Elevating Survivor Voices

A message from Amanda October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A month to recognize survivors, the ones who have lost their lives, the ones who may still be fighting, and the ones who are free from abuse. A month that is needed to bring awareness to the severity and the vicious ongoing cycle of Domestic Violence. A month I personally hold close to my heart as I, myself am a survivor.  I was in a long-term relationship for 12 years before I was able (and strong enough) to leave. Over the course of those years, I endured many horrible things mentally, emotionally, and physically:  maltreatment and abuse that no one should have to endure.  My life was on the line many times, and each time I was either unable or too afraid to reach out for help.             My children had witnessed and been hurt in the process by the uncontrollable behavior from my abuser.  The effects of this have, and forever will, impact my children.     I had always thought loving more, trying harder, would end the violence but I learned the only way I could be successful in doing so was loving myself and putting my children and I first. Not only did this affect myself, and my children, it affected everyone and anything that was around me. Family, friends, my job, everything. I was done letting it strip all the good things out of my life.  Five years ago, I found myself escaping a car in the middle of a highway running over lanes with oncoming cars just to live. That's when I knew this would be my only form of freedom. Whether I had died by the hands of my abuser that morning or a car on the highway I was done, and I wasn't going to allow domestic violence to take my life. I had beautiful children that I needed to be there for and show that my strength and my life will not be determined by Domestic Violence. I was ready to break the cycle. I knew I needed to end this repeated pattern of abuse.  This was the first step. It was then that I was courageous enough to ask for help. That is when I was introduced to OVA. OVA assisted me in different ways throughout my process. They provided me with victim assistance support, assisted with protection services, and more importantly helped me to gain empowerment. Through OVA I have been given opportunities to use my own testimony to help others all the while doing so, helping myself grow in independence and strength.  I am grateful for the encouragement and support provided to me by OVA.  I have successfully changed my life, and the lives of my children, into a positive, happy and peaceful life. Domestic Violence is an all-around prevalent issue. Bringing awareness is necessary to continue fighting to end the violence and bring acknowledgment to how pertinent this issue is. October is a crucial month to recognize domestic violence survivors and to speak out for its victims. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is not only imperative, it is deserved.

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An Innovative Look at Crime Prevention

100 Black Men of Western PA

With an intentional focus on mentorship and building relationships that last a lifetime, 100 Black Men of America provides long lasting skills to African American youth across the country. In Pennsylvania, we currently have chapters in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Philadelphia. OVA was honored that Al Valentine, President of the Pittsburgh Chapter sat down with us to provide some insight on their program, and how they are helping the youth in their area. President Valentine has sat at the helm of the Pittsburgh chapter for the past 16 years. Having served that long, he is now excited to see second generation participants in their program.

100 Black Men of Western PA provides their mentees with an opportunity to be exposed to “people who look like them” according to President Valentine. By exposing the youth to like-minded individuals who share goals and aspirations that align with theirs, they provide an opportunity for positive impacts. President Valentine says "What they see is what they'll be".

Currently in Pittsburgh, approximately 50 youths between the ages of 12-18 years old participate in the Saturday Academy. This program runs from September to May at the Allegheny County Community College. At the Saturday Academy, there are 4 areas of concentration. ​​​​​​1. Education, 2. Health and Wellness, 3. Economic Empowerment, 4. Leadership

Each Saturday, guests come in and talk about one of the 4 areas of concentration, teaching mentees various skills and knowledge to excel and succeed in these areas.

During the summer months, the program runs a Summer Tech Program where mentees are exposed to STEM, coding, robotics, and other various programs.

Friends of the 100 Black Men of Western PA include those who are College Deans, work for the FBI, work in finance etc. The goal is to show the mentees that people who look like them are running companies, according to President Valentine.

100 Black Men of Western PA also provides a summer trip for their mentees and their families. Most recently, the group visited Hampton, VA, where they met with staff from Hampton University. President Valentine said these trips are important because it shows the mentees that “the world is bigger than the corner of your universe”.

Some of the issues facing youth in Pittsburgh are:

• Violence--as we see in cities across the commonwealth and the county, violence is a huge part of the youth’s daily lives. 100 Black Men is committed to helping the youth, by keeping them out of the places where crime happens. The program gives youth an opportunity to participate in safe, fun activities that helps them grow, and become a more rounded individual.
• The power of finance and money--the program focuses on educating youth about the power of developing generational wealth, investing, saving, and putting away money, and the power in home ownership, just to name a few.

President Valentine stressed that everyone is “born with everything they need to be successful”, and that “you are built to be unique”. 100 Black Men of Western PA takes that uniqueness and helps cultivate and shape it into the leaders and positive role models of the future.

To get involved, or learn more about you can visit the national website by Clicking Here  or going to 100blackmen.org/, or you can visit 100 Black Men of Western PA by Clicking Here or going to pgh100bm.org, or visit their Facebook page! President Valentine also said “just give me a call!”

On Friday September 15, 2023, the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania hosted their annual SHINE walk to support child victims and survivors. OVA was excited SHINE with some truly amazing survivors, champions, and advocates. If you missed this year’s walk, keep your eye out for next year’s announcement. Next year lets all SHINE together!

To see some victims SHINE, visit the ChildadvocacyPA YouTube channel by Clicking Here or by visiting:  www.youtube.com/@childadvocacypa9949/videos

SORNA Lunch and Learn

Join us on October 24th for our 4th module of our SORNA Lunch and Learn Series. To register, Click Here. Make sure to follow our EventBrite page to stay up to date for future events!