NICARAGUA

Patricia Castillo, Alianza Board member and Executive Director of the P.E.A.C.E. (Putting an End to Abuse through Community Efforts) Initiative, visited Nicaragua March 26-30 to conduct workshops on the cyclical, detrimental impact that domestic violence imposes on society. Ms. Castillo highlighted the crucial role all sectors of the community need to play in addressing the problem and working toward a solution. In energetic, interactive sessions, Ms. Castillo shared educational facts that highlighted the physiological impacts of domestic violence on children and the resulting economic burden for all members of society. Ms. Castillo traveled to four cities on the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts to conduct the training workshops. The trip was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in recognition of Women's History Month in the U.S. and International Women's Day (March 8).

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Ivonne Ortiz, Alianza's Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, made a similar trip to the Dominican Republic last August to conduct a series of trainings in the Dominican Republic. The trainings were organized by the U.S. Department of State, in conjunction with the DR's National Directorate for Assistance to Victims and the Ministry of Women. Ms. Ortiz spoke before several national groups including the Ministries of Culture, Education, Public Health, Sports, Youth, as well as the Attorney General of the Republic, the National Police and representatives from various NGOs that work in the areas of domestic and gender violence.

Read more...

About 20 advocates and other service providers, from throughout New Mexico and as far away as Chicago, Texas and Washington, attended Alianza's first Pilot training on Financial Literacy/Money Management and How to Start and Maintain Your Own Business. The training was delivered jointly by Ivonne Ortiz, Alianza's Training & TA Coordinator, and Jo Ann Garay, Program Coordinator and Trainer, for WESST (Women's Economic Self-Sufficiency Team). The trainers engaged the women in interactive exercises that gave them a real feel for what it's like to effectively manage their finances and to plan, finance and market a business. Albuquerque business owners Cecilia Baca (Cecilia's Café) and Dawn Maestas (LLC, Laser Tatoo Removal) and Eri Flor and Aurea Miros, from MIJAS Restaurant in Olympia, WA, made presentations and offered technical advice to the trainees. (See Photo Gallery)

Alianza is working in partnership with several DV organizations and other CBOs to host the trainings in each respective region. To request a training in your area contact Ivonne Ortiz: ivonneo@dvalianza.org.

Dozens Attend Alianza Video Screening in New Mexico (See Photo Gallery)

The 28-minute video, produced by Alianza and Arnold Trujillo (A Trujillo Production), features several survivors who were able to break away from violent and abusive relationships and are now living financially independent lives that are free of violence. The women have wonderful lessons and knowledge that will inspire not only victims of domestic violence, but also other women who want to make a better life. They not only tell us about the enormous challenges they faced and had to overcome, but they talk about the strength, support, and opportunities that helped them on their journeys to rebuild their lives and become successful business owners.

The video, accompanies a train-the-trainer curriculum produced as part of Alianza's Financial Independence for Survivors of Domestic Violence Training Project.

.

Staff of Alianza and National Compadres Network are joined for a group photo by trainees who came to Albuquerque from various parts of the country.

Dr. Ricardo Carrillo spoke about the various types of trauma that boys, women and men endure as a result of experiencing violence.

Ivonne Ortiz, Training and TA Coordinator for Alianza, chats with one of the trainees from Chicago who works with young men coming out of prison.

Deanda Montoya, Alianza’s Administrative Assistant/Office Manager (left) worked on the meeting logistics, on collecting donations and on registrations. She is joined at the registration table by Monica Chavez Montoya, Alianza’s Fiscal Officer.

Adelita M. Medina, Alianza’s Executive Director, dedicated the training to Luis Manuel Medina, a long-time domestic violence, sexual assault, and children’s rights advocate, who passed away on July 27, 2011. She spoke about the importance of nurturing our sons the same way we nurture our daughters.

Trainees listened intently throughout the day and a half training.

Staff of Alianza and National Compadres Network are joined for a group photo by trainees who came to Albuquerque from various parts of the country.

Dr. Ricardo Carrillo spoke about the various types of trauma that boys, women and men endure as a result of experiencing violence.

Ivonne Ortiz, Training and TA Coordinator for Alianza, chats with one of the trainees from Chicago who works with young men coming out of prison.

Deanda Montoya, Alianza’s Administrative Assistant/Office Manager (left) worked on the meeting logistics, on collecting donations and on registrations. She is joined at the registration table by Monica Chavez Montoya, Alianza’s Fiscal Officer.

Adelita M. Medina, Alianza’s Executive Director, dedicated the training to Luis Manuel Medina, a long-time domestic violence, sexual assault, and children’s rights advocate, who passed away on July 27, 2011. She spoke about the importance of nurturing our sons the same way we nurture our daughters.

Trainees listened intently throughout the day and a half training.

Alianza's Working with Men and Boys to End Domestic Violence national training, held October 17 and 18 in Albuquerque, NM, was definitely not your "typical" domestic violence training. "This has honestly been the best training I have ever attended," shared one trainee. "It has provided me with the opportunity to bring my beliefs and culture into my everyday work." Another stated: "Awesome training. Speakers are very knowledgeable and engaging. Interaction and methods of training are understandable, heart-felt, and relative to the culture and population of our area."

The training was a profoundly moving and, at times, a gut-wrenching experience for both trainers and trainees, who traveled from various parts of the country. The powerful dramatizations by Jerry Tello, of personal experiences with his familia- abuelita, dad, mom, children, and grandchildren-kept participants' attention riveted throughout both days.

Read more...

La Independencia Financiera para Sobrevivientes Latinas de Violencia Domestica
A Train the Trainer Workshop for OVW Grantees and other DV Service Providers
(This project is presented by Alianza and supported by Department of Justice/Office on Violence Against Women Grant No. 2010-ET-S6-K017)

This two-day training and follow-up technical assistance will provide OVW grantee organizations and other domestic violence service providers that serve Latina survivors with the knowledge and resources needed to assist survivors to attain economic independence. The workshop and training materials (curriculum, handouts and training video) will include information on the following topics:

Money Management Component

• Household Budgeting
• How Banks & Other Financial Institutions Work
• Opening and Balancing a Checkbook
• Credit Basics
• Personal Loans and Business Loans
• Renting a Place to Live
• Identify Theft

Small Business Component

• Life as a Business Owner
• Will Anyone Buy What I’m Selling?
• Sample Business Plan
• New Business and Marketing / Promotion Worksheets
• Instructional Case Studies

Read more...