Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 22 September 2000 — Page 9

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2000

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

thority on the impact of community, social and environmental issues on public health and president of the BCM Group, Inc. Coleman Miller visited Indianapolis this week to promote awareness about domestic violence and urge women to escape abusive relationships. Her career spans over 25 years. TV programs such as 60 Minutes and CNN Today have used her expertise to analyze violent behaviors and the Office of Women’s Health selected her as the keynote speaker for women’s health month, which highlights violence against women. “My hope is to expand the work already being done in Indianapolis, and make it the center for the elimination of abuse. We must make an effort to bring domestic violence to a higher consciousness.” Recent headlines such as the high profile case of Indianapolis r i t

CRY

assessment continues, clients must give 30 percent of their income to the program to cover expenses. If someone does not currently have employment, for example, then

payment is not required.

“When someone enters the program, I would be able to transition her in two years to the Tibbs Court program, the homeownership preparedness program," said Casson. “A lot of people just don’t have anywhere to go. We teach them life skills,” she added, recognizing that a majority of her referral sources

dome from homeless shelters.

' The Westside Community Development Corp., located at 2314 W. Michigan St., helps men and women obtain housing through a series of programs that educate potential homeowners about the importance of personal and financiafstability. FITs and Tibbs Court are two transitional housing options, and both assist families with employment, credit history evaluation and individual goal setting

Continued from A1 Colts player Mustafah Muhammad, who was convicted of domestic battery for beating his now deceased wife, may suggest that domestic violence occurs only in Black households. However, Dr. Coleman Miller recognizes that abuse reaches far beyond specific

racial groups.

Images of battered women appear in diverse sectors such as the military, churches, elderly populations and financially wealthy households she said. ‘The most important thing is for women to recognize when they are in an abusive relationship," said Dr. Coleman Miller. “Women must think about how much of themselves they sacrifice on a daily ba-

sis,” she said.

Experts say that once women recognize the circumstances they are in they should take immediate action to resolve the situation. “Women can make a good life HOMES Continued from A1 techniques. This ladder of opportunity also provides guidance and support services for single family households, homeless women and their children as well as fathers seeking housing resources. “(The people in the program) help you out with whatever you need. I want to be financially set for the future so that my kids won ’ t have to struggle. I just want the best for them,” said Little, noting her desire to further her education and purchase a home. By attending group meetings, she has developed a mission statement, which outlines her goals. Group topics include time management skills, relationship counseling and conflict resolution. Next week, Danita Edwards, NCAA vice-president of public affairs, will discuss wardfobfag“tips-' for the forking woman.-Twice a month.women in the program meet and listen to each other’s stories, which Casson suggests helps put fears and goals into perspective. Educa-

for themselves and their children that doesn’t have to involve violence,” says Carlene Richardson, director of the Julian Center Shelter. “Women who are being abused look just like us. We cannot reach out enough to educate them with resources and support,” she said. The cycle of abuse often begins with experiencing what 13-year-old Michelle witnessed in her home life — watching parents and other family members endure abuse, ex-

perts said.

According to Richardson, this cycle of violence must be addressed and corrected to eliminate increasing numbers of domestic abuse. Editor's Note: The last name of Michelle was omitted to protect her family’s privacy. If you know someone or feel that you are in an abusive relationship call the Julian Center at (317) 635-4674.

tion is stressed in individual and group sessions to explore career expectations and further college or vocational studies. There are numerous local program partners such as INET, AIDS Serve Indiana, Eastern Star Church and the Christamore House, who all contribute resources and services. Little’s mother, Debbie Flemming, has been in the FITs program for 18 months, and remains optimistic about her daughter’s future because of the program’s guidance. “It feels good to see a promising future for myself. I must do what I can to be a good role model for my daughter. She deserves the best, and knowing this program, I think she’ll come out on top,” said Flemming, looking forward to a positive and successful futttfe for bet family-- < r . ..ii.. ..1.1-rni.n For more information about the FITs and Tibbs Court programs call Lori Casson at (317) 684-0611.

| f i

t to ! I

Did you know? You have a house on Pennsylvania Avenue • A majestic house that stands tall between the White House and the Capitol Oh my sisters, you need to know At 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, you have a house Where great things come to pass bom of a brilliant past You have a house where children are protected with the fierceness of a mother's love that ensures your voice will be heard and your seat will be saved at the feast of power My beautiful sisters You have a house

? •

“Our House" needs your help.

In 1935, Mary McLeod Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women to empower African American women and families. From establishing day care centers to building homes, the NCNW has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of women, children and families. In 1995, the NCNW purchased a majestic building at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C., the first building on this street owned by a black organization; a place women of color around the world proudly call "Our House.” Now the NCNW wants to retire the mongage on "Our House." Our goal is to raise $8,700,000 by September 30 through the Dorothy Height Legacy Initiative. When the mortgage is burned, the building will be named the Dorothy Height Building in honor of of our Chair and President Emerita, and hean and soul of the NCNW. Your tax deductible contribution can help make this happen. Whatever you send will be lovingly appreciated. For information, call 1-877-912-PENN.

>1 I ii

I want to help mUra the mortgage on “Our House” Q$25 Q$50 □$100 ^OO □$350 □$633* □Other

NA.MF

\DDRKSS

STATE

*A comrtXJOon ct $633 or mor« wM ansuro an inacripOon on 'Scro* o* Honor” in to buMng lobby Contributions art tax deductiMs to to axMnt ol to law Please make check or money order payable to: Dorothy Height Legacy Initiative Ml Pennsylvania Ave , Washington, DC 20004

DENZEL WASHINGTON

History is written by the winners.

I c T u IU s“> K r% i f N r »

REMEMBER THE

4 I I r.

TITAJSIS

JWMQHUana iui niTKiMs«. M -iiTKUBniiB HiHiwiiinnimiff .i([iiituiua m .uiiM.iuKira auiu luinra

cordially Invites you to attend am advance scraentfid on Tuesday. saftraRnberlB; 1UUV It^ 7:00 p.m. at the Lomrs CoUeua Park. 3S3S W. 06th St. Complimentary pas««f;,wlll ba given on a Hist coma, first served basis while supplies last. A limited amount of passes will bs available only at The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. 2901 N. Tacoma on Monday. September 28.2000.10:00 a.m. -12:00 Noon.

ADPLTS OMLY

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

One Pass Per Person Such Pass Admits Two

(PLEASE PRESENT THIS AD) ?

The Indtanapote Chamber of Commerce s public policy staff can help you navigate the mazt of policy decsion-nalong. which i» help ywr business every they keep an eye on niesaN regulations ol the Ci^<k)unly(^uncimdlfolndiaM General Assemhh Plus, they rite ragfarfywil the mayor’s office, city-county councilors, legislators and oilier elected officials M oiths is available with annual Chamber dues samng at as Utle as $420 They are your eyes and ears Become a member today Gm yw knbwss. irvv.is4ychamber.coa $lt-464-22J0