CADA moves to Oak Harbor

Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, November 15, 2006

The Island County agency that assists domestic and sexual abuse victims has new digs that should be more accessible and comfortable for victims.

Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, commonly known as CADA, moved into recently-remodeled office space on Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor. It’s in the rear of the People’s Bank building, conveniently located with the Department of Health and Social Services and Child Protective Services.

CADA Board member Jan Pickard said she’s excited about the high-profile, Pioneer Way location.

“This will make our resources and services more available to the people who need them,” she said.

In separate office space next door will be CADA’s new Education and Outreach Center.

“If we are going to stop violence, we need to start with the kids,” said Margie Porter, director of CADA. A big part of the education and outreach work is done in the schools.

Porter said she decided to move the nonprofit agency from the tiny office in Coupeville to the new location in Oak Harbor because it’s roomier and more inviting — which is important when dealing with scared people in crisis — plus it’s easily accessible by bus.

“Accessibility is very important,” Porter said. “The majority of our clients are low income and use public transportation.”

The nonprofit group also got a great deal on rent from the owner, Mount Vernon developer Milt Armstrong.

The drawback to the location is that it’s farther away for victims on South Whidbey. But Porter said she’s planning on opening an office on South Whidbey.

“The result will be that we strengthen our profile on the south end,” Pickard said.

Together with the big move, Porter said other changes are in store for CADA. She plans on expanding the education and outreach program, expanding volunteer opportunities, raising more funds in the community and increasing CADA’s visibility.

CADA’s new Education and Outreach Center will be located in the former bank building next to CADA’s new main office. The innovative program is designed to prevent violence before it happens through education.

“I don’t think there is any agency in the state that’s going to have an education and outreach center like ours,” Porter said. “Our hope is that teachers, counselors, parents, kids, anyone can walk over there and find some helpful information.”

CADA already has a creative and active program for youth with outreach in island schools, but Porter hopes to expand it even further.

Barb Spence, CADA’s youth and education program coordinator, does a lot of work in classrooms, focusing on healthy relationships, making good choices, the meaning of “good touch,” safety and preventing bullying.

She wrote a series of popular “Go Ask Jessie” brochures that tackle a wide range of issues, including “trust is a gift,” “myths about sexual harassment,” “date rape” and “tips for safe blogging.”

CADA was founded in 1979 by people in the island and Navy community concerned about domestic violence. The group’s mission was later expanded to also assist victims of sexual violence. Currently, seven people work for the agency, but Porter is in the process of hiring for three new positions.

The nonprofit agency has an annual budget of about $500,000. About 90 percent of the budget is funded by state grants.

CADA’s main role is advocating for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. That means supporting victims through the legal process; explaining their options; helping them with basic needs, like housing or food; linking them with other support services — like the Department of Social and Health Service or the Opportunity Council; and even providing emotional support.

CADA also runs a shelter, Marjie’s House, together with the Opportunity Council and the Housing Authority.

CADA works with counselors in the community to offer therapy to victims. The organization puts on the victim impact panel, which abusers are court-ordered to attend. It’s meant to educate batterers about the impact of violence. CADA volunteers help keep an eye on the courts through the Courtwatch program.

In addition, CADA has a legal advocate who works in the courthouse.

“I can’t stress enough the great partnership we have with the sheriff’s office and the prosecutor’s office,” Porter said. “My theme is partnerships and trying to link agencies together to provide bet