Domestic Violence Solutions (DVS) for Santa Barbara County‘s newest fundraising project is called The Upstanding Man.
DVS defines an upstanding man as one who takes a stand against domestic violence. He does not stand by; he is part of the solution.
With Father’s Day right around the corner, DVS sees this as an opportune time to honor or remember a special man — a father, brother, boyfriend, husband, friend or mentor. Or, any man who wishes to join the campaign can nominate himself.
The first 200 names will be printed in local publications in the Father’s Day issue. A minimum donation of $100 will save a spot. Deadline for printed names is Thursday, June 6.
“During the month of June, we want to honor those men and boys who have taken a stand against all violence and demeaning behavior,” said Jan Campbell, DVS executive director.
“Our upstanding men have joined with us to say, ‘Count me in. I am positive, supportive and accountable, and I will never be a bystander.’ Campbell said. “That’s my kind of man.”
DVS’s goal for the campaign is to motivate and inspire other men to take a stand and be a part of the solution. Each contribution will support the youth program Coaching Boys into Men, and help rebuild the lives of courageous domestic violence survivors.
For more information, visit dvsolutions.org/UpstandingMan, call 805-963-4458 ext. 3, or email Jenni-Elise Ramirez, development officer, at jennieliser@dvsolutions.org.
Domestic Violence Solutions is dedicated to ending the cycle of domestic violence by providing prevention and intervention services, emotional support and advocacy to those in crisis, and playing a leadership role in effecting social change.
For more information, to make a donation or to learn about upcoming events, contact Julia Black at juliab@dvsolutions.org or visit www.dvsolutions.org.
DVS 24-hour crisis and information lines are: Santa Barbara, 805-964-5245; Santa Maria, 805-925-2160; Lompoc, 805-736-0965; Santa Ynez, 805-686-4390.
— Julia Black for Domestic Violence Solutions.