Lashona Abernathy
Fredericksburg
Summary
Dedicated victim advocate with 16 years of experience in safety, counseling, case management, and navigating the justice system. Passionate about supporting Spotsylvania County's mission to provide comprehensive services to survivors of crimes. Demonstrated commitment to public service, safety, and survivor support through community engagement efforts. Trusted collaborator with Empowerhouse Domestic Violence Agency and Spotsylvania County.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Spotsylvania Victims Coordinator
Empowerhouse Domestic Violence Organization
01.2021 - Current
- Coordinate with the Investigator to support and link survivors of domestic violence with services as soon as possible.
- Informs, explains, and assists victims in obtaining protective orders; offers other protective services to victims and witnesses, including obtaining warrants, trespass orders, stalking protective orders, police protection, and courtroom protection.
- Contact victims referred to by the Investigator with the permission of the identified survivors
- Provide risk assessment, safety planning, linkage, confidential support, and active listening
- Connect victims of domestic violence and their children with the services, especially those identified in the safety plan, and actively support their next steps and acquisition of those services
- Write protocols and procedures of service delivery that account for the coordination with the Investigator
- Help survivors connect with offices and resources at the courthouse to access the civil and criminal legal system, including helping with applications for free attorney assistance or other support from attorneys providing excellent services willing to support victims
- Co-train with law enforcement investigator on DV dynamics and effective victim services response
- Follow up on previous evening hotline calls, if safe to do so, from Spotsylvania survivors at Empowerhouse to support any survivors needing support and potential connection to legal support
- Train Empowerhouse staff in any developed Spotsylvania County protocols and procedures
- Participating in OVW Training and Technical Assistance with partners
Housing Case Manager
Empowerhouse Domestic Violence Organization
01.2021 - Current
- Assisted individuals and families in finding stable housing by assessing client needs, developing individualized plans, and connecting them with resources.resources like financial assistance, employment services, and mental health support. They also work with landlords, property managers, and other agencies to facilitate housing placements and resolve issues.
Domestic Violence LAP/SOAR Advocate
Empowerhouse Domestic Violence Organization
01.2019 - 01.2021
- The Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) is an innovative strategy to prevent domestic violence homicides and serious injuries. It provides an easy and effective method for law enforcement and other community professionals—such as health care providers, clergy members, case workers, and court personnel—to identify victims of domestic violence who are at the highest risk of being seriously injured or killed by their intimate partners, and immediately connect them to the local domestic violence service program.
- SOAR Advocate
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a national program designed to increase the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for eligible adults and children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.The goal of the SOAR program is to end homelessness through increased access to SSI/SSDI income supports. This directly addresses SAMHSA’s assertion regarding recovery supports: “To recover, people need a safe, stable place to live.”
Education
Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
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University of Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippiundefined
West Bolivar District High School
Rosedale, MississippiSkills
- Providing Confidentiality
- Safety Planning
- Risk Assessments
- Lethality Assessment Process
- Outstanding organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
- Exhibits sincerity and honesty, maintaining personal and professional integrity
- Skilled at maintaining a positive and approachable demeanor while working to resolve problems
- Skilled in interacting with diverse backgrounds and cultures
Qualifications
- Microsoft and Excel knowledge, VADATA
- Extensive administrative and related duties
- Demonstrated capability to communicate proficiently in varied settings, including advocacy and security.
Certification
SOAR Certificates for Adults and Adolescents
SOAR Certificates for Adults and Adolescents
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a national program designed to increase the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for eligible adults and children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder. The goal of the SOAR program is to end homelessness through increased access to SSI/SSDI income supports. This directly addresses SAMHSA’s assertion regarding recovery supports: “To recover, people need a safe, stable place to live.”
Timeline
Spotsylvania Victims Coordinator
Empowerhouse Domestic Violence Organization
01.2021 - Current
Housing Case Manager
Empowerhouse Domestic Violence Organization
01.2021 - Current
Domestic Violence LAP/SOAR Advocate
Empowerhouse Domestic Violence Organization
01.2019 - 01.2021
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University of Mississippi
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West Bolivar District High School
Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
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