Nurse Practitioner Week
Nurse Practitioner Week
Nurse practitioner is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the United States. More than 266,000 Americans qualify to serve as a nurse practitioner.
By 2032, this number will increase by a staggering 45%. This growth rate is much higher than the national average.
It comes as no surprise to see the growth in nurse practitioners. This position is critical to the nation’s healthcare system. Without them, life expectancy would certainly decline, and Americans would be sicker.
This week is one to celebrate nurse practitioners and their positive role in health care. Read on to learn all about National Nurse Practitioner Week. Explore topics such as the theme for Nurse Practitioner Week and what the position entails.
What Do Nurse Practitioners Do?
Before diving into NP week, it is important to understand what nurse practitioners do. Nurse practitioners fill the nation’s growing doctor shortage. By 2033, medical experts believe there will be a shortage of up to 139,000 physicians.
Nurse practitioners do many of the same things as primary care doctors. They evaluate patients and diagnose ailments.
Nurse practitioners order and perform diagnostic tests. They evaluate the results of those tests and prescribe medicine or treatments accordingly.
Also, nurse practitioners create patient care plans and follow up regularly to check the progress. They also take and review patient’s medical history to identify potential health risks.
What Is NP Week?
NP Week intends to raise awareness for this critical position. Additionally, organizers seek to remove barriers that prevent nurse practitioners from doing their job to the fullest.
There is still a stigma in the medical industry that only doctors can perform the tasks listed above. However, this thought process is inaccurate and does not reflect a nurse practitioner’s education and training.
By celebrating nurse practitioners, positive attention is brought to the career field. Organizers can instill confidence in nurse practitioners’ capability in patients and medical providers.
What Is the Theme for NP Week?
The theme for NP week is “Recognizing Heroes in Health Care.” To help recognize nurse practitioners, organizers received 46 proclamations from state governors and local elected officials.
Nurse practitioners see more than 1 billion patients per year. They were instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic as many medical offices and hospitals were overwhelmed with patients.
Nurse practitioners often work in urgent care and other family medicine centers. These facilities received thousands of COVID-19 patients in Missouri alone. Every day, nurse practitioners and other healthcare workers put their lives and long-term health on the line to visit with COVID-19 patients.
Your Guide to Celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week
You are now ready to do your part and spread the word about the incredible role that nurse practitioners play in the healthcare industry.
Compass Health Network relies on nurse practitioners to treat Missouri’s citizens. If you want to help celebrate National Nurse Practitioner Week, contact us today at Compass Health Network to see how you can get involved.
Children’s Advocacy Center
Children’s Advocacy Center
If you suspect child abuse, please call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738 or contact your local law enforcement agency
Our mission is to facilitate a community-based collaborative effort to improve the system’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect by following the ChildFirst Doctrine
CHILDREN FIRST
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
SAFE INTERVIEWS
ADOVCACY
SERVICES
BENEFITS
- Restructure the interview process to meet the needs of the child
- Fewer interviews lead to less trauma to the child
- Collaborate between agencies involved in child abuse investigations
- Identify needed services for the child and family
- Provide mental health services for the child and family
- Provide coordination and collaboration of medical services
- Identify gaps in services and the investigation process
- Provide specialized training for staff and multidisciplinary teams
- Provide quality assurance through case review with all agencies involved
Child and Family Therapist Office
Child Interview Room
Child-Friendly Waiting Area
TEAMWORK
At present, the counties served by the CAC and similar agencies across the nation are faced with this reality: many of our children are being abused.
Each year, the CAC and its multidisciplinary team members investigate numerous cases of suspected physical and sexual child abuse while providing services to children and their families.
The CAC offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary intervention system involving agencies and the community.
- The Children’s Division
- The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office>
- Law Enforcement
- The Juvenile Office
- Medical Personnel
- Mental Health Professionals
- CAC Staff
- Community Volunteers
We are a part of a nationwide effort to reduce the trauma of abuse, so children are not re-victimized by the system designed to protect them.
In the past, victims seeking help faced multiple contacts with different community professionals, creating a maze of confusion for the child and family.
With the support of the community, the CAC enables the child to visit one location for safety, protection, and justice instead of going from agency to agency.
- Kimberly Kemerer – Executive Director
- Kelsey Christisen – Farmington Forensic Interviewer
- Haley Easley – Union Forensic Interviewer
- Autumn Colvis – Prevention Specialist
- Abby Manning – Festus Forensic Interviewer
- Bonita Hecktor- Union Family Advocate
- Amy Hall – Union Child & Family Therapist
- Stephanie Lane – Festus Child & Family Therapist
- Samantha Harris – Farmington Family Advocate
- Matt Lindemeyer – President – Missouri State Technical Assistance Team – Field Investigator
- Matthew Becker – Vice President –
Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Prosecuting Attorney - Karen Stetina – Secretary – Director Of The Child Protection Unit Jefferson County Juvenile Office
- Trisha Stefanski – Member – Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Prosecuting Attorney
- Ms. Debra Thomas – Member – 42nd Circuit Juvenile Office – Deputy Juvenile Officer
- Lt. Gary Higginbotham – Member – Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
- Ms. Dina Vitoux, LCSW – Member – Mental Health Counseling Concepts
- Captain Chuck Subke – Member – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
- Dr. David Stansfield – Member – Physician Medical Services – Safe/Care Provider
- Ms. Cindy Vessell – Member – Senior Director of Community Services
- Melissa Gilliam – Member – St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Prosecuting Attorney
- Det. Dustin Smith – Member – Farmington Police Department
- Ms. Mary Gorman- Non-Voting Member – Northern Region Children’s Division
LOCATIONS
442 FORENSIC INTERVIEWS IN 2021
889 MENTAL HEALTH SESSIONS IN 2021
FRANKLIN COUNTY PREVENTION PROGRAM REACHED 5,165 STUDENTS IN 2021
A Safe Place
A Safe Place
Viewing this website could place you in danger.
Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear searches.
Please ensure you are using a safe computer.
If you are in danger and do not have access to a safe computer, call our 24-hour crisis hotline at 636-232-2301 or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
If you are at a safe computer, read below for steps to stay safe.
Steps to Stay Safe
Use a safe computer at a library or community center. This is especially important when researching escape plans. Searching for bus tickets, shelter information, housing, or classified ads on a home computer can alert your abuser and increase your risk.
If you bookmark this or any other site about domestic violence, your abuser may see your computer activity. If you can, clear all web browser cache, cookies, and history. See instructions below for reducing risks.
Instructions for Internet Explorer
1. To delete temporary internet files, cookies (cryptic bookmarks that a Website can place on your computer to acknowledge your visit) and web addresses in your history:
2. On the menu at the top of the browser window, click on Tools>Internet Options…
3. In the dialog window that opens, click on the “General” tab.
4. In the section labeled “Temporary Internet Files”, if you wish to delete all files and cookies, click on the “Delete Files…” button. A confirmation dialog will open asking if you want to delete all files in your temporary internet folder. Click “OK.”
5. If you wish to selectively delete files and cookies, click on the “Settings…” button. A dialog window will open. Click on the “View Files…” button. A window will open with a list of all your temporary internet files and cookies. You can highlight the files you wish to delete and hit the delete key or click Edit>Delete.
6. To empty the History folder, click on the “Clear History” button and then the “OK” button.
A Safe Place
Domestic Violence Shelter
VISION:
A Safe Place Will Assure Survivors And Their Children A Comprehensive Treatment Process In A Safe And Secure Environment In Jefferson County.
MISSION:
To Provide, With Dignity And Respect, A Comprehensive, Quality Program Including Education, Therapy/Counseling, Shelter Advocacy, Accessibility, Referral Network, Etc. To Any Battered Survivor And His/Her Children.
TESTIMONIAL
Now… we are happy. We don’t have much, but we have each other, tons of good times and a sense of security. Life is good.”
SHELTER
A Safe Place is a residential shelter and program providing services to meet immediate needs of domestic violence survivors and their children. Abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, or the destruction of property or pets..
Children who grow up in violent homes frequently learn violence as an acceptable means of resolving conflict or exerting control. These children are more likely to become victims or abusers as adults. A Safe Place provides a comprehensive program for the survivor and family, teaching healthy conflict resolutions and lifestyles.
Living Quarters
The emergency shelter accommodates six families in a community living home until they can support themselves or family.
Daily Activities
Residents share in daily activities and learn skills such as cooking, parenting education, and other life skills.
Goal-Based
Residents agree to a goal-based program which focuses on safety, healing, and financial independence.
KEY BENEFITS
Access to Care
Pets Referral Program
Referral & Resourcing
24-Hour Staff
Therapy, Counseling, & Coaching
Perpetrator Referral
SERVICES
Shelter Care
Survivors learn to break the cycle of violence through individual counseling, support groups, education, comprehensive parenting, fitness, and wellness programs. Feelings of dependency are replaced with self-sufficiency. Self-esteem, assertiveness, communication, and decision-making skills are taught, and assistance with nutrition, budgeting, housing, job searching, and career planning is provided. Additional services include:
- 24-Hour Crisis Hotline
- Emergency Shelter Program
- Residential Shelter Program
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Life Skills Group
- Domestic Abuse Education Group
- Court Advocacy
- Recreational Activities
- Child Play Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Crime Victims Advocacy
A Safe Place empowers survivors and their children to rise above the pain of domestic abuse and begin a safe and healthy life.
Community Groups
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP5
SEXUAL ASSAULT/ABUSE SUPPORT GROUP
These support groups, free and on-going, empowers survivors to rise above the pain of domestic abuse and begin a safe and healthy life.Learn from others’ experiences and support each other in the process of healing, change, and transformation.
Resources
Speak With Our Staff
Receive counseling, advocacy, referrals, and other services
636-232-2301
Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence
State-wide domestic violence resources and network
www.mocadsv.org
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National domestic violence resources and network
www.ncadv.org
Secret Financial Escape Plan
Steps to quietly build a credit history
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/secret-financial-escape-plan-domestic-violence-victims-2014-12-29
If you know a friend of loved one who is being abused, consider taking these steps:
Set up a time to talk. Try to make sure you have privacy and won’t be distracted or interrupted. Let her know you’re concerned about her safety.
Be supportive. Listen to her. It may be very hard for her to talk about the abuse. Tell her that she is not alone and that people want to help.
Offer specific help. You might say you are willing to just listen, to help her with child care, or to provide transportation, for example.
Keep in mind that you can’t “rescue” your friend. She has to be the one to decide it’s time to get help. Support her no matter what her decision.
Let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what.
More Information:
Know the different warning signs of abuse.
Learn more ways to help a friend or loved one who is being abused.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 (TDD).
STORIES
A Safe Place is the only domestic violence shelter in Jefferson County.
A Safe Place was founded in 1987 to serve survivors of domestic violence. In 1998, the shelter opened at a new, undisclosed location to provide increased care and protection to the residents.
Looking to the future…
A Safe Place has expanded services by building Mary’s House of Hope at A Safe Place, a transitional housing complex with four apartment units for women and children preparing for independent life.
2021 Impact
- Received 1,226 hotline calls
- Served 1,1916 clients
- Turned away 1,022
- Offered 6,194 nights of safety
- Educated 263 individuals about domestic violence
- Assisted with 109 orders of protection
- Provided 101.25 hours of court advocacy for survivors
- Provided 541 hours of professional therapy
- Provided 357 hours of crisis intervention services
In 2004, I was involved in a custody case due to domestic violence. I worked with A Safe Place to create a plan that would allow me to get out. During my stay at the shelter, I received more resources and support than I could have ever imagined. My healing process began, and I was finally gaining confidence and peace I had lost so long ago. My girls also had a safe place where they could talk about their experiences and find healing.
When I left the shelter, I couldn’t afford a new place to call home. I had to go back to a former residence known by my abuser. Shortly after I moved, he broke into my home and assaulted me and my best friend, threatening both of us with a knife. Thankfully, I escaped without injury, but my friend was hurt. The police came and I filled out another restraining order. Because I didn’t feel safe staying there with my children, I was forced to move in with my family. I did not want to burden them and I feared for their safety, but I had nowhere else to turn.
If I had access to transitional, safe housing after my stay at A Safe Place, I would not have been assaulted again or placed my family at risk. A Safe Place played a huge role in my journey to freedom from the abuse. I am where I am today because of the services they provided me at such a crucial time in my life. I have since moved on to a successful career, safe home life, happy family, and healthy marriage. If transitional housing had been available, I know the next step in my journey would have been less traumatic.
The continued safety net of A Safe Place would have given me the additional leverage needed to confidently take those steps back into society. Had transitional housing been available, it would have given me the opportunity to safely establish the financial stability and structure needed for a fresh start. Transitional housing allows survivors to prosper while still feeling safe. I hope that other women find the strength and courage to leave their abusers, and that, with your support, they have the resources and the time to safely gain full independence and stability.
Mary’s House of Hope
Mary’s House of Hope
Viewing this website could place you in danger.
Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear searches.
Please ensure you are using a safe computer.
If you are in danger and do not have access to a safe computer, call our 24-hour crisis hotline at 636-232-2301 or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
If you are at a safe computer, read below for steps to stay safe.
Steps to Stay Safe
Use a safe computer at a library or community center. This is especially important when researching escape plans. Searching for bus tickets, shelter information, housing, or classified ads on a home computer can alert your abuser and increase your risk.
If you bookmark this or any other site about domestic violence, your abuser may see your computer activity. If you can, clear all web browser cache, cookies, and history. See instructions below for reducing risks.
Instructions for Internet Explorer
1. To delete temporary internet files, cookies (cryptic bookmarks that a Website can place on your computer to acknowledge your visit) and web addresses in your history:
2. On the menu at the top of the browser window, click on Tools>Internet Options…
3. In the dialog window that opens, click on the “General” tab.
4. In the section labeled “Temporary Internet Files”, if you wish to delete all files and cookies, click on the “Delete Files…” button. A confirmation dialog will open asking if you want to delete all files in your temporary internet folder. Click “OK.”
5. If you wish to selectively delete files and cookies, click on the “Settings…” button. A dialog window will open. Click on the “View Files…” button. A window will open with a list of all your temporary internet files and cookies. You can highlight the files you wish to delete and hit the delete key or click Edit>Delete.
6. To empty the History folder, click on the “Clear History” button and then the “OK” button.
If you know a friend of loved one who is being abused, consider taking these steps:
Set up a time to talk. Try to make sure you have privacy and won’t be distracted or interrupted. Let her know you’re concerned about her safety.
Be supportive. Listen to her. It may be very hard for her to talk about the abuse. Tell her that she is not alone and that people want to help.
Offer specific help. You might say you are willing to just listen, to help her with child care, or to provide transportation, for example.
Keep in mind that you can’t “rescue” your friend. She has to be the one to decide it’s time to get help. Support her no matter what her decision.
Let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what.
More Information:
Know the different warning signs of abuse.
Learn more ways to help a friend or loved one who is being abused.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 (TDD).
VIRTUAL TOUR
WHY WE EXIST
WITH YOUR DONATION, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR
THE WOMEN WHO DESERVE IT THE MOST, BUT HAVE THE LEAST
THE PROJECT
12 FAMILIES EMPOWERED TO TRANSITION TO INDEPENDENT LIVING
GOAL: To transition the women from the emergency shelter (A Safe Place) to independent living, free from violence and fear for one to two years at Mary’s House of Hope. $3.5 million is needed to complete the entire project.
MILESTONES:
- A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 17, 2017
- Public water and sewer installed; site preparation is complete
- Funds raised utilizing NAP tax credits a year and a half early
- $1.5 million was raised to build and furnish the first home
- The first four families moved into apartments Fall of 2020
- The Circle of Hope campaign created to cover operational expenses
- Legacy of Hope Society Created – 2021
OUR IMPACT
ABOUT THE PROJECT
For many of us, our home is the safest place we know, a personal sanctuary where we can retreat and relax. For survivors of domestic violence, though, their homes are not havens. Their homes are cocoons of fear. To escape the abuse, women and men, and their children, need a comprehensive program of education, therapy and counseling, court advocacy, and above all, a secure environment.
They need A Safe Place.
Our residential program is the only emergency shelter for domestic violence in Jefferson County. Serving the greater St. Louis area and surrounding counties, A Safe Place provides services to meet the immediate needs of domestic violence survivors including physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, or the destruction of property or pets.
While staying at A Safe Place, survivors learn to break the cycle of violence through individual counseling, support groups, education, and comprehensive parenting, fitness, and wellness programs. Over time and through work with a variety of providers,residents replace their feelings of dependency with self-sufficiency. They learn to build their self-esteem, and work on assertiveness, communication and decision-making skills. They receive assistance with nutrition, budgeting, housing options, job searches, and career planning, in addition to full primary care, dental care, and mental health services. Because every resident is unique, we offer individualized plans that coordinate all services, providing the optimal opportunity for each person to be restored to wholeness.
Adults aren’t the only victims of domestic violence. Children who grow up in abusive homes frequently learn violence as an acceptable means of resolving conflict and exerting control. These children are more likely to become victims or perpetrators as adults. A Safe Place offers assistance to these youngest survivors through counseling, recreational activities, child play therapy, and art therapy. A Safe Place also offers a Pet Protection Program to ensure domestic animal safety.
A Safe Place empowers residents and their children to rise above the pain of domestic abuse and begin a new, safer and healthier life, where they can transform from victim to survivor.
Why is the project called Mary’s House of Hope?
Mary Daniels was a woman from Hillsboro killed by her estranged husband in 2010. Mary’s family, friends, and supporters have raised over $100,000 for this project.
Who will manage the facility?
Compass Health Network will own and manage the facility. Mary’s House of Hope is being constructed on property adjacent to Compass Health Network’s A Safe Place.
How much is needed to complete the entire project?
$3.5 million
How many housing units will Mary’s House of Hope at A Safe Place Provide?
Each house consists of four units (one 1-bedroom unit, two 2-bedroom units, and one 3-bedroom unit). When all three houses are completed, there will be three 1-bedroom units, six 2-bedroom units, and three 3-bedroom units (total of 12 units). In addition, there will be three multipurpose rooms. A playground is adjacent to the housing facilities.
How long will a family reside in transitional housing?
A family can remain in a unit for up to two years. Residents will receive an individualized plan of action towards sustainable living, with staff oversight on measurable progress.
How will donors be recognized?
Donor recognition levels range from $1 to over $250,000. Donors will be acknowledged on COMTREA’s virtual donor wall. Additional donor recognition is dependent on amount of gift.
What is the project timeline?
The first housing complex is completed and we are continuing the campaign to raise funds for the remaining two units.
Is my donation tax deductible?
We are a tax exempt 501(C)3 organization and contributions are deductible to the extent of the law (please consult advisor).
What is the Circle of Hope?
Our Circle of Hope program supports sustainable funding of Mary’s House of Hope. These homes will continue to give hope far into the future. As each woman moves on to her own house, empowered and able to sustain herself and her family, the unit will be refreshed for another survivor looking to secure their independence.
Many effects of the 2020 pandemic are yet to be seen. The shelter in place orders given to protect society as a whole have only increased household tensions, especially those living with a violent partner or family member.
A Safe Place emergency shelter is now expecting a second surge; a surge of victims seeking shelter from abusers they have been locked down with during the past year.
The current lack of affordable housing offered in our area brings devastating consequences for those fleeing violent living conditions. Mary’s House of Hope will be on the forefront of the expected surge as we take next steps to build a second transitional housing unit. Families currently living in the first unit will continue to work towards their own individualized plan of action towards sustainable living.
Please consider supporting Phase 2 of Mary’s House of Hope to build four additional apartments for other families ready to transition out of A Safe Place emergency shelter.
You can be part of the foundation that builds a home for so many families seeking a safe and independent future.
CIRCLE OF HOPE
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Your gift to the Circle of Hope program supports operational costs for Mary’s House of Hope at A Safe Place. These homes will continue to give hope far into the future. As each woman moves on to her own house, empowered and able to sustain herself and her family, the unit will be refreshed for other survivors looking to secure their independence.
FUND LIVING EXPENSES
MONTHLY & ONE-TIME DONATIONS
$50 monthly
$100 monthly
$250 monthly
$500 monthly
SPONSOR A FAMILY
MONTHLY COMMITMENT
$700 monthly (1-bedroom unit)
$800 monthly (2-bedroom unit)
$1,000 monthly (3-bedroom unit)
$1,250 monthly (3-bedroom unit and living expenses)
$2,083 monthly (Two 2-bedroom units and living expenses)
BUILD HOPE FOR SURVIVORS
Mary’s House of Hope is supported by financial gifts, grants, volunteer time and services, and donations of supplies.
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
LEGACY OF HOPE
HOW TO LEAVE AN IMPACT
Giving through your will is easy, and no amount is too small. There are many options that can be tailored to your needs.
- Leave a monetary amount in your will or trust
- Provide a gift of real estate
- Transfer stocks and business holdings
- Donate retirement assets or IRA rollover
- Gift life insurance funds
- Designate annual interest earnings
- Set up an endowment
Charitable Wishes
Your financial advisor can help legacy gifts exist side-by-side with other beneficiaries and family priorities. We’ll help you find the best fit for your gift so it creates a permanent impact.
Financial Planning
Each type of charitable gift has varying tax laws and flexibility. Every situation is different; please discuss with your financial advisor or attorney the best plan for you. COMTREA does not provide financial or legal advice.
Click here to download a fillable pdf form. Once completed, mail or email the form to:
Compass/MHOH
ATTN: Legacy of Hope
227 East Main Street
Festus, MO 63028