2020 FORCE FOR CHANGE CRUSADERS force for change nj . com

Lana Ubinski , MA , MSW , LSW , is the Manager of the JBWS Transitional Living and Rapid Rehousing programs . Both programs act as bridges from emergency safe housing to more independent living . When COVID-19 arrived , many survivors experienced feelings of isolation and helplessness that mirrored those they faced with their abusive partners- -making connections to positive , helpful people and relationships even more crucial . Ubinski and her team navigated new ways to provide virtual services where clients could come together to see one another ’ s faces and take away timely resources , including making the most of unemployment and stimulus benefits and practicing self-care in stressful social times .

Amber Szuch , MSW , LCSW is the Director of the Children ’ s Program for JBWS . According to Szuch , “ Necessary restrictions put on child witnesses of domestic violence to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have exacerbated their feelings of loneliness and isolated them from outside support systems . Their caregivers , many of whom are essential workers , are experiencing their own fears and stressors . We had to create fun and helpful virtual activities to engage children of all ages , while supporting their families too .” Szuch ’ s team met the challenge by securing iPads for families , offering parenting groups , and creating a weeklong virtual camp that inspires hope for children who have experienced trauma .

Juli Harpell-Elam , M . A . ED ., LPC , NCC , ACS is Director of the JBWS abuse intervention program . In times of crisis , and especially forced isolation , incidents of domestic violence often rise , and violence may escalate . To ensure the safety of clients , their partners and children , Harpell-Elam and her team researched best practices in the US and Europe for doing virtual assessments and group video counseling with people who have used abuse in relationships . While there are challenges , this intervention does make a difference . Participants expressed appreciation for helping them to confront the attitudes and manage the emotions that could lead to violence if left unchecked .

In a typical year , Madeline Hahn , MSW , Manager of the JBWS Dating Abuse Prevention Program , gives 300 talks , reaching 8,000 students in Grade 5 through college . When schools shut down , she quickly shifted lesson plans to a virtual format that in part proved to be more engaging than discussing abuse inperson . One 11th grader wrote , “ We heard people ’ s perspectives and discussed them in meaningful ways . In the anonymous polling questionnaires , we could give our personal thoughts without judgement .” Absent the peer pressure in the physical classroom , Hahn believes students can take an honest look at their personal relationships .