Category Archives: Uncategorized

Avery Park Receives Eagle Scout Rank

September 21, 2023UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

One of first females in country to achieve status

By Shirley Ruhe, Arlington Connection

Avery Park from Arlington is one of the first females in the country to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. She says usually it takes 7 years to achieve Eagle Scout status but she did it in four. She chose to organize the fifth floor storage space for Doorways and develop an online tracking system as her Eagle Scout project. “I knew I wanted to do something to support women and children.”

Continue reading in the Arlington Connection.

Darius Martin shares new single about domestic violence, partners with Doorways to support survivors

September 15, 2023UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

Darius Martin is thrilled to amplify awareness and generate funds with his new single, “Sparks Don’t Fly”

“R&B meets pop sensation Darius Martin releases the new single ‘Sparks Don’t Fly’ featuring Latin singer-songwriter Shantal Vella. The single is a powerful profile on the damaging effects of abusive relationships, offering an intimate window inside the emotional toll it takes on two hearts.

Teaming up with the esteemed non-profit, Doorways, and ahead of October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Darius Martin is thrilled to amplify awareness and generate funds with his new single, ‘Sparks Don’t Fly’. Serving the Arlington, Virginia, community, Doorways extends comprehensive support to survivors, providing housing, counseling, court advocacy, and more. With a 24/7 hotline and a robust community outreach program, Doorways stands firmly with survivors. Darius Martin is proud to drive impactful change with this new release.

‘Sparks Don’t Fly’ blends melodic cascades of percussion with an emotive vocal symphony shared between Darius Martin and Shantal Vella. Over subtle, refined beats, ‘Sparks Don’t Fly’ will immerse you in a lyrically tender narrative, bringing awareness towards domestic violence. Darius Martin admits, ‘I wanted people who have been in abusive relationships to know they’re not alone.'” Continue reading.

“Sparks Don’t Fly” is written about domestic violence in hopes of showing listeners that they are never alone

“Darius Martin is a Los Angeles based artist who fuses elements of pop and R&B into his sonics while crafting powerful narratives that resonate with day-to-day life. His newly released single, “Sparks Don’t Fly” featuring Shantal Vella, is written about domestic violence in hopes of showing listeners that they are never alone. Martin is partnering with Doorways, an organization based in Arlington, Virginia that provides resources and support for survivors.” Continue reading.

Important Update on Donating Items to Doorways

August 29, 2023UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

As of September 8th, Doorways Accepting Amazon Wishlist Items Only

We would like to thank the countless donors who have supported Doorways’ mission as it has grown and evolved over the years. As we leave our current office at the end of 2023 and move into a new space in Ballston Quarter, we unfortunately will no longer have the storage capabilities we once had. To adjust to this change, as of September 8th, Doorways will no longer be accepting item donations outside of our Amazon Wishlist. We will continue accepting gift cards.

To ensure your items reach those in need, we encourage anyone who is interested in donating physical items to check out our amazing peer organizations linked on our website. If you have any questions related to in-kind giving in or around Arlington, please feel free to contact Ashley Stewart at astewart@doorwaysva.org or 703-504-9271.

To continue providing items to Doorways clients, please visit our Amazon Wishlist, which is regularly updated to meet the urgent needs of our families. Thank you for your support!

Barbeque for Doorways: Pig & Oysters & Twirling Around

May 10, 2023UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

“It was a sell out crowd for the 14th annual Doorways Pig and Oyster Roast fundraiser held at Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company on Thursday, May 4,” the Arlington Connection reported. “The event raised $7,500 to support Doorways programs including shelter, housing and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Their services include families and individual survivors of all genders as well as youth.” Read more.

See event photos on Facebook

Survivors Find Healing By Writing Poetry

May 4, 2023UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

This SAAPM, send the gift of self-care to a survivor at Doorways

April 13, 2023UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

Want to help empower a survivor this Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM)? This year, we are hosting a fundraiser designed to do just that! We’re asking donors to select from 3 different empowerment gift bundles designed to aid our clients in healing, self-care, and self-love.

In addition to the specially tailored items, we’re asking donors to provide a gift card, at whichever level works best, to complete their gift bundle. We ask for gift cards as they empower our clients with the opportunity and freedom to show themselves some love!

Below you can find a description of each available bundle along with their estimated value:

Skincare Empowerment Bundle ($16 value): Who doesn’t love an at home Spa Day! Included in this kit is a wonderful assortment for a relaxing self-love skincare routine!
Crafting Empowerment Bundle ($25 value): With a combination of relaxing coloring books, and paint by number kits, this bundle opens the door to artistic expression!
Ultimate Self-Care Empowerment Bundle ($46 value): Skincare, crafts, sensory toys, and comforting weighted plushies combine to create our ultimate self-care empowerment bundle!

For more ways to take action during SAAPM, check out:

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM): 5 Ways to Take Action

Arlington Magazine Test of Time Profile

February 27, 2023UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

As Doorways marks its 45th anniversary, expanding safehousing is a top priority

“Forty-five years ago, a group of Arlington community members came together to solve a critical problem: when a neighbor was in crisis, they had no place to go. Together, they created Arlington’s first safehousing solution.

The Arlington Community Temporary Shelter (TACTS), as it was called, was and remains Arlington’s only domestic violence safehouse. What began as TACTS—one shelter, a single response—is now Doorways, an entire spectrum of trauma-informed programs, including community-based support, shelters, supportive housing and client services.”

Doorways Named 2023 Community Partner of the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.

January 18, 2023Press Release, UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

The Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. proudly recognized Doorways as a 2023 Community Partner grant recipient! See the complete list of 2023 Community Partner grant recipient here.

“We are so proud of the tremendous work you are doing in our community and it is an honor to partner with you,” wrote Lavern Chatman, Chair, Corporate/Community Partnerships of The Arlington Chapter. “We look forward to working with you to deliver transformational programs in our community.”

The Arlington Chapter supports other non-profit organizations in the community through grants. Established in the 1980’s, the Annual Community Partnership Grant Program opened an avenue to invite small grant applications from non-profit community partners that would help expand the chapter’s program focus and outreach to make a difference in the communities. Each year the Arlington (VA) Chapter awards grants to small 501c3 organizations, that provide transitional housing, quality educational programs to children, youth and family economic empowerment focusing.

Doorways thanks the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. for their steadfast partnership and support!

Commanders player James Smith-Williams advocates for survivors and their pets

October 5, 2022UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

“James Smith-Williams plays defense for the Washington Commanders. But off the field, he defends survivors of domestic violence,” WUSA9 reports.

“According to Purple Leash Project, only 15% of domestic violence shelters allow pets.”

“It’s not really a highlighted cause, but [domestic violence victims] stay because pets are an extension of their family,” James said.

“That’s why he’s teaming up with Purina and the Purple Leash Project for an initiative to increase pet-friendly domestic abuse shelters,” like Doorways.

In May 2009, Doorways became the only shelter in Virginia, and one of nine in the country, to offer safe shelter for people and pets fleeing violence. The all-weather kennel, which has heat, air conditioning, and indoor/outdoor areas, can house dogs, cats, and other small animals like hamsters and turtles. Learn more about our Domestic Violence Safehouse.

“Smith-Williams will continue to use his platform to make sure survivors of domestic violence and their pets stay together by wearing custom Purple Leash cleats for the Commanders’ Week 13 game this season,” WUSA9 reports.

Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month 2022 Proclamation

October 1, 2022UncategorizedLinley Beckbridge

ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Proclamation

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

WHEREAS, Arlington County envisions a peaceful and respectful community – where diversity is celebrated, violence is not tolerated, and where all people are empowered to build healthy and safe relationships; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a serious but underreported crime that affects people of all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and income levels in our community and across the nation – where “over one in 3 women and about one in 3 men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime,” with trans and nonbinary people experiencing the same or higher rates of violence; and

WHEREAS, as a community, Arlington is dedicated to addressing the issue of domestic, dating and intimate partner violence, ensuring those who have been harmed are offered timely, equitable, and culturally responsive support services; and

WHEREAS, our networks of support services work every hour of every day, to meet the needs of those who have been harmed, assisting those who need immediate support and meeting the ongoing needs of those experiencing any form of domestic violence, directly or vicariously; and

WHEREAS, Arlington is also dedicated to ensuring that those who have caused harm in domestic, dating, and intimate partner relationships are held accountable and offered the support services they need to address their use of violence; and

WHEREAS, under the umbrella of Project PEACE, important partnerships thrive among criminal and juvenile justice agencies, healthcare providers, allied professionals, and victim advocacy services to assist victims of domestic violence and their families, to enhance our community’s response, and enhance primary prevention; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about the impact of domestic violence in our community and to show support for those who provide critical education, advocacy, services and assistance to victims; and

WHEREAS, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring the safety of vulnerable members of our community,

NOW THEREFORE, I, Katie Cristol, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim October 2022 as

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

in Arlington County, to honor those who have lost their lives, celebrate those who survived, and encourage everyone in our community to join our efforts to end domestic violence.