Maximize your gift! Click on http://www.mngive.orgor its sister site, http://www.razoo.com on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010 to take advantage of an online matching gift program! This secure site allows you to make online donations quickly and easily via credit card. You can also record all online contributions and store your receipts.

Just a few weeks past her 7-year anniversary as a McLeod Alliance employee, Racheal Bratz took a brave step forward and out of her comfort zone when she handed in her resignation.
Bratz, who began her full-time employment in May 2003, accepted a position as a social worker in Walker, Minn. She began her duties in Cass County on June 21.
“I’m excited for the challenge of a new job,” Bratz said on her last day with the Alliance. With a Bachelor’s degree in social work, she was ready to embark on a new adventure. Not only did she change her job description, but Bratz changed her scenery, too, with a move up north. It’s where she has always talked about living.

Working at the Alliance

Bratz may have joined the staff in 2003, but she had completed two internships in 1999 and 2002 at the Alliance offices.
She joined staff as Advocacy Coordinator, but when the Criminal Justice Intervention Project Coordinator position became available in September 2004 she stepped into that role.
In June 2006, the CJI program lost its funding and Bratz weathered that uncertain time well. In October 2006, she went to part-time, working 32 hours a week.
She always remained committed to helping victims, whether as an advocate or as in the CJI role.
“The victims just need to know that somebody is watching to make sure that perpetrators are held accountable,” Bratz said.
“What happened today—my last day—is exactly what the program is.”
On her last day, Alliance staff recognized a problem in the criminal justice system where a perpetrator was being charged with a misdemeanor when he should have been charged with a felony.
It was the quick action of staff that brought this fact to the prosecutor’s attention. Bratz was proud to be part of this accomplishment on her final day.

Changing Needs

During her time at the Alliance, Bratz watched the CJI program grow, change and even be trimmed. Now that she is leaving, the program is being reduced even more. But Bratz helped shape the new direction before she left, so she sees the positive in the change.
“I really honestly think the program is changing to fit the Allliance’s and client’s needs. We don’t have the staff to do what we were doing,” Bratz said. “We really need to focus on our clients. Now, clients that are going through the criminal justice system will have better service and be well-informed of their rights.”
As CJI coordinator, Bratz tracked an average of 90 to 100 criminal cases each month. In her place, Legal Advocate Jill Barrall will only be tracking criminal cases for clients currently working with the agency.
“I think Jill will do a great job,” Bratz said.
The downside to reducing the CJI program and the number of cases tracked?
“Obviously when you’re not tracking every domestic in the county, you are not going to see the pattern of the holes in the system,” Bratz said. “If you do see the pattern, it will be delayed.”

Taking Her Knowledge with Her

After working so many years in the domestic violence field, Bratz will have a unique skill set to bring to her new job in Cass County. She will be working with 20 to 25 adultclients who are required to work with her.
“I think I’m able to see the bigger picture and am able to understand how clients are overwhelmed by a list of mandates,” Bratz said. “I think I’m able to better understand domestic violence victims than social workers who don’t have the experince of working with them.”

Fond Farewell

On June 11, Alliance staff enjoyed lunch together for the last time. There were lots of laughs and tears as the five-woman team became a foursome.
“We are all very excited and happy for Racheal,” Director Jo Piehl said. “But at the same time, it is hard to let her go. We will miss her, both personally and professionally.”
Advocacy Glynis Vacek said:
“Although Racheal has moved on, we hope to continue to provide the excellent advocacy to our clients. We hope to carry on the important role that Racheal played with our clients.”
At the end of the emotional day, Bratz said, “I’m really going to miss working with such a great team.”

Last year, two tons of hot, juicy and buttery sweet corn was given away at the first-ever Corn Feed. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, fair-goers will again get the chance to get their hands on an ear of corn!
The event is courtesy of the McLeod County Ag Association and the McLeod County Fair Board. McLeod Alliance provides volunteers and in turn, takes free will donations for the food.
The Corn Feed starts at 6 p.m. and goes until all the corn is gone.
McLeod Alliance Board members plan to volunteer again this year, said Board Chair Jane Otto. But the group is in need of more volunteers. Call the Alliance office and talk to Jo Piehl to volunteer!!

Board members Nan Crary and Jeri Lueneburg served up ears of sweet corn at last year’s corn feed.

McLeod Alliance is going to try a new restaurant fundraiser in August by teaming up with Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill in Hutchinson. On Aug. 16, 17 and 18, McLeod Alliance will earn 15 percent of the profits from sales for all three days. Applebee’s will produce a flyer for the fundraising event but it is NOT necessary to have one when you come in to dine. There are also no tickets needed. So just come in and dine. Please tell your friends, neighbors and local relatives to eat at Applebee’s during these days to help us raise funds!!

At McLeod Alliance, our mission is to support and promote the elimination of relationship violence through education, empowerment, protection, and advocacy.

Domestic violence, or battering, is a pattern of abusive behaviors that some individuals use to control their intimate partners. Battering can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and other controlling or fear-inducing behaviors. Without help, domestic violence often becomes more frequent and more severe. It can lead to permanent injury and death.

REMEMBER: IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE ~ IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT

Our services include:

Last year McLeod Alliance served 281 victims: 172 of these were new clients, 15 were men and 3 were teens. We referred victims to additional agencies  653 times and reached more than 1,000 people through our educational presentations. Located at 101 Park Place, downtown Hutchinson, we work to create a coordinated community response to domestic violence that provides safety to victims, accountability for perpetrators, and intervention for the entire family.

For help or information call: 320-234-7933 or 1-800-934-0851, or e-mail to: advocate@hutchtel.net.