Featured Story: The Power Of We Luncheon

I am truly honored to have joined The Heights team as your new Advancement Director in August. This role allows me to combine my passion for community engagement with my dedication to advancing our mission. I am eager to connect with individuals and businesses, sharing the incredible work we do at The Heights and expanding our circle of supporters.

One of my key focuses will be on donor appreciation. Recognizing and thanking those who support us is essential to building lasting relationships and ensuring the continued success of our programs and services.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and each year The Heights has held a domestic violence event. The last 2 years we have hosted a luncheon in association with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year we hosted the luncheon on October 16 at the Waxahachie Civic Center. The theme was The Power of We and it focused on highlighting many of our partners who we have the blessing of serving with here in Ellis County. We have over 110 active partners and many of them are housed at our Multi Agency Family Justice Center Campus. Our luncheon also highlighted The Gabby Petito Foundation as our keynote speakers. Gabby's disappearance and death captivated the entire world in August of 2021. Since that time, the Gabby Petito Foundation has been established to "provide aid to organizations that assist survivors of domestic violence through education, awareness, and prevention strategies."

The Power of We Luncheon was an absolute success, highlighting the incredible spirit of collaboration here in Ellis County! Together, we showed just how much our community can achieve when we unite for common causes. The venue was bursting at the seams with amazing energy and support! If you missed it, be sure to mark your calendar and grab your tickets early next year—we can't wait to see what we accomplish together again!

I look forward to working together with YOU to make a difference in Ellis County!

Jordan Molina, Advancement Director

The Power Of We Video Featured at the Luncheon:

Camp Hope 2024 Video Featured At The Power of We Luncheon:

Executive Director Update

The Summer months here at The Heights were a time of continued growth. We have also had the blessing of being a part of 2 events to help us celebrate our work with the community.

On Friday, July 12th, The Heights proudly hosted a ribbon cutting and open house event, celebrating our commitment to serving the community with comprehensive resources for victims of domestic abuse. With 17 onsite partners, the event highlighted the power of collaboration and the collective strength of "The Power of We" in action. The Heights is rooted in a survivor-centered approach, ensuring that the voices and needs of survivors guide our services and initiatives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the ribbon cutting. Your attendance supported The Heights and reinforced our mission to provide safety and hope for those in need. Your continued support makes a difference in the lives of many.

On Wednesday October 16 we were honored to be a part of The Power of We Luncheon.

We are so grateful to everyone who was able to attend our recent Power of ‘We’ luncheon. It was a powerful day, filled with inspiring stories and a shared commitment to make a difference. We were honored to host the Gabby Petito Foundation and to stand together as a community united in support of those impacted by domestic abuse and sexual assault.

There is a remarkable movement happening here in Ellis County—a shift toward deeper collaboration and unity among organizations, service providers, and community members. This type of unified movement is incredibly rare, and it is truly a privilege for The Heights to be part of something so impactful. The spirit of coming together for a common cause, working side-by-side to make our community a safer and more supportive place, is something we do not take for granted.

We are excited to continue this journey alongside all of you, knowing that together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. Thank you for being a part of this inspiring movement!

Jennifer Salzman, Executive Director

Service Director Overview

The service team is made up of: Sharon Verigan, Advocacy Specialist, Nichole Marnell, Intake Navigator, Maria Garcia, Licensed Counselor, Julie Burns, Chaplain, Kelly Weinberg, Family Services Coordinator, Erika Allison, Housing Coordinator, and Marty Hill, Facilities Coordinator.

This Summer continued to bring more victims of domestic abuse to our campus and our services.

July was a landmark month for the Service Team, as we achieved our highest number of individuals served in a single month. This record-breaking performance underscores the dedication and effectiveness of our team.

Here's a snapshot of our July accomplishments:

• Record Number of Individuals Served: We reached more people than ever before, a testament to our ongoing commitment.

• Court Accompaniment: We set a new high in the number of clients we accompanied in court ensuring they have the support they need during crucial legal proceedings.

• Childcare Services: We provided essential childcare during appointments, helping clients attend to their needs without additional stress.

• Emergency Housing Placements: We placed a record number of clients in emergency housing addressing immediate needs and providing stability.

• Steady Service Across Areas: Our case management numbers continued to rise, reflecting our sustained efforts across all service areas.

It's important to remember that these figures represent real people—individuals and families whose lives are being positively impacted. Our goal is not to increase numbers, but to highlight the meaningful work done by our dedicated staff, partners, and community members.

The ongoing growth we are witnessing is a sign that we are making significant strides in meeting the community's needs. All of the services we provide is a step towards greater safety and hope for families in our community.

As we wrap up our annual luncheon, I find myself reflecting on the renewed perspective it has brought to our service team. The "Power of We" campaign has illuminated the incredible energy that emerges from collaboration. Walking alongside our clients is both an honor and a challenge. Yet, when our community unites and collaborates seamlessly, we can truly provide the support our clients need as they navigate toward a future filled with safety and hope.

I am genuinely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our partner organizations and agencies, demonstrating to the world what “The Power of We” can achieve.

A notable highlight was the visit from the Gabby Petito Foundation, who flew to Texas to be a part of our luncheon. During their week with us, we had the privilege of hosting their first meeting at The Heights, where we collaboratively began developing outreach and awareness tools for their foundation. It was inspiring to witness national organizations come together for brainstorming sessions, taking the initial steps toward shaping the purpose of the Gabby Petito Foundation. This experience served as a powerful reminder of how “The Power of We” manifests right here in our building.

I often express my gratitude for the privilege of working with our dedicated staff and partners. This sentiment grows stronger with each passing day at The Heights. It is a true honor to have our clients trust us to accompany them on their journey toward a better life.

Thank you all for your unwavering commitment and collaboration. Together, we are making a meaningful impact.

Emma Sapp, Service Director

Partnership Spotlight: Jamie M. Singleton, Midlothian Police Department

In this month’s newsletter, we are proud to spotlight our esteemed partnership with Jamie Singleton, a dedicated victims' advocate with the Midlothian Police Department.

Jamie is a trauma-informed professional who consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to the victims she serves. Her work is instrumental in supporting individuals affected by domestic violence within the Midlothian community.

Why Jamie Singleton Stands Out:

• Trauma-Informed Care: Jamie’s approach is rooted in understanding and addressing the trauma experienced by victims. Her empathetic and informed support makes a significant difference in the lives of those she assists.

• Collaboration with The Heights: Jamie maintains regular contact with us, ensuring a seamless connection between our services and the victims she encounters. Her efforts facilitate vital linkages, allowing victims to access the comprehensive support available at The Heights.

• Resource Facilitation: Jamie serves as a crucial resource within the Midlothian Police Department, helping us navigate and access necessary resources to better support our clients.

We are incredibly grateful for Jamie’s partnership and the valuable contributions she makes to our shared mission of aiding those in need. Her dedication enhances our ability to provide effective support and makes a lasting impact on the community.

Thank you, Jamie, for your unwavering commitment and collaboration. We look forward to continuing our impactful work together and appreciate the strength of our partnership with the Midlothian Police Department.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sara Bateman

This summer, Sara Bateman, a dedicated Waxahachie High school student who entered her Senior year this fall, has truly exemplified the spirit of service. Sara has generously contributed her time and energy to The Heights, and we are thrilled to highlight her remarkable efforts.

• Camp Counselor: In May, Sara played a vital role as a camp counselor during our 6-day camp for the children of our clients. Her commitment created a memorable experience for the kids, providing them with a safe and enjoyable environment.

• Childcare Support: Sara's dedication didn’t stop there. She continued to volunteer throughout the summer, offering childcare for numerous client children. Her unwavering support has allowed parents to focus on their appointments, and healing with peace of mind.

Sara's contributions have had a profound impact on our clients and their families. Her willingness to go above and beyond is deeply appreciated and serves as an inspiring example of community spirit.

Thank you, Sara, for your incredible dedication and hard work. Your efforts make a significant difference, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our team.