Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast

Just as our survivors have unique and transformative stories to share--so too, do our advocates. This special series highlights a personal moment with an advocate as we chat with them about why they do this sometimes difficult work. 

To kick off this series, we're taking a moment to catch up with our Director of Client Services, Amber!  Amber has served in many roles at Branches and has a strong advocacy approach that focuses on housing first, being trauma-informed, and survivor centered interventions.   Today, we'll chat about why these things are so important to remember when working with survivors.  

Finally, the "Why" Series was created to bring to the light the complexity and beauty of the relationship between advocate and survivor and to intimately connect our listeners with the healing, reconstructive power of advocacy.  We hope you enjoy! 

It's November, and we want to pause in a moment of gratitude for the people we serve. In this episode, you'll hear stories from advocates across our programming and service area about the privilege of advocacy and how survivors have impacted their lives and work. We're honored to witness their strength and resilience, and we hope these stories are enlightening about the realities of so many of our neighbors who have experienced violence. 

This domestic violence awareness month, we're challenging our beloved state motto, "Montani Semper Liberi," as many mountaineers are not free even in their own home or relationships. For this episode, we're honored to be joined by Joyce Yedlosky, one of two Team Coordinators at the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to talk about bystander intervention, both what it means and its role in the community's responsibility to end domestic violence. 

Join our advocates, Sara, Darian, & Suzie as we discuss how domestic violence affects our favorite furry companions and also how pets can make a difference in the road to freedom from abuse for survivors.  

As advocates, the question we get the most is, "What can we do to help our friends or family members that are experiencing domestic violence?"  If you've ever asked yourself this question, we invite you to join advocates Shannon and Amber as they discuss strategies for support.  You won't want to miss this episode! 

Branches advocates Sara & Ally join Sara Fincham the leader of the WV State Chapter of Free Mom Hugs  to discuss how adult mentors can make all the difference for LGBTQ+ youth, especially those who have the lived experience of losing familial support and care.  

Have you seen Maid? What about the new season of Euphoria? What do you think about Kimye? Is it significant that Johnny Depp was friendly with Marilyn Manson?

We're delving back into why portrayals of domestic violence matter to the public consciousness and how we think some of the recent discourse helps or hurts survivors. Dig in with us to learn what our advocates are thinking about some of the more recent chatter and streaming gems addressing domestic violence. 

Branches advocates Shannon, Amber, Emily, and Sara sit down to talk about the domestic violence elements of the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard defamation case that is rising to the top of all our social media feeds the last few weeks. What does the case mean in the long term?  What does it mean for survivors?  

Join advocates Sarah and Amber as they discuss the connection between self-care and emotional awareness through the empowering practice of yoga! This podcast explores the potential for survivors to connect with emotional healing and growth as they practice low-impact yoga or cultivate a meditative practice into their routine. . 

Bonus!  Amber walks us through a practical meditative sitting yoga practice suitable for busy schedules and every day use.   

Join Branches advocates Amber, Director of Client Services and Hannah, Rapid Rehousing Case Manager as they talk with Dr. Amanda Coleman on what safe housing for survivors looks like in our local community.  The intersection of the homeless experience and the domestic violence experience is a powerful factor in appropriate advocacy---this episode delves into the reason low barrier, victim centered  housing advocacy makes all the difference for domestic violence survivors.