About the Newsletter

Welcome to the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Hope for Family Resilience Newsletter series! This series serves as a vital resource for individuals and families seeking support, education, and resources to build resilience and foster healthy relationships. Led by our dedicated team of experts, we aim to provide evidence-based strategies, insights, and information to empower individuals and communities to navigate challenges such as domestic violence, family dynamics, and interpersonal relationships. Whether you're looking to enhance your understanding of these issues, access valuable resources, or participate in training programs, our newsletters are here to guide you on your journey towards greater resilience and well-being. Stay connected with us as we continue to share valuable content and opportunities for growth and support.

2024 is Off to a Great Start!

3 women standing in front of presentation slide

Lilit Shakaryan, Elizabeth Ornelas, and Cristina Lopez during the 40-hour Hope Advocate Training in March 2024 

The initial quarter of this year was a period of significant activity for University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Hope Team. We successfully conducted two iterations of our 40-hour Hope Advocate training program, hosting one session in Southern Nevada and another in Northern Nevada. Plus, we achieved continuing education credit approvals for an additional three industries, underscoring our commitment to spreading our message of hope throughout the state of Nevada.

We deeply appreciate the burgeoning community that includes each of you, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your integral role in fostering the positive transformation we envision worldwide.

Hope Team in the Spotlight

Newspaper

As we continue to disseminate our message of Hope far and wide, our efforts have been acknowledged through several media features and spotlights over this quarter. Adhering to the adage that visibility is crucial, we maintain our commitment to raising awareness about our initiatives. While we may not adopt a 'squeaky wheel' approach, our dedication to making our activities known is unwavering.

Read the spotlight on the 40-hour Hope Advocate Training in Nevada Today

Watch the interview with Pamela B. Payne, PhD, CFLE on Fox 11 News

Watch the interview with Wes Duncan on KOLO TV News

City Attorney Wes Duncan And Police Chief Chris Crawforth Announce The Use Of Danger Assessment – Law Enforcement (Da-Le) Form To Be Utilized By Sparks Police And Prosecutors Within The City Of Sparks For Domestic Violence Cases

University of Nevada, Reno Extension and UNLV join forces to tackle Clark County community challenges

 

Upcoming 40-hour Hope Advocate Training Dates

40-hour Hope Advocate Training Banner

Register for the 40-hour Hope Advocate Training

The Hope Team has calendared all the southern and northern Nevada training dates for the 2024 year. If you are interested in joining, please look over our upcoming dates:

Las Vegas Dates:

July 15-18

Aug. 14, 21, 28, and Sept. 4

Sept. 18 and 25, Oct. 2 and 9

Dec. 3-6

Reno Dates:

Oct.15-18

Register for the 40-hour Hope Advocate Training

Om's Law in Utah

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In response to a tragic event where Om Moses Gandhi, a 16-year-old boy, lost his life at the hands of his father during a court-ordered unsupervised visit amid his parents' contentious custody dispute, Utah lawmakers have taken action. Legislation was proposed to prevent such heartbreaking circumstances and to shield children from abusive parents. The bill, designated HB272, aims to overhaul Utah's family court system.

This proposed legislation draws inspiration from the Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act, also known as Kayden's Law. However, officials, including the director of public policy at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, conveyed to KUER public radio, a charter member of National Public Radio (NPR), the intention to adapt certain elements to create a framework tailored specifically to the needs of Utah.
Key provisions of the bill demand that courts thoroughly evaluate evidence of abuse when deciding on a child's best interests. It also calls for enhanced training for judges and court staff, along with stronger safeguards concerning court-directed reunification processes.


The bill, known as Om's Law in honor of the young victim, received overwhelming support, culminating in a unanimous vote. The passage of the law was marked by a poignant moment of tribute with a standing ovation for Om's mother on Friday, March 1, 2024. This legislative milestone signifies a formidable advancement in the reformation of the family court system.

News About Our Newest Partnerships

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Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada | Family Violence Prevention Project 

Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada sent their Family Violence Prevention Project staff to the March 40-hour Hope Advocate Training in Reno. The staff braved the huge snowstorm on the first day – traveling from all over the county and neighboring counties – to show up and learn advocacy best practices.

Due to the weather, they were required to add an online wrap up a week after meeting in person, showing their commitment and dedication to gaining all the information to provide the best advocacy for victim survivors. We are so grateful to have the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada as part of the 40-hour Hope Advocate review board and look forward to our continued partnership.

Follow Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada Family Violence Prevention Project on Facebook

Courtroom Critters

Hope Coordinator Elizabeth Ornelas was recently invited to be on the board of Courtroom Critters – she will be sworn in later this month. Courtroom Critters will soon be participating in the 40-hour Hope Advocate Training for their advocates and staff. Focused on providing therapy dogs for victim-survivors and witnesses of traumatic crimes, this organization is using the sweet love of canine besties to decrease anxiety – especially during court.

Learn more about the work Courtroom Critters is doing in Las Vegas.

Our Nevada Judges

The Hope Team’s newest partner, Our Nevada Judges, Inc., is making waves in Nevada by providing cases and articles to better clarify the competence and effectiveness of the Nevada courts and judges. Working to ensure the citizens of Nevada have access to electronic coverage of judicial proceedings by tracking every district judge, court of appeals judge, Justice of the Supreme court and candidate since 1864, Our Nevada Judges has an overall mission to educate the public on the Nevada judiciary. The Hope Team is excited to add Our Nevada Judges to our partners!

Learn more about Our Nevada Judges and the work they are doing.

Ornelas, E., Payne, P., Thomas, C. 2024, Hope for Family Resilience Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 2, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Newletter

Learn more about the author(s)

Elizabeth Ornelas
Elizabeth Ornelas
Pamela Payne
Pamela Payne
Clair Thomas
Clair Thomas