The T. Boone Pickens Foundation focuses grants to organizations that operate in its core giving categories (see “About TBPF”). The current partner spotlight is The Family Place, the Dallas area’s leading family violence service organization providing proven programs that address emotional, physical and childhood sexual abuse. The Family Place provides free, comprehensive services that prevent violence and fully support women, children and men on their path from fear to safety.
In its 30-year history of success, The Family Place and has counseled more than 135,000 clients, provided lifesaving shelter to more than 16,000 women and children, and answered more than 450,000 calls for help. Increasingly prevention is the focus of the organization’s innovative programming. Each year, The Family Place reaches 10,000 students through its youth education programs. The Pickens Foundation awarded The Family Place $100,000 to help expand this valuable curriculum into area schools.
One out of every three high school students will experience abuse in their dating relationships, and without intervention many of these youth will go on to live a lifetime characterized by violence. A study published in the July 2008 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine finds that many college students have experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence, often before college. By reaching youth during the years before college, The Family Place believes it can help students before violence becomes a part of their dating relationships.
“The Family Place plays a significant role in protecting those who can’t protect themselves,” Pickens says. “Supporting its youth education programs is betting on the future, that these lives can be productive. I believe in that.”
The Family Place youth education programs include a 10- to 20-hour curriculum taught in small classroom settings over 10 to 15 weeks. Each class focuses on a different aspect of violent relationships. Team exercises and role-playing allow the participants to bond and learn how to communicate productively with others. Assertion skills and active listening techniques are emphasized in the coursework. Relationship respect is also addressed and includes handling dating pressure and sexual assault prevention.
“We are grateful that Mr. Pickens believes in what we are doing and has put his resources to work for this community,” says Family Place executive director Paige Flink. “We know these programs are critical to reducing victimization and the demand for family violence shelter and counseling programs in the future. We hope to leverage his donation to expand the programs and meet the great need. The interest and acceptance of these programs by area school districts is increasing dramatically; we are only lacking the funds to bring this important information to these students. If we can reach children and youth early, before perceptions of violence are firmly formed, we can help prevent their victimization and improve their lives in the future.”
The Family Place’s annual budget has surpassed $7 million, as it provides more than 150,000 service hours each year. Its comprehensive intervention and prevention services are provided in Spanish and in English for all members of the family, with a variety of programs to assist with every situation, and with support beginning at a young age. Services include emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis counseling, transitional housing, life skills training, day care, non-residential counseling services, incest recovery, community and youth education, financial assistance, counseling for abusers, and legal assistance, advocacy and support.
The Family Place is a life-changing organization with the goal to make every home a safe home and a focus on keeping women and children safe. For more information about The Family Place, call 214-559-2170 or visit www.familyplace.org.
