Volunteer Spotlight: Sheryl Embler
July 7, 2020
Photo: Here is Sheryl at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, January 2018
“Education, compassion, empathy and understanding. These ideals put into action inspire me daily.”
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Joining a new team, from a distance
June 18, 2020
What is it like to start a new job virtually, when that job normally involves lots of face to face interaction? Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have welcomed two new staff members to the MCRCC family. Their onboarding process looked quite different from how it normally would, since we haven’t been sharing office space for months. Here are Leslie and Cristina’s thoughts on the experience so far:
Leslie Donato, Crisis Intervention Specialist (hired in March)
MCRCC: What has been a highlight of beginning this new job...
Youth to the Front!
"I could feel the rage and heaviness building in the room and knew this was a lot for them to recognize that many of them experience more oppressions than privileges."
June 15, 2020
by Devan Haddad, Prevention Educator
I’m an educator working mainly with high school-aged youth. I’d like to share a story about how fellow educators can begin talking about privilege and oppression openly with students.
Here’s how I started that conversation:
In the My Life Club we cover a variety of topics - including...
United to Serve Survivors of Human Trafficking
June 8, 2020
by Deborah Pembrook, Human Trafficking Outreach Manager
Survivors of human trafficking deserve safety, support and the opportunity to thrive in our community. Those who advocate for survivors of human trafficking in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties are committed to work together to make our community a place where survivors can feel rooted, accepted and valued.
On May 29, all four direct service providers who serve survivors of human trafficking in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties shared with other Bay Area anti-trafficking activists about our...
Racial Justice and Our Commitment
June 5, 2020
At MCRCC, we know that racial justice is foundational in realizing a community free of all types of violence. MCRCC denounces white supremacy and police brutality.
The murder of Black people by law enforcement in the United States is not something that began in 2020, but a tragic...
Black Lives Matter
June 2, 2020
This week, we made the following statement across our social media platforms:
As the fight against oppression and racism continues, know that MCRCC stands with you! For us to end sexual violence, all forms of oppression must be eliminated. The senseless acts of violence against POC such as: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Nina Pop, Tony McDade, Sean Reed and unfortunately, so many others is heartbreaking and is 100% unacceptable. ...
A dose of good news from our staff
May 28, 2020
We asked our staff to share highlights from work lately. Here are some things that have been keeping us inspired:
A memorable presentation I will not forget
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De-stressing
May 20, 2020
It’s now been about two months of stay-at-home orders. Time to check in with ourselves and see what’s working well in our daily lives, and what could work better for us. It’s time to evaluate our stress levels and make sure we’re taking care of our minds, bodies, and spirits. Our team...
We call it our Helpline.
May 18, 2020
by Erin Ortiz, Community Engagement Specialist
What’s in a name? Sometimes, a lot. What we decide to call something matters. Naming our 24-hour hotline a “helpline” vs. a “crisis line” could make the difference between someone feeling comfortable enough to call for assistance, or not. In light of this, we have recently decided to change the name of what we formerly called our “crisis line.” It’s now called our helpline.
It’s a small yet significant change of wording, and we want you to know that nothing else about...
Resources here to help during the COVID-19 crisis
Updated May 15, 2020 (original post March 27, 2020)
Update: There are emergency funds available for undocumented Californians. Here is the link for those living in Monterey County. Applications open Monday, May 18.
We want you to have access to information about resources that are available...