In this edition
- National Council on Family Relations President & Publication
- Hope & Recovery Team Community Involvement
- Conference Participants
- Staff Updates & Partnerships
- 40-Hour Hope Advocate Training
- Upcoming Co-Sponsorship Events
- Upcoming Conferences
- Additional Resources
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.
National Council on Family Relations President & Publication
Congratulations to Pamela B. Payne, Ph.D., CFLE, who has recently been elected as the president-elect of the National Council on Family Relations Board of Directors. Payne has focused her career on romantic relationships, parenting, and youth engagement. Payne has previously served as the council’s chair of Religion, Spirituality, and Family Section.
Payne will serve as President-Elect from 2025-2027 and assume the role of President from 2027-2029. Please join us in congratulating Payne for this wonderful achievement!
In Spring 2025, Payne, and colleagues published a paper entitled “Healing Hidden Wounds: Addressing Health Disparities of LGBTQIA+ Domestic Violence Survivors” in the National Council on Family Relations publication NCFR Nexus. This article highlights how health disparities exist among domestic violence survivors as a result of intersectional identities. Highlighting how these identities may create unique forms of abuse and barriers to seeking assistance. Tools and best practices for addressing these unique issues are discussed.
NEVADA TODAY
Pamela B. Payne, Ph.D., CFLE
Hope & Recovery Team Community Involvement
Mom and Me Wellness Retreat
We are proud to announce that we held our very first Mom and Me Wellness Retreat over Mother’s Day weekend. This retreat was aimed to provide women in their recovery journey from domestic violence and/or substance use and their children the opportunity to reconnect as a family in a supportive environment. This retreat included indoor and outdoor activities allowing families to create long-lasting memories, mindfulness sessions, nature walks, and a special Mother’s Day brunch. The moms, children, and staff all had a blast unplugging, enjoying nature, and connecting with one another. Due to the support of our community partners, we were able to provide the opportunity for 13 families to attend this amazing opportunity! We hope to have this be an annual event and are even looking into having a similar retreat for fathers and their children next year as well!
Mother's Day Blessings
-Michelle Amos, Mom and Me Wellness Retreat Participant
What better day to be here than today, with all of you, to celebrate our triumphs, after all that we’ve been through.
The years have not been easy, but just take a look around, through all the clouds and down pour the sun is shining down.
Today we’re here together, with the ones who mean the most, so to family and forever, I’d like to raise a toast.
To all the kids that made us better and keep us pushing, you’re our strength! And for your health and happiness we’d go to any length.
No matter the muddy path we’ve walked to make it here today, we’re better people for it, moms so Happy Mothers Day!
WestCare Stencil Project
The Healthy Living Sustainable Recovery program recently brought new life and color to the children’s playground at the WestCare Women and Children’s campus! As part of our ongoing commitment to wellness and creativity, the team painted the patio with vibrant designs, including a fun and engaging obstacle course designed to help children master important gross motor skills like hopping, jumping, marching, and balancing. We also added some much-needed pizzazz to the bike path, making the space even more inviting for outdoor play and physical development. This project not only supports healthy activity, but also brings joy and energy to the campus for all to enjoy.
Conference Participants
Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Conference
Payne and Elizabeth Ornelas, MA Psych, CADC-I, CA, recently attended the Fourth Annual Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Conference hosted by a powerful thought-provoking event in Elko, Nevada. Hosted by the Newe Waipaipian. There was a focus on community healing and support. As presenters, Payne and Ornelas led a session titled "Caring through Chaos: Building Resilience in Trauma-Focused Work," where they shared insights, tools, and strategies for navigating the emotional toll of working with survivors of trauma. Their presentation emphasized the importance of self-awareness, cultural humility, and sustainable self-care practices for professionals in helping roles. Attendees engaged in meaningful dialogue and left with practical approaches for strengthening resilience in both personal and professional spheres.
In addition to their presentation, Payne and Ornelas actively participated in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force session. During this impactful discussion, they posed the community-centered question: “How do you define Missing and Murdered Indigenous People?”— prompting participants to reflect on the systemic, historical, and emotional dimensions of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. The session created space for voices from Indigenous communities to share their perspectives and underscored the need for ongoing advocacy, accountability, and culturally rooted solutions. Overall, the event fostered solidarity, awareness, and a renewed commitment to justice and healing.
End Violence Against Women International Conference
In late April, Payne was able to attend the End Violence Against Women International Conference that was held in Anaheim, CA. The three-day conference features speakers highlighting the impact of alcohol on reporting of domestic violence and sexual assault, the role of expert witnesses in prosecution of domestic and sexual violence as well as many other intriguing speakers. Payne was able to attend several sessions, network with other professionals and will be incorporating lessons learned into the work of the HOPE team in the future.
Staff Updates & Partnerships
Staff Updates
Charel Elwell (she/her) recently joined the Hope for Family Resilience Team at Extension as the Hope Coordinator. She has a diverse background in domestic violence, early intervention, and various areas of the foster care system. She will be facilitating evidence-based programming for Nevada community members, providing essential information on domestic violence, and how to become a powerful advocate for victims. As a Nevada Alma Mater, she is glad to be back and we are excited to have Charel join the team! Go Pack!
DAD INC Partnership
As June was Men’s Mental Health Month, we would like to highlight a new partnership that we have developed with DAD INC. DAD INC is a fatherhood initiative that has been empowering men across Clark County since 2020. DAD INC. facilitates a robust eight-week Ignite Workshop specifically tailored for Spanish-speaking dads. This culturally responsive program covers vital topics like emotional resilience, trauma awareness, co-parenting, communication, and work-life balance—all within a supportive community of men committed to growth.
Mental health is central to the DAD INC model. Fathers are paired with dedicated case managers who offer weekly coaching, referrals to licensed mental health providers, and support navigating employment, legal matters, and family dynamics.
Our partnership has allowed DAD INC to meet fathers where they are—both literally and figuratively—while normalizing conversations around men’s mental health and reducing the stigma of seeking help. Together, we are building stronger families by investing in the well-being of fathers.
Upcoming DAD INC Workshops – July & August 2025
- Spanish-speaking Ignite Workshop at UNR North Las Vegas Extension
Tuesday, July 29, 6:00 p.m.
Now offering Youth Programming for K–12 students! Dad must be enrolled for kids to participate.
- English-speaking Ignite Workshops at DAD INC
Saturday, Aug. 2, 10:00 a.m.
We support dads and father figures 18 and over with children ages 0–24, including expecting fathers.
Earn up to $150 upon workshop completion
REGISTER FOR DAD INC
40-Hour Hope Advocate Training
We want to send heartfelt congratulations to our most recent 40-hour Hope Advocate Training graduates! We have held a class in both Las Vegas and Reno and have had a diverse group of graduates ranging from local government and non-profit employees to members of the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada. We have enjoyed the in-depth discussions and perspectives about issues not only in Las Vegas and Reno, but in more rural communities and tribal nations as well.
Upcoming Hope Advocate Trainings
October 2025
October 40-Hour Hope Advocate Training – North Las Vegas
Location: University of Nevada, Reno Extension
2280 North McDaniel Street, North Las Vegas, NV 89030
Oct. 6 to 9, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 2025 HAT
January 2026
January 40-Hour Hope Advocate Training – North Las Vegas
Location: University of Nevada, Reno Extension
2280 North McDaniel Street, North Las Vegas, NV 89030
Jan. 12 to 15, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
REGISTER FOR JANUARY 2026 HAT
Upcoming Co-Sponsorship Events
Back to School Bash
The new school year is coming up quickly, get ready at the Back to School Bash on Saturday July 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Las Vegas Extension office located at 2280 N McDaniel Street, North Las Vegas, NV 89030. Extension and the Division of Child and Family Services will be providing resources for essential school materials, such as backpacks, pencils, and crayons. Be sure to pass by to say hello, listen to music, and check out what other resources are available in the Las Vegas area!
Community Resource Sharing Meeting August 2025
Nevada’s Eighth Judicial District Court Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental health and Addiction and the Extension Hope for Family Resilience teams are gearing up for the next Community Resource Sharing Meeting! Save the date, Aug. 15, 2025 at the North Las Vegas Extension office located at 2280 N McDaniel Street, North Las Vegas, NV 89030 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At this event, organizations submit a one-page PowerPoint slide and have 90 seconds to share about who they are and what services they can provide. Our last event had over 180 participants and 90+ organizations presenting a slide! This is a great networking opportunity to see what resources are available in Las Vegas and connect with local professionals/community members. Interested in submitting a slide? Register here:
Community Resource Sharing Meeting Registration
SHERO Fashion Show
Extension is collaborating with the SHERO Foundation for their annual I AM RADIANT Fashion Show. Teen girls will partake in a four-week long training leading up to the fashion show. Across four modules, they will learn more about professional development, self-acceptance, safety & awareness, and much more. The final fashion show will be on Aug. 31, 2025 at Macy’s in Fashion Show Mall at 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Upcoming Conferences
Women’s Sustainable Recovery Coalition August 2025
The Women’s Sustainable Recovery Coalition’s next coalition meeting is coming up! Save the date for Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. at the University of Nevada, Reno Extension - North Las Vegas, located at 2280 N McDaniel Street, North Las Vegas, NV 89030, Classroom A or via Zoom. Guest speakers Randii Wyrick and Esmeralda Ramirez Chavez will be speaking about CARE Coalition. Come learn more about the great things CARE Coalition does and meet other community partners. RSVP below:
WOMEN'S SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY COALITION RSVP
Women's Sustainable Recovery Coalition
Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Annual Conference September 2025
We’re proud to share that members of our Hope/Recovery team will be presenting at the 2025 Pathways to Prevention conference, hosted by the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. This annual gathering brings together advocates, educators, and service providers from across the state to strengthen efforts in prevention and survivor support.
Our session, titled Healing Together: Integrating Domestic Violence Advocacy into Recovery Programs, explores the critical intersection of domestic violence and substance use recovery. By combining education, advocacy, trauma-informed care, and recovery-focused strategies, our team will highlight the importance of creating integrated support systems that meet the complex needs of survivors navigating both trauma and addiction.
We are honored to contribute to the conversation and collaborate with others committed to building safer, more healing-centered communities.
PATHWAYS TO PREVENTION CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Grow with the Hope Team!
As the Hope Team continues to grow, we would like to begin highlighting any upcoming events and current job openings for our community partners, free of charge! Please send any event information and job postings over to HopeTeam@unr.edu to be featured in our next newsletter. The next newsletter will be published in November 2025.
HOPE FOR FAMILY RESILIENCE PROGRAM
