Highlighting HAVEN's Heroes: Omega Nu!

We are delighted to shine a spotlight on one of HAVEN’s cherished, long-time supporters: Omega Nu.

Omega Nu’s remarkable journey began on Saturday, May 17, 1924, when the new chapter was installed at the welcoming McHenry Avenue home of Helen Ayres. Sacramento graciously sponsored this special event. The Modesto News Herald described the weather as “fair and cooler” and painted a vivid picture of the times—when Prohibition was the law of the land, ladies’ dresses cost just $12.50 to $18.75, crackers were a dime a box, and soap cost only five cents a bar. Seven dedicated Sacramento sisters made the trek to Modesto, embarking on a memorable journey to help launch what would become a lasting legacy. (source: https://modesto-omeganu.com/)

The day was filled with joyful celebration—beginning with a lovely luncheon at the Hotel Hughson and culminating in a fun-filled evening at the Phi Alpha fraternity dance in the grand ballroom of the Hotel Modesto.

Over the years, Omega Nu has poured its heart into countless events to raise funds for our community. Since 2000, these incredible women have raised well over $1.5 million to uplift local organizations that empower women and children in Stanislaus County. None of this would be possible without the steadfast—and ever-growing—circle of caring supporters who make Omega Nu’s mission a reality.

At HAVEN, our hearts are full of gratitude for Omega Nu’s incredible generosity and friendship. Your unwavering support lifts us up and inspires us every day. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us create brighter tomorrows for so many in our community.

Self-Care is Not Selfish!

National Self-Care Day is July 24th!

🌱 Self-care is a vital part of healing and growth for survivors. Taking time to nurture your mind, body, and spirit can rebuild your sense of safety, restore your confidence, and remind you of your inherent worth. These practices are not indulgences; they are essential steps on the path to recovery, resilience, and renewed hope.

Dedicate a personal space. 🏡 Create an area in your home that is exclusively for you. This private sanctuary can help you relax, recharge, and prioritize your own needs.

Try aromatherapy. 🌸 Certain calming scents, such as lavender or chamomile, can help you relax and unwind. Incorporate essential oils or scented candles into your routine.

Practice deep breathing. 🌬️ Take a few minutes to focus on your breath. Set a timer for five to ten minutes and breathe deeply, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth, as if you are blowing out a candle. This simple exercise can be done anywhere to reduce stress.

Enjoy a solo outing. ☕ Treat yourself to your favorite beverage (coffee, tea, or something else) and step outside when you need a change of scenery. Taking time for yourself can boost your mood.

Escape into a book. 📚 Balance self-help reading with fiction or other enjoyable genres. Immersing yourself in stories can be both entertaining and foster empathy.

Bake cookies. 🍪 Discover the healing power of home-baked goods. Try a new cookie recipe and enjoy the process of baking and decorating as a stress reliever.

Meditate. 🧘‍♀️ Take time to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment. Meditation can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

Find your laugh again. 😄 Embrace the healing power of laughter. Watch a funny movie, spend time with friends, or recall a favorite memory that makes you smile.

Listen to music. 🎶 Play your favorite songs to elevate your mood and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Journaling. ✍️ Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to gain clarity and process emotions.

Look at cute things. 🐾 Spending time viewing adorable animal photos or charming videos is a valid form of self-care. Let yourself enjoy these light moments and boost your mood.

Try coloring. 🎨 Adult coloring books can be a relaxing creative outlet. Enjoy the calming process of filling pages with color.

Go outside. 🌳 Spend time in the sunlight and fresh air. Exposure to nature and natural light can improve your mood and energy levels.

Sing loudly in the car. 🚗🎤 Let go and sing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs. This can be a joyful and effective way to relieve stress.

Write a story. 📝 Express your creativity by writing a story. It can be a fun and therapeutic way to process your thoughts.

Dress up for no reason. 👗 Wear your favorite outfit, even if you have nowhere special to go. Dressing up can instantly lift your spirits and boost confidence.

Dig in the dirt. 🪴 Gardening, whether outdoors or with indoor plants, offers therapeutic benefits. Nurturing plants can help you feel grounded and calm.

Ask for help. 🤝 Reaching out can be a crucial part of self-care. If you feel overwhelmed, connect with someone you trust and share your feelings. It's okay to need support.

Release the guilt. 💖 Let go of unnecessary guilt and allow yourself to heal. Practice self-forgiveness and compassion.

Have a picnic. 🧺 Take your favorite foods to a local park and enjoy lunch outdoors. Eating in fresh air can be a refreshing change of pace.

Create an emotional safety plan. 📝 Develop a simple four-step plan to help you feel secure and prepared for emotional challenges.</p>

Take a bubble bath. 🛁 Relax in a warm bath with bubbles or soothing scents to unwind and destress.

Make your favorite meal. 🍲 Treat yourself by cooking a dish you love. Enjoy the process and savor the results.

Listen to a podcast. 🎧 Find a podcast that interests or inspires you and let it become a new enjoyable routine.

Learn something new. 🌟 Explore a new skill or hobby, whether it's knitting, baking, juggling, or something else. Online resources make it easy to get started.

Have a night out with friends. 🎉 Spend time with supportive friends who bring positivity and joy into your life.

Start your morning with affirmations. 🌞 Use positive affirmations to boost your self-esteem and set a positive tone for your day.</p>

Have an impromptu dance party. 💃 Dancing, even at home, is a fun way to get active and elevate your mood.

Vent to a safe person. 🗣️ Share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust. Expressing yourself can provide relief and perspective.

Go to bed early. 😴 Prioritize rest by getting to bed earlier. Quality sleep is essential for healing and wellbeing.

Harness the power of 'no'. 🚫 Practice saying no when you need to. Setting boundaries is a vital part of self-care.

Pick or purchase fresh flowers. 💐 Bringing flowers into your space adds beauty and fragrance, providing an instant mood boost.

Make your own bucket list. 🗒️ Write down your dreams and goals, even the big ones. Seeing them in writing can be empowering and motivating.

Go to the water. 🌊 Visit a pool, lake, pond, or beach. Being near water can be calming and restorative.

Be a kid again. 🧩 Allow yourself to play, try go karting, building with Legos, mini golfing, or playing video games. Embracing your playful side can be rejuvenating.

Organize your closets. 🧺 Decluttering your living space can help clear your mind and create a more peaceful environment.

Binge-watch a show. 📺 Allow yourself a day to relax and watch your favorite series. Sometimes, downtime is exactly what you need.

Enjoy solitude. 🌿 Spend time alone to recharge, read a book, enjoy a quiet coffee, or simply sit in peace.

<p>Let your heart guide you. ❤️ Listen to your intuition and honor your feelings. Choose activities that genuinely resonate with you.

No matter where you are on your healing journey, these self-care ideas are here for you. Each gentle suggestion is an invitation to prioritize your wellbeing and rediscover your joy. 🌻 Welcome others to try what speaks to them, and remember, your path to healing is unique, and you deserve every kindness along the way.

Meet a Board Member: Harlan Diven

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My name is Harlan Diven, and I use they/them pronouns. I grew up in Modesto and happily found my way back to my hometown a couple of years ago. Coming home to the Central Valley has meant reconnecting with the community that shaped me and getting more intentional about how I show up for it.

By day, I'm a lawyer. I work as Deputy General Counsel for California Rural Legal Assistance, a statewide nonprofit that provides free legal services to low-income and rural communities across California. Outside of that, I stay connected to local advocacy, because the communities I come from and care about are worth fighting for.

My relationship with HAVEN goes back further than my board seat. I first came to HAVEN as a client at 20 years old, and by my early twenties I was volunteering and then working here. I've always tried to stay in contact with HAVEN. That's more than twenty-five years of relationship with this organization, and I am grateful for HAVEN and its impact on my life every single day. That history is part of why sitting on this board means what it does to me.

**Why HAVEN?**

Because the work is real. There's no abstraction here. HAVEN shows up for people at some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and it does that work with dignity and care. As a queer person who understands what it means to navigate systems that weren't built with you in mind, I have deep respect for organizations that center the people most often left out. HAVEN does that.

What resonates with me about HAVEN's mission is its wholeness. It's not just crisis response — it's education, prevention, community relationships, long-term change. Ending domestic violence and sexual assault isn't something you do in a single intervention; it's something you build toward, together, over time. I believe in that kind of sustained commitment. It's the same reason I do the legal and advocacy work I do.

I'm proud to serve on this board, and I'm grateful to the colleagues, staff, and volunteers who regularly remind me why this work matters. This community has given me so much, and I'm always glad to connect; please don't hesitate to reach out.

Update!

Exciting news! As of July 1st, HAVEN’s Youth Center is now located at our Turlock office at 301 Starr Avenue.

Youth Services

For nearly 20 years, HAVEN has proudly offered specialized support and services for children and teens who have experienced domestic and sexual violence.

Our cornerstone programs, Kids Count!, Teens Count!, and TRUST, are designed to empower young people at every stage. We also provide prevention-focused versions of Kids Count! and Teens Count! for youth whose backgrounds may be unknown, ensuring all young people have access to support.

At HAVEN, we take a holistic, client-centered approach. This means each young person can choose how they engage with their peers, and we focus on building individual empowerment within a supportive group environment.

Interested in enrolling your child or teen? Reach out to us:

Call us at (209) 524-4331 or email youth@havenstan.org

Kids Count!

Kids Count! is a dynamic violence prevention and empowerment program for children ages 5 to 11. It’s designed for those who have experienced, or may have been exposed to, any form of family violence, verbal, physical, or emotional.

Our intervention groups, held at our Turlock and Modesto offices, are specially tailored to support youth who have experienced domestic violence in their childhoods.

For children without a known history of family violence, we offer prevention-focused groups at local schools and community organizations, making support accessible wherever it’s needed.

Teens Count!

Teens Count! is our violence prevention and empowerment program for adolescents ages 12 to 17, supporting those who have experienced, or may have been exposed to, family violence or teen dating abuse, whether verbal, physical, or emotional.

Our intervention groups at both our Turlock and Modesto offices are thoughtfully designed for adolescents who have experienced domestic violence.

For teens without a known history of violence or abuse, our prevention-focused groups are available at school sites and community organizations, so every young person can benefit from our resources.

TRUST

TRUST (Teaching Respect, Understanding and Safety Together) is a supportive educational program and peer group for youth survivors who have been directly impacted by sexual abuse or assault.

TRUST is specially created for children ages 5 to 11, providing a safe space for healing and growth.

Teens TRUST is perfect for older youth ages 12 to 17, offering support and empowerment during this important stage.

*Please note: At this time, TRUST is offered exclusively as a survivor only group. We are not currently offering a prevention version of this program.

Support our Advocacy Program

Written by Corrinna, Advocacy Program Manager

HAVEN’s Advocacy program provides client-centered, compassionate services to every individual who walks through our doors.

Our program is comprised of three advocates, as well as the support of three volunteer advocates whom we are extremely grateful for.

These services include peer counseling, support groups, safety planning, and crisis intervention. In addition, we are cross-trained in restraining orders and court accompaniment, so we can continue to provide wraparound support to clients throughout their healing journey. This cross-training also allows us to assist the Legal Program as needed, ensuring clients receive support throughout difficult and often overwhelming legal processes.

To remain accessible and flexible, services are offered in person, over the phone, and virtually. This allows us to meet clients where they are, both emotionally and physically. The hope is that, in this way, we help reduce barriers to receiving support. Many individuals seeking services are navigating crisis situations, work schedules, transportation issues, childcare responsibilities, or safety concerns, so flexibility is essential to the work we do

In 2025, Advocacy provided supportive services to approximately 531 clients. As of May 15, 2026, we have already served approximately 260 clients this year.

As advocates, we are often among the first people clients encounter. Many individuals come to us without a support system or without knowing where to turn for help. We strive to offer a safe space filled with gentleness, empathy, care, and understanding — the kind of support every person deserves.

One of the most meaningful parts of our work is witnessing a client’s healing journey firsthand. By meeting clients where they are, we can support them at their own pace. Over time, we often see clients grow in confidence, reconnect with themselves, rebuild their sense of safety, and move toward healing and independence. Watching survivors reclaim their power and thrive is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.

Despite the meaningful impact of the program, we face several challenges.

Limited community resources in our county and surrounding areas make it difficult to connect clients with the support they need, particularly housing resources for individuals over 25. In addition, there is a need for accessible legal resources and funding to ensure clients receive adequate support throughout court proceedings. At times, court cases become increasingly lengthy and complex, extending beyond our scope. There are also situations where clients require legal advice or representation that advocates are not qualified to provide.

If you are able to support HAVEN’s Advocacy Program with any of these challenges, please reach out to Kathleen at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

HAVEN’s Heroes: Pilates Brunch Club!

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the radiant partnership between Pilates Brunch Club and HAVEN! 🎉

For years, Victoria Popoff Ardis—the inspiring founder of Pilates Brunch Club and a treasured HAVEN board member—has poured her heart into supporting HAVEN. Her creativity, generosity, and energy have lit up HAVEN’s mission in Stanislaus County, putting our work in the spotlight and giving it the encouragement to grow brighter every year.

Pilates Brunch Club brings together movement, joy, and meaningful connection—always sprinkled with warmth and, yes, a splash of mimosas, too! 🥂

And the very best part is that the proceeds go to HAVEN!

What started as a cozy get-together has blossomed into a lively, supportive community, where everyone is welcomed with open arms, big smiles, and a sense of belonging.

The signature Pilates Brunch Club events are just the beginning! From energizing group workouts 💪 to book clubs 📖, supper clubs 🍽️, and cozy gatherings 🏡, every event is a celebration of friendship and togetherness. You’re always invited to join the fun!

Each event is thoughtfully crafted to spark real conversations and lasting friendships—creating joyful spaces where everyone feels valued and uplifted.

No matter where they gather — on sunny rooftops, in cozy wineries, or bustling restaurants— every Pilates Brunch Club event is designed to make you feel welcomed, seen, and part of something truly special. Best of all, each gathering helps support survivors of domestic violence and strengthens our community.

Ready to experience the magic yourself? Check out the Pilates Brunch Club’s calendar of events supporting HAVEN, and join us for movement, connection, and community!

Save your spot here: https://pilatesbrunchclub.com/calendar

We’re endlessly grateful for Victoria and the vibrant Pilates Brunch Club community, who fill every event with laughter, love, and purpose.

Poetry with Purpose Update!

✨Come for the Poetry, Stay for the Heart✨

Poetry with Purpose is happening on October 16, 2026, at Green’s on 10th!

Let’s be real: there are plenty of places to hear poetry, but how many events serve up soul, laughter, AND an open mic where your wildest haiku dreams come true? Enter: Poetry With Purpose Presented by Save Mart! 🎤💫

Poetry With Purpose is a gathering of survivors, artists, and allies who believe in the healing power of words, community, and a little bit of bravery.

We’re talking powerful performances that might make you laugh, cry, or snap your fingers so much you’ll need a hand massage. Expect open-mic magic, spontaneous haiku battles (yes, really), and a community that gives you a standing ovation just for showing up.

Most importantly, here, nobody has to heal alone. Whether you want to share your story, cheer on a friend, or soak up the vibes, there’s a seat saved just for you. 💛

This is our attempt at a poem to inspire you!

Healing hearts that ache and yearn,

⏳ Takes gentle time and care to learn. 🤗

Since '77, HAVEN stands near,

A refuge for those seeking to heal and clear. 🌱✨

🤗 With open arms and a listening ear 👂

They offer hope 🌈 and dissolve fear. 💪

In warmth, compassion, and a judgment-free embrace 🫂💖

They light the path—a safer place. 🕯️✨

So listen. Connect. Feel at home. And bring your best poem—or your best laugh! We can’t wait to welcome you. 🌟✨ Come for the poetry, stay for the heart! ✨

How to Support HAVEN this May

Get Involved & Make a Difference! 📚💜

Exciting news! HAVEN has teamed up with Friends of the Modesto Library for an amazing Scholastic ONLINE Book Fair.

🗓️ Mark your calendars: May 14-27, 2026

Help us spread the joy of reading

You can donate to HAVEN’s Scholastic “eWallet” and put brand-new books into the hands of the children we serve.

👉 Ready to help? Visit: https://bit.ly/3QrlDwd

❓ Got questions? Email Kathleen at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org

Want to make an even bigger impact? 💪 Organize a donation drive! Reach out to Kathleen at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org to get started.

🎤 Coming this October: Poetry with Purpose, presented by Save Mart! Stay tuned for more details. Interested in sponsoring? Contact Kathleen at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org. For event info, email Brandy at bvanhorn@havenstan.org.

📱 Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and heartwarming stories!

Thank you so much for being part of our HAVEN family! Your support changes lives.

A message from Health Plan of San Joaquin

Health Plan of San Joaquin recognizes the tremendous effort that HAVEN invests in the Stanislaus community. The services that HAVEN provides are greatly needed and we support their continuation.

Health Plan of San Joaquin has sponsored the “In Their Shoes” event in the past and we believe it is a great way to promote a healthy environment for those who need services – many who are HPSJ members – and to improve overall health in Stanislaus County.

Like HPSJ, HAVEN is a much-needed voice in the community that provides support to some of our most vulnerable residents and populations.

By sponsoring this event, HPSJ hopes to promote HAVEN as a beacon of light to those that suffer in silence, which we hope results in more men, women and youth coming forward to get the help they need and deserve.

From one not-for-profit to another, we wish HAVEN success in raising funds to end domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking for years to come.

Sincerely,
Alma Blake
Member Development Representative
Health Plan of San Joaquin | Mountain Valley Health Plan

HAVEN Statement on Cesar Chavez

Sexual violence has always been about power.

For those who feel powerless it is a way to steal someone else's power and feel in control. For the powerful, especially powerful men, it is a tool of entitlement. Our history is riddled with great leaders, both men and women, who have advanced the quality of life for many but done so at the expense of others.

The Epstein files continue to be ignored because of the powerful men implicated in them. Survivors of his abuse still struggle to have their stories heard and believed in the face of a system that just wants them to stay quiet.

Even those who built power through movements dedicated to addressing injustices can be guilty of abusing that power.

In founding the UFW, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta worked to expose the exploitation of farm workers, improve their quality of life, demand living wages, and continue to advocate for safer work environments. Those struggles are ongoing today.

And yet, we are learning that Cesar Chavez was a man who committed sexual violence against women and girls in his life, including his founding partner in the movement they built.  Dolores Huerta and her fellow survivors were put in an impossible situation: having to choose between staying silent or risking the downfall of everything they had built.

We are the ones who put them in that position.

All of our society that forces victims to choose between the safety of anonymity or the risk of public disclosure and everything that can be lost...  because WE are the ones who allow that loss to happen with our responses.

WE are the ones who were not there for Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas, and the other survivors who spoke with the New York Times, and the survivors who stayed silent all these years.

WE are the ones who made them feel they had to choose because we were not capable of both supporting the good work their movement did AND holding the man at the top accountable for his violence. 

We must do better and we know what that looks like.

It looks like believing survivors the first time.

It looks like refusing to protect a legacy at the cost of a person's truth.

It looks like building a world where no one is ever forced to choose between justice and survival.

HAVEN is committed to that world, and we invite everyone reading this to join us in building it.

- HAVEN Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion (JEDI) Committee

Stanislaus County Fitness Studios Unite for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Eight local fitness and wellness studios come together to move for a cause—supporting HAVEN and survivors of domestic violence.

This October, movement meets meaning.

Eight Stanislaus County fitness and wellness studios are joining forces to host donation-based classes in support of HAVEN, the local nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Each class offers community members a chance to move their bodies, connect with others, and make a tangible difference—all through the simple act of showing up.

“Every time we move together for a cause, we remind survivors that they are seen, supported, and never alone,” said Victoria Popoff Ardis, HAVEN Board Member and organizer of this county-wide collaboration. “Our studios are more than fitness spaces—they’re safe, inclusive communities. And this month, we’re using that connection to raise both funds and awareness.”

Throughout October—Domestic Violence Awareness Month—participants can attend classes ranging from Pilates, Yoga, to strength training and mindfulness sessions. 100% of proceeds will benefit HAVEN’s local programs, which provide emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education for individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

Participating studios include:
Elevate Community Yoga, Get Fit Modesto, Koru Yoga & Pilates, Re:Form Pilates, Studio V Pilates & Fitness, The Source Pilates, Tribe Pilates & Fitness and Village Yoga Center.

How to Participate:

• Choose a class from the list below

• Register or donate using the link provided

• Wear purple to show your support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

• Invite friends to move alongside you and amplify the impact

Every class, every dollar, and every act of awareness brings us one step closer to a community free from violence.

Class Lineup & Sign-Up Links (In order of dates)

Here’s how you can participate:

• Tribe Pilates & Fitness — Tues, 10/14/2025 at 5:30 pm (Mat / Reformer)
  Sign up here: https://bit.ly/tribehaven

• Koru Yoga & Pilates — Sat, 10/18/2025 at 9:00 am (Yoga)
  Sign up here: https://bit.ly/koruhaven

• Studio V Pilates — Sat, 10/18/2025 at 8:00 am (Trauma-Informed Yoga & Soundbath + Coffee)
  Sign up here: bit.ly/havenyoga

• Elevate Community Yoga — Sun, 10/19/2025 at 4:30 pm (All Levels Gentle Flow)
  Sign up here: https://bit.ly/elevatehavenyoga

• Elevate Community Yoga — Sun, 10/19/2025 at 6:00 pm (Yin Nidra)
  Sign up here: https://bit.ly/elevateyinhaven

• The Source Pilates & Wellness — Thurs, 10/23/2025 at 6:00 pm (Trauma-Informed Pilates: Breath & Body Awareness)
  Sign up here: https://bit.ly/sourcehaven

• Re:Form Pilates — Sat, 10/25/2025 at 10:30 am (Pilates & Flexibility)
  Sign up here: https://bit.ly/pilatesforhaven

• Get Fit — Sat, 10/25/2025 at 7, 8 & 9 am (Full Body Strength)
  Sign up here: https://bit.ly/getfithaven

• Village Yoga Center — Fri, 10/24/2025 at 6:30 pm (Restorative Yoga + Guided Imagery & Soundbath — 90 min)
  Sign up by phone: (209) 578-5441

Spaces may fill fast — please register early if you plan to attend.

About HAVEN

HAVEN is a nonprofit organization serving Stanislaus County, offering a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention programs. For more than 40 years, HAVEN has helped survivors rebuild their lives and reclaim their voices.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7. Call HAVEN’s confidential hotline at (209) 577-5980.

Join us and raise your voice at Poetry With Purpose

You’re invited to be part of something powerful.

Poetry With Purpose, presented by Save Mart, is more than an event; it’s a movement of voices, healing, and transformation. On Friday, October 17, 2025, Queen Bean Social House will come alive with spoken word, haiku battles, and the warmth of community. Here, creativity and cause unite for impact.

As someone familiar with our journey, you know what HAVEN stands for: creating safe spaces, empowering survivors, and nurturing resilience. At Poetry With Purpose, our mission steps into the spotlight—amplified by every voice, including yours.

• Help us provide hope and healing through the arts by donating, attending, or spreading the word about Poetry With Purpose.

• Join us to hear survivors and advocates share their stories—buy tickets to help make an impact.

• Be recognized as a champion for change—online, onstage, and in our community. You’re invited to stand even closer to the mic—perhaps by sharing a poem.

Every dollar you contribute declares that violence is not the end of the story. With your support, HAVEN will continue to forge safe spaces, empower survivors, and inspire hope—one line, one poem, one life at a time.

Together, we’ll build a night to remember—and a future transformed by purpose and poetry.

Join us and raise your voice, standing together to give our mission a powerful microphone—one that echoes hope and change long after the final poem is read.

For more information or to learn about additional ways to support HAVEN and its mission, please contact Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

Transformative Tales: How Survivors Reclaim Their Lives After Domestic Violence

HAVEN provides comprehensive support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, offering compassionate legal advocacy and guidance through the Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVTRO) process.

Clients can contact us by phone or visit our offices in Modesto or Turlock. After completing a questionnaire, individuals consult with an advocate who reviews our services and helps identify the most suitable option for their specific needs. They are then scheduled for a legal clinic to start the restraining order process.

After our client reviews and approves the restraining order, it is filed in family court. After receiving judicial approval, the client initiates personal service upon the restrained party.

The restraining order hearing will be scheduled. A HAVEN advocate can support you in court, ensuring you’re not alone. While we cannot provide legal advice, we are committed to supporting you throughout the process.

A HAVEN advocate can support clients in filing a police report for order violations and assist with any related criminal cases. This judgment-free assistance gives our client a safe space to process any trauma associated with their journey through the court system.

Restraining Orders can be a valuable tool on the path to healing. DVTROs can:

• Provide parents with a safe space for their children or pets, allowing them to relax comfortably instead of having to sleep in a vehicle.

• Help reduce verbal insults and physical aggression, minimizing name-calling and hitting.

• Make survivors feel acknowledged and free from constraint.

• Ensure that children are safe while at school and daycare.

• Provide a means for survivors to report violations to law enforcement and the court.

A restraining order can be part of an effective safety plan, but it's not the entire plan.  It helps our clients advocate effectively with law enforcement and the courts.  A survivor receives invaluable support from our HAVEN advocates during the process. The validation of their unique experiences places them on the path towards healing. That is priceless.

If you have any questions about supporting HAVEN’s legal department, please get in touch with Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

Save Mart Proudly Champions Poetry with Purpose

For more than 70 years, Save Mart has been Valley Proud, rooted in Modesto, nourished by local growers, and uplifted by the people who call this place home.

Supporting HAVEN through Poetry with Purpose is a natural extension of that legacy. Strong communities don’t just appear; they’re nurtured, celebrated, and championed. Save Mart is a proud HAVEN partner and champion of Poetry with Purpose.

Why The Save Mart Companies is Connected in Communities

Community connection isn’t something we check off a list at Save Mart. It is who we are. Since our first store opened in Modesto in 1952, Save Mart has been part of the daily rhythm of neighborhoods across the Central Valley. Every store is a place where people gather, and every partnership reflects the values we share with the communities we call home.

Save Mart was built on local roots and neighborly care. From the start, we’ve believed grocery stores are about more than food. They’re about families, resilience, and lifting each other up. That’s why supporting local nonprofits isn’t a program; it’s just who we’ve always been.

At Save Mart, we don’t just serve communities, we belong to them. We’re your neighborhood grocer, your partner, your family. And family shows up. Family takes care of each other. Family grows stronger together.

Why We’re Proud to Sponsor Poetry with Purpose

Poetry with Purpose is more than an event. It’s an evening filled with hope, healing, and courage. Save Mart is proud to sponsor it because voices that bring light and strength deserve to be heard and celebrated.

HAVEN’s mission of safety, dignity, and healing is at the very heart of what makes strong communities. When poetry gives those values a voice, we’re honored to help amplify it. Because when people are lifted up, neighborhoods thrive.

Every aisle in a grocery store tells a story. Families gathering, kids growing, neighbors helping neighbors. Poetry with Purpose reflects those same stories of resilience and love. Supporting it is our way of honoring the strength already shining in our communities.

Written by:
Kristin Galloway
Senior Manager, Community Relations

Poetry With Purpose: When Words Become a Way Forward

There’s something magical that happens when a room full of strangers sits in stillness, listening to a poem.

Maybe it’s the vulnerability of the speaker, maybe it’s the way a single sentence can crack open a memory you didn’t know was buried. Maybe it’s the simple truth that stories—when shared out loud—can start to heal things that silence never could.

This October, we’re doing just that.

Poetry With Purpose is happening on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Queen Bean Social House in Modesto, California. It’s more than a night of poetry—it’s a gathering of voices, a spark of community, and a celebration of what happens when creativity meets advocacy.

We’ll have spoken word, haiku battles, open mic moments, and plenty of warmth. But more than that, we’ll have people—survivors, supporters, artists, and allies—all showing up with one shared belief: that healing is possible, and no one should have to go it alone.

Why We’re Doing This

At HAVEN, we serve survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across Stanislaus County. We walk beside people during the hardest chapters of their lives. And while we offer counseling, shelter, legal support, and education, there’s something art can do that services alone sometimes can’t.

Art invites people to be seen. It lets them reclaim their voice.

Events like Poetry With Purpose give space for expression, resilience, and connection. Whether you're reading your own piece or simply bearing witness, you're participating in something bigger than a performance. You're helping create a community that listens, believes, and responds.

What to Expect

Imagine this: you’re tucked into a cozy seat at Queen Bean on a crisp fall night. You have a drink in hand. Around you, people are snapping fingers instead of clapping. There’s a beat in the air—a rhythm of words, emotions, truths. Someone steps to the mic and begins a piece about survival. Another shares a poem of gratitude. And in between, there’s laughter, applause, and maybe even a few tears.

There will be powerful performers. Some moments will feel like a celebration. Others may feel like we're listening to survival.

This isn’t just poetry for poetry’s sake. This is poetry with purpose.

How You Can Be Part of It

There are a few ways to engage:

• Attend and bring a friend. Let yourself be moved.

• Sponsor the event if you're a business or individual who wants to champion survivor support.

• Step up to the mic if you feel called to share your own story or art.

Your presence—whether in the audience or on stage—makes a difference. It helps fund services, spread awareness, and most importantly, lets survivors know their community sees them.

Join Us

Poetry With Purpose
Friday, October 17, 2025
Queen Bean Social House, Modesto, CA
Spoken word | Haiku battles | Community healing

To learn more or sponsor the event, reach out to Kathleen at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org or call (209) 284-4732.

This is your invitation to show up—not just for the poetry, but for the purpose behind it.

We hope to see you there.

Tuolumne River Woodworkers Association: Crafting Community Impact

The Story, Service, and Spirit of TRWA

In the heart of California’s Central Valley, along the banks of the Tuolumne River, a unique group of artisans united by a shared passion for woodworking gave rise to a legacy of community care and craftsmanship. What began as a modest gathering of enthusiasts soon evolved into the Tuolumne River Woodworkers Association (“TRWA”), a nonprofit organization whose influence resonates far beyond the timber and tools of the workshop.

Origins: Laying the Foundation

The roots of the TRWA trace back to the early 1990s when Bob Weaver and a handful of like-minded individuals, brought together through their mutual admiration for the art of woodworking, envisioned a club that would foster skill, fellowship, and community engagement. From its inception, TRWA was a selective circle, initially capped at ten members, a testament to their commitment to close-knit camaraderie and high standards. Such was the allure of this association that a waiting list soon formed, underscoring the demand for a space where artisans could share, learn, and grow together.

As the years passed, TRWA flourished. The association’s burgeoning reputation attracted new members, and the club gradually expanded its ranks. The group’s first public showcase took place at the historic McHenry Mansion, a fitting venue given its architectural grandeur and local significance. This debut not only introduced TRWA to a broader audience but also marked the beginning of their deep connection to the community’s cultural and social fabric.

Growth and Gathering Spaces

With rising membership came the need for new meeting spaces. The basement of McHenry Mansion became TRWA’s early headquarters, where sawdust mingled with stories, and each session was an opportunity for education and inspiration. Eventually, the club relocated its meetings to the McHenry Museum, a hub of heritage preservation in the region. This move not only provided ample space for creativity but also signaled TRWA’s growing prominence within the community.

Crucially, the association’s commitment to continuous learning set it apart. Members, from novices to seasoned professionals, engaged in a constant exchange of knowledge. Techniques, tips, and tricks flowed freely among the group, ensuring that every participant could hone their craft and expand their repertoire. Over time, special interest groups emerged, devoted to areas such as wood turning, carving, and other specialized skills, further enriching the club’s educational offerings and nurturing a spirit of curiosity and mastery.

Establishing a Legacy: Nonprofit Status and Community Partnerships

TRWA’s dedication to service and education naturally led to its evolution into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With this designation, the association deepened its mission to use woodworking as a vehicle for social good. The group’s reach extended beyond club walls as they began offering scholarships to young people aspiring to enter the skilled trades—an investment in the future of craftsmanship and a testament to their belief in the transformative power of hands-on learning.

Answering the Call: A Partnership with HAVEN

Among TRWA’s most significant collaborations is its partnership with HAVEN, a local organization dedicated to providing shelter and support for domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors. When HAVEN reached out for assistance, TRWA responded without hesitation, voting unanimously to offer their skills and resources in service of the shelter’s mission. What followed was a remarkable series of projects that not only improved the shelter’s infrastructure but also fostered safety, comfort, and dignity for its residents.

HAVEN would like to thank TRWA for their support.  They are truly one of HAVEN’s Heroes.