] Speaker A: How's the experience been for you so far?
[00:02:37] Speaker C: It's wonderful.
I think I had experience in domestic violence agencies before, but there's.
There's something special about Dove, and I really see it. When I go out in the community, somebody we bump into knows what dove is.
You just talked about the prevention education, and I see students that had gone through our curriculum at their high school, and it was so memorable for them that they bring it out to their communities. And I did the youth Summit so many years ago. So it's just. It's wonderful to go out into the community and see how many lives we've touched. Not with our direct services only, but with the prevention and the education, where it feels like we're making a difference out there.
[00:03:17] Speaker A: That's the ultimate goal. Right. Is to break the cycle.
[00:03:20] Speaker C: Absolutely.
[00:03:20] Speaker A: Because it is cyclical, is it not? Domestic violence.
[00:03:23] Speaker C: Yes. Yeah. Behavior patterns are learned.
[00:03:26] Speaker A: Exactly. So to break that cycle with the next generation. Right.
And hopefully end it permanently in the future. Obviously, that's a lofty goal for sure, but in the meantime, celebrate the successes.
[00:03:40] Speaker C: Absolutely.
[00:03:42] Speaker A: So a big part of that is raising funds, because you are a nonprofit 501 corporation. Two main events. I know that Dove hosts every year. One in the spring used to be Divas Dance. Now it's just less dance, I think.
[00:03:56] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:03:57] Speaker A: And in the fall, Harvesting Hope. And as I mentioned, it's coming up October 24th this year at 6:00 clock at the Married Hotel. Tell me all about it.
[00:04:05] Speaker C: Yeah. So this event, it's really honoring and celebrating, you know, like, like you said, there are people who have been supporting us for so many years, and we have the honor of celebrating this duo. It's a mother and daughter, and we'd really love to highlight the generational transfer of the philanthropic mindset, because as you touched upon Breaking the Cycle, it doesn't just stop here. We have to teach the children not only how to recognize safe and healthy relationships, but also, like you said, we need the resources. A lot of our programs have wait lists.
Yeah. We can't help everybody that needs the help. So we have these fundraisers to raise those critical funds to make sure we can help as many people as humanly possible.
[00:04:57] Speaker A: So this mother and daughter, you're calling them Pillars of Hope.
[00:05:00] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:05:02] Speaker A: Hence Harvesting Home Fundraiser. Are they both survivors?
[00:05:06] Speaker C: I'm not too sure about their personal history or their lived experience, but just super supportive in not only their generosity and money, but their time.
They show up to all of our events. They're contributors to Our auction items, which again, it's not just about the money that you give to us. It's the other things that you do, the services that you provide, Sharing with your network, getting people to fill the seats. So we raise again as much money as possible.
[00:05:38] Speaker A: Auction items. Cassie?
[00:05:40] Speaker C: Yes. Yeah, tell us. Yeah, we have a really great network of people that like to donate services and experiences to us. One I'm really excited about.
There's a pizza place in Scituate and he's donated a make your pizza class and I just. He's such a craftsman and has this beautiful pizza oven that was like sourced with tiles from Italy. So just a really cool, unique experience.
We have an executive chef that has a few restaurants around Quincy who is always super generous in donating a private dinner with tasting for groups of friends.
[00:06:18] Speaker A: Feel free to name him if you'd like.
[00:06:19] Speaker C: Yeah, it's Jimmy. Language. Yeah. So the group is just so generous and we're so lucky to have them in our network.
[00:06:27] Speaker A: Fantastic. So can you kind of run us through that evening? What'll be happening starting at 6:00'? Clock?
[00:06:31] Speaker C: Sure. So we'll have a cocktail hour reception. We're thinking about getting a jazz trio just to bring the a different life into this event.
Just live auction, silent auction fund the missionary catalyst.
Chuck Ducas.
[00:06:48] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:06:49] Speaker C: Yeah, he's really excited. He's worked with a bunch of other big name organizations so we're excited to have him join us this year.
And yeah, I think dinner, definitely dinner. We'll be feeding people.
[00:07:02] Speaker A: Excellent.
[00:07:04] Speaker C: We'll honor our awardees and hopefully we'll hear from a survivor. And subcopass. That's usually a very impactful part of the program.
It's really important to connect the dots and so people can see that the impact that they're making is more than just helping us do our jobs. It humanizes people changing lives. Yeah, absolutely.
[00:07:21] Speaker A: And I say it every year when we talk about this, but that person that, that survivor that gets up and talks about that experience is extremely brave.
[00:07:29] Speaker C: Absolutely. Yeah.
[00:07:31] Speaker A: Because to be able to speak publicly about that is a huge hurdle that they had to work on for sure.
[00:07:37] Speaker C: And we like to highlight, you know, different stages of the journey. Because Dove isn't just there for people when they're in crisis. We travel through the surviving and the thriving phases of domestic violence experience.
[00:07:48] Speaker A: Exactly. Yeah. It's a holistic approach, if you will, because it's not just one person, it impacts everyone, including the survivor, but people that are touched by them as well. Right?
[00:07:58] Speaker C: Yeah, absolutely.
[00:07:59] Speaker A: So I know we Talked earlier that you're trying to make this year's event a little more fun on the happier side, right?
[00:08:06] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. Really leaning our mission, hope, healing, safety, and social change. We really want to share the hopeful side because it is so hard when you're in it to really understand that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And we. We help people realize that vision.
[00:08:22] Speaker A: And you're not alone, right?
[00:08:23] Speaker C: Yeah, exactly.
[00:08:24] Speaker A: So, Mick, does that kind of represent how you'll approach your mission at Dove going forward?
[00:08:31] Speaker B: Absolutely. I mean, I like these sorts of events because they are joyful, and the work that we do is very heavy. And day in and day out, our staff are listening to stories that are, you know, not the sort of thing that anybody wants to hear.
And yet these are real, lived experiences that people have. And it's, you know, wonderful that we have an organization in our community that is available for literally 247 to, you know, to help people when they're in need. But it's heavy work, and, you know, I think rather than just focus on the pain and suffering that people experience, it's really nice to be able to come together and celebrate how we as a community, whether you're. Whether you're donating, whether you're volunteering your time, whether you're giving in kind donations, you know, we're all coming together as one Dove, really, to, you know, to support this mission. And I think that's great.
I also think it's important to, you know, remember that October is domestic violence awareness month.
And so the entire month is a time for us to reflect on, you know, what it means that we have so much domestic violence in our communities and think about, you know, how can we come together better to address these issues? Because it's, you know, it's like you said, something that can affect anybody at any time. It does not discriminate.
So Dove as an organization has, you know, smaller events, workshops, fun things that we're doing throughout the month. We're doing a lot of things just right next door at the library.
[00:10:14] Speaker A: Oh, really?
[00:10:15] Speaker B: We've got some book clubs, we've got some films that we're going to show with some conversations afterwards, you know, some family friendly things. So you can find all that calendar up on our website.
And these are things that are. I think all of them are free with the exception of Harvesting Hope, where we do ask for a donation for the ticket.
But these are things that are really just meant to bring the community together and think about this problem.
[00:10:42] Speaker A: I think it's important to Talk about the folks behind the scenes that you mentioned that are doing this work, that are listening to these stories and taking action to help these people. Those are some special folks that are.
[00:10:54] Speaker B: Oh, I can't even begin to talk about our staff. I absolutely think that the Dove staff is the best of the best. They are professionals, they are empathic, they are trauma informed, they are survivor centered. They are everything that you want in someone to help.
And if someone is in need, this is the place to go to, because you will meet somebody who will be able to provide you with, at minimum, that kind of empathy to listen to you, to validate you, and to kind of point you in the right direction.
[00:11:29] Speaker A: Absolutely. When someone reaches that point where they finally reach out, which takes a lot. Right.
It's not one incident that usually prompts somebody to seek help. Usually it's the worst of the worst incident that's happened.
[00:11:42] Speaker B: Yeah. And you're exactly right. Statistically, it can be 10 times before, and it can be even more than that.
So. And it's, you know, there's no right or wrong way. When it's time, it's time. And, you know, that's why we're. That's why we're open all the time.
[00:11:57] Speaker A: Right. Yeah. We're putting your hotline up there for folks.
[00:11:59] Speaker B: Oh, that would be great. Absolutely.
[00:12:00] Speaker A: Thank you. Are there opportunities at Dov mc employment opportunities or volunteer opportunities?
[00:12:06] Speaker B: I think we've just filled our employment for right now.
We did have a few things, but we always are looking for volunteers. And there's a number of different ways in which people can volunteer. So, you know, people can volunteer at some, you know, for some of our events, we do a holiday drive where we collect some, you know, presents, gifts, that sort of thing. So we need, you know, we're always in need of that kind of support.
[00:12:31] Speaker A: Okay. And does Dove still operate the emergency shelter for victims?
[00:12:35] Speaker B: Yes, it does. Yep.
[00:12:35] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:12:36] Speaker B: Yep. So we do emergency housing. And then in addition to that, you know, the emergency housing is so important, and it's very, very, you know, it's an essential need, but unfortunately, it's very limited.
And because we recognize that Dove created about two years ago a program called heap. Heap stands for housing, Economic Housing and Economic empowerment program.
And the Housing and economic empowerment program really just kind of works with people on trying to find either transitional or permanent housing. And, you know, recognizing that not everybody's going to be able to get into a shelter, but a lot of people still need help finding safe and secure home.
[00:13:22] Speaker A: Absolutely. When they have taken that step you want to get them out of that situation as soon as possible?
[00:13:27] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:13:28] Speaker A: For sure.
So Harvesting Hope, Cassie, how do folks attend? How do we get more information?
How do folks make sponsorships if those are still available as well? Here's your chance.
[00:13:39] Speaker C: Yes, wonderful.
Yeah. We are still accepting sponsors, so you can find it on our website. I believe you guys have posted for us.
[00:13:47] Speaker A: Absolutely.
[00:13:48] Speaker C: That is dovema.org harvestinghope. You can reach out to me directly or developmentovema.org and we'll get you the critical information. But, yeah, let's buy your tickets online. Contact me for sponsorship.
[00:14:05] Speaker A: All right. About how many folks do you expect at the.
[00:14:08] Speaker C: I'm hoping for, like, 200. 250.
[00:14:10] Speaker A: Super.
[00:14:10] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:14:10] Speaker A: Yeah. And do you have kind of a goal in mind for fundraising?
[00:14:13] Speaker C: 200,000.
[00:14:14] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:14:14] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:14:15] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:14:15] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:14:15] Speaker A: And, Mick, do those funds go to any particular program at Dove or just in general?
[00:14:20] Speaker B: These will be general funds. And one of the things that I tell people is that the nature of domestic violence and the nature of the work that we do is such that you can't always predict things.
[00:14:33] Speaker A: Almost never. Right?
[00:14:34] Speaker B: Almost never. Can you predict things. And so there are just times when making a budget for an organization like this is very, very difficult because you just can't predict there may be a major housing crisis. There may be a string of very, very serious cases. So it's really important for an organization like ours to have a reserve of money that we can put to those places where it's needed the most. And that's really what this is about at Harvesting Hope is raising the funds so that we have that money available to put in those places when it's needed.
[00:15:13] Speaker A: And I think it's probably important to talk a little bit about what domestic violence is. I think there's a preconceived notion that it's always physical violence. And that's not always the case, right?
[00:15:23] Speaker B: No. In fact, statistically, according to the National Network on domestic violence, it's 99% of all domestic violence survivors have also experienced financial abuse.
99%?
[00:15:35] Speaker A: Everyone, basically.
[00:15:35] Speaker B: So Everyone.
And, you know, and that's really important to think about, because if you are experiencing not only that physical violence, which is very traumatizing in a psychological kind of way, you're also experiencing this financial crisis. And, you know, that means that maybe you don't have a bank account, maybe you don't have a credit card or a job even, or education.
[00:15:59] Speaker A: Transportation.
[00:16:00] Speaker B: Transportation. You don't have any credit.
I mean, rental, getting.
Putting down a security deposit can be almost an impossible hurdle. So you're absolutely right. There's that and then there's all, you know, mental abuse. There can be spiritual abuse. There's a lot of different things that complicate things. And that's why we call domestic violence a complex phenomenon. Because it's very, very complex.
[00:16:25] Speaker A: And it's not always that. You know, we see the high profile cases, unfortunately, in the mainstream media, but there are so many more that don't get talked about or mentioned that may be happening right. In someone's own circle of living.
[00:16:40] Speaker B: And that's a good point, because you don't need to wait for it to get that bad to seek help.
You don't need to. If you feel like something's not right, or if you have a friend or loved one, family member, colleague, whatever, and you feel like something's not right, it doesn't have to be that. You know, it doesn't have to be.
You're in grave, mortal danger. But it just is not right. You know, there might be things that we can do to help help you in that situation.
[00:17:08] Speaker A: Does Dove work with the law enforcement community, Mick?
[00:17:10] Speaker B: Absolutely does. Yeah. We have a. We're very fortunate to have very close relationship with, really, all of our police departments in Norfolk County. We serve Norfolk County. Very close relationship with the Norfolk County Sheriff's Department as well.
[00:17:23] Speaker A: Yeah, I know. Cassie. The sheriff is helping with Harvesting Hope this year, right?
[00:17:27] Speaker C: Yeah. We're lucky enough to have him support us as a sponsor.
[00:17:30] Speaker A: Absolutely. Now, is there a deadline to buy your tickets for Harvesting Hope?
[00:17:35] Speaker C: I have like a week before the event, but before October 12th would be amazing.
[00:17:40] Speaker A: Okay. All right. Just so you know, how many people are coming for dinner?
[00:17:43] Speaker C: Exactly. I gotta get my food orders in.
[00:17:45] Speaker A: Absolutely. Mick mentioned volunteer. Are there volunteer opportunities for Harvesting Hope right now that you still need to fill or.
[00:17:51] Speaker C: Yeah, I'll always take people help soliciting auction items or raffle items. We need help the day of hands on, getting the event set up.
[00:18:01] Speaker A: Sure. Okay.
[00:18:02] Speaker C: Anything like that.
[00:18:03] Speaker A: Okay, great.
[00:18:03] Speaker C: Much appreciated.
[00:18:04] Speaker A: So, again, website, we've been putting up your hotline. I'm assuming you're on social media as well.
[00:18:09] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:18:09] Speaker A: You are.
[00:18:10] Speaker C: Yep. Dove Inc. Is our Instagram handle.
[00:18:12] Speaker A: Okay. So search for you there.
[00:18:14] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:18:15] Speaker A: All right. And see you on October 24th.
[00:18:16] Speaker C: Yes, please.
[00:18:17] Speaker A: Anything else we should add?
[00:18:18] Speaker B: That would be great. No, really appreciate you inviting us on. And, you know, we love meeting people in the community and, you know, talking to anyone and everyone. And so we really want to be an open organization for people.
[00:18:29] Speaker A: Great. Well, thank you both. Really appreciate the opportunity to talk to you. Hopefully, we'll help get the message out for you.
[00:18:33] Speaker C: Yeah, Great. Thanks, Jay.
[00:18:35] Speaker A: You're welcome.
