Women Helping Women

Women Helping Women Expands Rape Crisis Services to Butler County

rcacenter — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:27:51 +0000

Cincinnati – Women Helping Women today announced that it has acquired the Butler County Rape Crisis Program (BCRCP), ensuring a continuation of those services to the Butler County community.

The Board of Directors of the BCRCP’s parent organization voted last month to suspend operations as of October 31. Women Helping Women’s acquisition of the program ensures uninterrupted crisis intervention, advocacy and outreach services will continue. BCRCP provided services to more than 1,000 people in Butler County in 2011.

Women Helping Women is Hamilton County’s dual rape crisis and non-residential domestic violence agency. The agency’s acquisition of the Butler County Rape Crisis Program represents a significant expansion of Women Helping Women’s service area.

“Women Helping Women understands fully the importance of providing services and support for survivors of sexual assault,” said Kendall Fisher, executive director of Women Helping Women. “We are delighted to take this action so that local services will continue to be available, and we look forward to serving the Butler County community.”

Fisher added that Women Helping Women received support from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Miami University’s Parent Fund and individuals and organizations throughout Butler and Hamilton counties which made continuation of the program possible.

To access local program services, survivors of sexual assault and service providers in the Butler County area should call Women Helping Women’s 24-hour hotline at 513-381-5610 or 877-889-5610.

“Women Helping Women is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1973 to serve women and men who are survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking in Southwestern Ohio. The agency provides crisis intervention services to including hotline, hospital accompaniment, court advocacy, support groups and face-to-face advocacy for abuse survivors and also conducts training and education in the community to increase awareness of these crimes and aid in their prevention.”

October 2012 Purple Light Nights Kick-off Breakfast

rcacenter — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:28:37 +0000

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Join us as we recognize October as Domestic Violence Month and launch the Purple Light Nights Campaign. This PLN campaign remembers domestic violence homicide victims, celebrates the courage of survivors and their families, and provides hope, information, and services to individuals living with abuse.

Guest Speakers

Thomas F. Boat, MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Dean and Vice President Health Affairs

Juwana Hall, Director, Amend, YWCA of Greater Cincinnati

Eric H. Kearney, Seantor, Ohio’s 9th Senate District

Walter McLary, Sr. Vice President Human Resources, TriHealth

Charlene Ventura, President & CEO, YWCA of Greater Cincinnati

Date: Ocober 10, 2012

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Location: YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, 898 Walnut Street

RSVP by October 5th to sdemyan@ywcacin.org

Sponsors:

Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis, Mercy Health, Macy’s, TriHealth, Family Violence Prevention Project, YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, Jewish Family Service, Women Helping Women, Catholic Health Partners, Parents of Murdered Children, Inc., Cincinnati Police, Starbucks, Norton, The Castellini Family Foundation

25th Annual Candlelight Vigil She Screams Without Sound

rcacenter — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:03:12 +0000

Please join us in observing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month as we remember and honor victims of domestic violence homicide. These are individuals who were killed in the past 25 years by an intimate partner. We celebrate the lives of those who have survived domestic violence and provide support and hope to children exposed to violence and loss. The candlelight vigil will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 5:45 p.m. The location is the Hamilton County Courthouse Steps, 1000 Main Street, Cincinnati.

Music will be provided by MUSE Cincinnati Women’s Choir and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Bagpipers. At this evening program, candles will be lit for the victims who have died this year in Hamilton County. There will be seven candles and four pairs of shoes as a reminder of the lives lost in the past year.

Master of Ceremonies - Shannon Kettler, News Reporter, WCPO, Channel 9 News

Speakers

Keynote: Honorable David Davis, retired Hamilton County Judge
Executive Director of Women Helping Women, Kendall Fisher: Responding to Domestic Violence
Lt. Joe Hall (retired, Cincinnati Police Department): Remembering Major John (Johnny) Adkins

Sponsors

Women Helping Women and the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati; both funded in part by the city of Cincinnati and United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

Other Participating Organizations

Cincinnati Police Department, Hamilton County Probation Department, Prosecutor’s Office and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and their Bagpipers, Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, Mayerson Center, MUSE Cincinnati Women’s Choir, Parents of Murdered Children Inc. and Talbert House Services.

Special Note

To memorialize a family member or friend during this vigil who was a domestic violence homicide victim, please contact Peggy Caldwell (513-977-5559) or Rhonda King (513-241-9400).

Light Up the Night 2012: The Emerald City Ball

rcacenter — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:24:10 +0000

Women Helping Women Staff Kendall Fisher, Kendra Massey, Cordelia Schaber and Hope Carver

Women Helping Women’s annual fundraiser, Light Up the Night, was held at The Elements Conference and Event Centre. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this event. With your help, we were able to raise over $63,000.

Committee Members Betsy Hendy, Jennifer Eng, Margaret O'Gorman, Tracy Cole and Sue Baggott

The proceeds from Light Up the Night will help support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Because of community support at events like this, we are able to be present when and where survivors need us most. Our advocates provide a compassionate voice on the hotline, a hand to hold at the hospital, a comforting presence at the police department, a supportive ally in the courtroom and a strong support system for survivors whenever they need us.

Trustees Ellen Feld and Sheila Cohen

John Batchelor, Brittany Montgomery, Gregg Tepe and Tracy Cole

We hope that you join us next year for Light Up the Night. Thank you for supporting Women Helping Women and the work that we do.

For more information on Women Helping Women or Light Up the Night, please contact our Development Department at 513-977-5552.

iSpy Cincy and Sunday Salons 2012

rcacenter — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:10:07 +0000

Women In American Art… A Celebration

By Stephanie Wilks
February 17, 2012

Julie Baughman, Melanie Garner, Carol Faulhaber, and Mary Lou Hoffer

There’s something romantic about a group of people who gather together in support of a common cause. And when they mix and mingle over cultural events complete with alcoholic beverages – well then, the group is downright contagious. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting the ladies of Women Helping Women, or attended one of their “Sunday Salons,” then you should. But be warned: they’re passionately infectious.

Painting on wood by Matilda Brown circa 1600’s (top), Painting of a woman by Cincinnati area artist Dixie Seldon, circa 1900’s

“Women in American Art… A Celebration,”delighted both veterans and newcomers of W.H.W.’s Sunday salons at the beautiful home of Dr. Robert and Joan Cody this week. Not only did we learn about the great work of the Women Helping Women charity, which benefits victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking in Southwest Ohio, but we were also educated about the rich history of American Art, with a focus on female artists, by a history-loving couple who have spent decadescarefully developing their personal collection.

Attendees were treated upon arrival to adelectable array of hors d’oeuvres, wine, and a clever cocktail of blood orange infused with basil – an apropos beverage choice for February. The beverage was quite the hit. In case you’re interested in creating a version of the Cody’s signature cocktail, here is a similarrecipe.

After food, cocktails, and chit-chat, we were introduced to Hamilton County Judge Heather Russell, who described her positive experiences with Women Helping Women and explained how the organization works diligently to aid needy individuals both inside and outside the courthouse.

“The Nest” oil on canvas by artist Mary Whyte (center), the frame was custom built and gilded by her husband. The piece is surrounded by watercolors also by Mary White of Greenville, SC.

Originally founded in 1973, the social service agency provides extensive crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to some of the most emotionally and legally needy women and men who suffer physical abuse in this area. They serve 12,000 people each year. Needless to say, a social gathering focused on the study of American women in art paired fluentlywith the core mission of Women Helping Women.

Rembrandt’s Raising Lazarus from the Dead Viewing an Elizabeth Duvenek self-portrait

Per typical Women Helping Women Sunday salons, we spent the rest of the afternoonhaving fun and discussing interesting ideas. Dr. Robert Cody conducted a thorough tour of his traditional home, elucidating attendees about some of the earliest renowned female artists, as well as American time periods of art and the various influences. Amongst an extensive collection from American artists, are pieces byRembrandt, Manet, and Winslow Homer – perhaps you’ve heard of them?

“Giraffes,” by renowned New York City artist Leroy Nieman

Not only did we have the pleasure of viewing various paintings and sketches, but we were also spoiled to an incredible display of American quilts, many dating back to the 1700s. To describe the entire experience as humbling would be an understatement. My only regret is not bringing a better camera!

If cultural and educational events like “Women in Art… A Celebration” spark your interest,consider attending a future Sunday salon. Women Helping Women also hosts salons specifically for young professionals entitled “Not Your Mother’s Salons.”

City Beat's Best of Cincinnati

rcacenter — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:59:00 +0000

This year Women Helping Women was voted Best Local Cause in City Beat’s Best of Cincinnati issue. We are honored to have this position. We take pride in being a unique provider of crisis intervention and support services for direct and indirect victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. Women Helping Women also takes a leading role in educating the community to promote awareness and help prevent these types of abuse.

City Beat Best of Cincinnati

iSpyCincy Features Sunday Salon: Game on…Cupcake Wars!

rcacenter — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:42:53 +0000

East Walnut Hills
March 16, 2011

iSPY some yummy cupcakes

I recall studying the advent of the Salon in Mrs. Ray’s AP European History class… a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine taste and increase their knowledge of the participants through conversation. My first experience with such a gathering came during a jaunt in Paris. The affair was a paid, trip-through-time, tourist trap. Interesting, but not quite what I’d expected. In my most recent encounter however, I got my money’s worth and then some.

Karen Hollstegge, Pat Hoffman, and Debra DeCourcy

Women Helping Women, a unique provider of crisis intervention and support services for direct and indirect victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking, also provides a Sunday Salon series in their event listings. The series helps to subsidize funding for their main services. They began January 30th and run through March 27th.

Each Sunday guests enjoy an afternoon at a beautiful Cincinnati (sometimes Northern KY) home as well as an interesting talk from a list of keynote speakers. Some of whom include UC President Gregory Williams, a former FBI special agent, Cincinnati Ballet CEO Victoria Morgan, Craft & Cocktail Expert Molly Wellmann among others.

Krista Tevar, owner of Sugar Cupcakery Julie Baughman and Michele Mischler

And on my day of attendance I was lured in with the sugary sweetness of Krista Tevar, owner of Sugar Cupcakery, an upscale organic cupcake bakery located in Old Milford. The Dinerman’s, Gretchen and Robert, hosted the event in their lovely Riverside condo, which is a mere hop, skip, and jump away from an afternoon bath in the Ohio River.

View from the living room… pretty nice

As Tevar told her story, I was captivated. Within six months of opening Sugar Cupcakery (opened Labor Day 2009) a Nick Lachey Cincinnati Bell commercial was filmed at the store. Secondly, Tevar and her sister were invited to participate in Cupcake Wars, a reality show competition on the famed Food Network. They placed second. Now their cupcakes ship around the country. Believe me, there are more details to divulge in this fascinating anecdote, but they will unfold in a separate, yet upcoming, iSPYCINCY post… sorry to leave you hanging. Just remember–all good things come in time:)

Jeanne Ruggieri and Wendy Kroner

Elisa Grammel and Michelle Buehler

Until then, I leave you with more details about the Sunday Salons: there are only two left in the series, this Sunday and next. Click HERE to find out who’s speaking. And don’t worry if you miss out on the Salons, Women Helping Women has a grand Mad Men themed party coming up on Thursday May 5th at the Elements Events and Conference Centre–Light Up The Night. You’ll want to be in attendance.

Many thanks to for their support of Women Helping Women’s Sunday Salon series. Click icon to go directly to article!

Light Up the Night Featured in Express

rcacenter — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:17:18 +0000

Click on article to go directly to the news source.

Thank you to for featuring Women Helping Women’s Light Up the Night! For more info about Light Up the Night click here!

Cincinnati Wine Festival

rcacenter — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:01:48 +0000

Cincinnati Wine Festival

Women Helping Women is a beneficiary of this year’s Cincinnati Wine Festival. For more information about the event or the buy tickets simply click on the logo above.

Women Helping Women is deeply appreciative of the continued support by the Cincinnati Wine Festival.

Cincy Chic Spotlights Sunday Salons

rcacenter — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Women Helping Women
One unique fundraiser series lets you explore the town in both the architectural and topical sense. Find out where you and your buds can learn everything from cupcake wars to wine making.

Cincinnati definitely has a knack for philanthropic events, but Women Helping Women takes a different approach than the typical gala or walk for their fundraising events.

The Women Helping Women Sunday Salonsaim to brighten up wintry weekends with expert-led discussions on topics ranging from crafting cocktails to going behind the scenes of the Cincinnati Ballet.

Most of the Sunday Salon events take place at breath-taking homes around town, so while you’re learning something new about the topic at hand, you can explore Cincinnati’s architectural treasures. Water Tower Fine Wines Owners Jan and David Lazarus will welcome wine expert Katie O’Neil Schoeny and Sunday Salon guests into their home from 2 to 4 p.m. March 6. The former hunting lodge was originally built for the Gamble family in 1937.

And if wine’s not your thing, you might enjoy hearing Sugar Cupcakery Owner Krista Tevar talk about her experience on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and tasting some of her delicious organic treats from 1 to 3 p.m. March 6. The taste won’t be the only thing that amazes you, as Gretchen and Robert Dinerman play host to the event at their Riverside Drive condo with a gorgeous view.

While most of the Sunday Salon ticket prices are $65, tonight (Feb. 21) from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Roxy’s Restaurant and Lounge will host craft cocktail expert Molly Wellmann for just $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Wellmann will stir up some classic and craft cocktails for sampling as she fills you in on the history behind the drinks.

Other topics include professional writing, green gardening, creating and sustaining a major ballet company and reading auras. For a full listing of the Sunday Salons and the event details, head to WomenHelpingWomen.org/events/Sunday-Salons.

No matter which Sunday Salon you and your girlfriends attend, though, you can help support all of your girlfriends in the community by helping support the efforts behind Women Helping Women. This organization provides victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse and stalking with a 24-hour crisis line, 24-hour hospital accompaniment, one-on-one crisis intervention and law enforcement advocacy. Beyond these free services, Women Helping Women also works in the community to increase prevention and awareness about these topics.

“Hamilton County has the highest rate of rape in the state, and it’s actually higher than both the state and the national average, so sexual assault is extremely prevalent in our community,” Women Helping Women Development Director Ashley Rouster says. “And Women Helping Women is the only rape crisis program in Hamilton County.”

For more information about Women Helping Women, go toWomenHelpingWomen.org. In the case of a crisis, you can call the 24-hour crisis line at (513) 381-5610.

PHOTO CREDITS
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl
Model: Ashley Rouster
Location: BOOST…for meeting’s sake

Linda Palacios
		ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
		Linda Palacios is the editor of Cincy Chic. Send her an e-mail atlpalacios@cincychic.com.
	Read More >>

Cincy Chic spotlighted Women Helping Women’s Sunday Salon series in their newest Girlfriend’s edition! You can check out the article here or read below.

Thanks to for partnering with us for the Sunday Salons! For more info on the Salons, click here.