In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Hurley Collier, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State, to discuss why trauma-responsive services matter across every sector — including mentoring programs serving vulnerable youth.

Stephanie shares how meaningful, professionally supported mentoring relationships can help children build confidence, resilience, and connection, especially when organizations intentionally create environments that recognize and respond to trauma. Together, we explore what it means to move beyond simply serving youth and toward truly understanding the experiences many children carry with them every day.

In this conversation, we discuss:

•  What trauma-responsive care means in practice 
•  Why mentoring relationships can be life-changing for children facing adversity 
•  The importance of safe, supportive adult connections 
•  How organizations can integrate trauma-responsive principles into their services 
•  The role community members play in helping youth reach their full potential 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State is part of the nationwide Big Brothers Big Sisters network, creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. 

Research and best practices in mentoring continue to show that trauma-responsive approaches help organizations better recognize the impact of trauma, respond appropriately, and reduce the risk of re-traumatization for children and families. 

If you’d like to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State — whether by becoming a mentor, donating, or supporting their mission — you can learn more on their website.

You can also learn more about the organization’s mission and programs through their About page.

If you’re interested in learning more about or supporting the Building Trauma Responsive (BTR) Communities initiative through Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, you can find more information here: BTR Communities Initiative Information

You can also explore more about Branches’ ongoing trauma-responsive advocacy, community education, and podcast initiatives through their website. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we were so excited to participate in Contact Crisis Center's SAAM Book Club reading Nobody's Girl, the posthumous memoir of Epstein survivor Virginia Roberts Giuffre. In our newest episode of Root for Each Other, CONTACT advocates Jo and Elijah join us to further discuss the book from an advocacy perspective. Join us as we explore this account and the overall impact of public perception on the realities faced by Human Trafficking survivors we see in our daily work. 

What does it look like when a business community leads with compassion?

In our newest podcast episode, Megan Archer, President of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce and Anna Adkins, with the Huntington Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau join us to talk about how Huntington is building trauma-responsive practices into local businesses and how that work is making a real difference.

We’re proud to feature this conversation as part of our effort to create resources that support understanding, healing, and connection whenever our listeners need them

In this episode, we’re joined by students from Marshall University’s W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications who spent the fall semester researching the state of trauma responsiveness in Huntington as part of our BTR (Building Trauma Responsive) Communities initiative. Together, we unpack what they discovered, where our community is making progress, and where gaps still exist. Most importantly, we explore what these findings can teach us — and how they can help shape a more trauma-informed future for Huntington.

Food insecurity is a major barrier to safety in that a survivor has to be assured they can feed their children if they leave. In this episode, our advocates discuss how it is more expensive than ever to provide groceries and how that both affects and directs advocacy services. Join us for a conversation about how the basic human needs of food and safety threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods. 

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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Recorded Live at Marshall University
In Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In this special episode, recorded live at Marshall University, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter joins forces with Marshall’s Title IX Office and the Violence Prevention & Response Program for a thought-provoking panel and podcast discussion: “Privacy and Power: The Role of Tech in Relationships.”

Technology touches nearly every part of our lives—and our relationships are no exception. This conversation explores how technology can both empower and endanger, especially in the context of intimate partner violence. Our panelists examine the evolving role of privacy, control, and digital safety in modern relationships, and share practical tools for promoting healthy, respectful use of technology.

Panelists:

• Jodie Penrod, Chief Information Officer, Marshall University
• Jessica Donahue Rhodes, Esq., Title IX Coordinator, Marshall University
• Justin Clevenger, Marshall University Alum in Cyber Forensics & Security

Moderated by:
Sara Blevins O'Toole, Director of Development, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter

Recorded: October 14, 2025
Location: Shawkey Dining Room, Marshall University Student Center

💜 Continue Learning & Supporting Survivors

Explore resources, safety planning tools, and educational materials in our Branches Resource Library
to learn more about healthy relationships, technology safety, and support for survivors.

You can also show your support year-round by purchasing Branches apparel and merchandise from our Bonfire store
— proceeds help provide essential services for survivors and their families.

Episode Summary:

 In this episode, we’re sharing something close to our hearts — the upcoming BTR Communities Advocacy Summit, hosted by Branches Domestic Violence Shelter. This gathering is all about bringing people together to talk about how we can create safer, stronger communities for survivors of domestic violence.

We’ll explore what it really means to build “BTR Communities” and why your voice matters — whether you’re a business owner, a service provider, a neighborhood leader, or part of the faith community.

What You’ll Hear:

• What the BTR Communities Advocacy Summit is all about
• Why these conversations matter for all of us
• How businesses, service providers, neighborhoods, and faith leaders each have a role to play
• What to expect if you join us for the summit

Event Details:

• Event: BTR Communities Advocacy Summit
• Hosted by: Branches Domestic Violence Shelter
• Learn more: www.branchedvs.org
  
  
• Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVC6EH6dYS
  
  

Why You Should Be There:
This isn’t just another event — it’s a chance to come together, listen, and learn from one another. Each of us, in our different roles — whether through business, service, neighborhood, or faith — can make a difference for survivors and help shape communities that are safer for everyone.

Call to Action:
We’d love for you to be part of this important conversation.

• Learn more about Branches’ mission at www.branchedvs.org
  
  
• Save your spot for the summit by registering here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVC6EH6dYS

In this episode, Branches advocates Shannon and Sara unpack the growing TikTok conversation surrounding ELF Cosmetics’ latest ad campaign featuring a male comedian known for his history of domestic violence jokes. Together, they reflect on the outrage sparked by his inclusion in a campaign from a brand that has often positioned itself as a champion of women’s empowerment. This discussion explores how advertising choices shape culture, the harm caused when domestic violence is minimized for humor, and why companies may choose to risk their consumer base in this way.   We also discuss what we, as advocates, survivors, and consumers, can do in response to the way domestic violence is presented in the media at large.  

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Bender from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence alongside long-time podcast presence, Sara O'Toole, advocate with Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, to talk about WVCADV's work developing statewide trainings for faith-based communities and advocates.

Jessica shares how these trainings take a more collaborative approach, bringing together faith leaders and domestic violence advocates side-by-side to build mutual understanding, trust, and stronger community responses to survivors. We explore why this partnership matters, what makes these sessions unique, and how they’re working to shift the narrative around support in faith-based spaces.

📅 Upcoming Training Alert!
Join Jessica, and national partner Safe Havens for their next in-person training on August 28th in Charleston, WV. This is a powerful opportunity for faith leaders, advocates, and community members to learn, connect, and grow together.

🔗 Register here: WV CADV Training Registration

Podcast Description/Show Notes:
In this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon dive deep into the headlines surrounding the Diddy trial, unpacking what the public response reveals about our cultural understanding of domestic violence. At the heart of the conversation is a question that continues to echo across social media and news outlets: "Why did she stay?"

Through the lens of advocacy and lived experience, Sara and Shannon shed light on the complexities that survivors face—barriers that are emotional, financial, societal, and deeply personal. They also explore how celebrity cases like this one influence public perception, often perpetuating harmful myths while also opening doors for deeper conversations.

Whether you're a survivor, ally, or someone seeking to better understand domestic violence, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a clear call to shift the narrative from victim-blaming to survivor-centered understanding.

Topics Covered:

• The dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships
• Why survivors may stay with their abuser
• The role of fame, power, and public perception in high-profile abuse cases
• How we can all do better in supporting survivors and reshaping the conversation

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence and sexual assault, including references to graphic details related to the Diddy/Cassie case. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources & Support:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is here to help. Reach out to our 24/7 confidential hotline at 304-529-2382 or visit www.branchesdvs.org for information, support, and services in your area.  If you would like to speak to an advocate about sexual assault, please reach out to our sister program, Contact Rape Crisis Center at (866) 399-7273.