Engaging #UnitedThroughLove
The CPAF community embraced Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. Whether through a fashion statement on Denim Day, courageously speaking up at a campus protest, or volunteering time to build healthy and safe communities, CPAFers shone a light on the misconceptions that surround sexual assault.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
CPAF staff wore denim on April 27th in support of survivors of sexual assault. Each year, the last Wednesday of April commemorates Denim Day. In a landmark case in Italy, the judge overturned a conviction stating that a woman could not have been raped because her jeans were too tight to remove without consent. Denim Day was created to draw awareness to the challenges of rape culture and the misconceptions that surround sexual assault. CPAF stands in solidarity with survivors.
Students at San Gabriel High School have been speaking out about the racism and sexual violence happening on campus and the need for response from the administration. As part of the effort to help bridge the gap between the administration and students, CPAF has been invited to be part of the dialogue during the ongoing meetings between school officials and students. CPAF’s conversations with students have enabled staff to better understand the students’ concerns, as well as enabled the students to feel more comfortable in expressing themselves.
On April 7th, San Gabriel High School students gathered on campus to express their concerns to the administration.
In Honor of National Volunteer Week
April 18-22 was National Volunteer Week. In recognition, we want to honor one of our longtime supporters and Board of Director members, Kat Sea. Thank you, Kat, for your ongoing support, strength, and courage! Below, she shares her powerful story.
Rebirth, as I call it, started with one random Google search: “am I in an abusive relationship” probably along with keywords such as “Asian” or “Los Angeles.” It was circa 2008 and shortly after the end of my 2 years of turbulent abusive relationship with a man whose name still haunts me today. Somehow, or as fate would have it, CPAF’s “Language Bank Volunteer Needed” application showed up on the first page of the web browser.
I can speak fluent Mandarin and Cantonese with quite the mediocre Portuguese, can I help someone? Could I help someone on my path of self-salvation by showing them the light I had never received? I clicked “submit” on my application and the door of enlightenment - oh I mean CPAF - opened in front of my eyes.
I started with document translation, phone and in-person interpretation. At times, I had to excuse myself to go to the bathroom to have a good cry from the sadness of the stories (sometimes it was a good cry). Eventually, I started to attend events where I spoke on behalf of CPAF and told my story. I was able to promote the organization, gain more exposure and raise funds for the women and children with the greatest needs. CPAF gave me the training on how to care for others whilst caring for me.
“CPAF gave me the training on how to care for others whilst caring for me.”
As of today, I live comfortably in South Pasadena with my two very chubby and loving kitties: Tiger Uppercut and Milk Tea. I am an avid game player and global trotter. I have fulfilling relationships with friends, lovers and families that love and cherish me. I serve on the CPAF Board of Directors and contribute my knowledge and passion to building healthy and safe communities, alongside CPAF’s employees, that are second to none. I truly believe the light is nigh and it shall shine on all of us.
Our work would not be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers. Thank you, Kat, and to our 65+ volunteers that contribute their time to provide critical services on behalf of CPAF. Interested in volunteering at CPAF? Visit this link for more details.
CPAF Joins the STOP Violence Against Women Planning Committee
We are honored and excited to be part of the Services Training Officers Prosecutor (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (STOP Program) planning committee. The goal of the California STOP Program is to reduce sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, by strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable for their actions. STOP VAW Implementation Plan Committee collaborates with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). CPAF will represent and vocalize needs and address challenges from the culturally specific perspective.
Sharing Kitchen
After a two-year hiatus, the Emergency Shelter hosted Sharing Kitchen, a space where residents cook food from their culture and share it with the other families and staff, bringing everyone together for a sit-down meal and conversation. Since CPAF residents come from different ethnic backgrounds, this time together increases client bonding, cultural awareness, and understanding. The client preparing the meal shares who taught them or how they learned to make the dish and allows for both staff and clients to learn more about one another. We are excited to have this time together again!
Join Us for Give In May
In May, we’ll celebrate Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! Invite your community to support CPAF and other AAPI organizations through the month-long #GiveInMay campaign. CPAF’s page will open at 12AM PT on May 1st and all gifts are welcome.