DAP: What is your name, your pronouns, and your role at DAP?
I’m Sophia, I use she/her pronouns, and I’m the First Call Coordinator and a Group Facilitator here at the Domestic Abuse Project.
DAP: What exactly do you do in your role as the First Call Coordinator and Group Facilitator, and what have been some of the most interesting things you’ve learned?
So, my role in kind of two parts—one is first call coordinator, essentially I’m just there to make sure things run smoothly and organized. It’s our hotline to get folks connected to our services, and I’m just making sure people don’t slip through the cracks. Then as a group facilitator—that’s a little bit more self-explanatory—I work with our Intervention and Prevention Program groups and Victim Survivor groups to essentially create a safe and therapeutic setting for them to talk about different topics of what might have brought them here. Our groups here at DAP are usually of folks who have either used abusive behaviors or have been on the receiving end of abusive behaviors, and so we’re working to kind of change those core beliefs and values.
Honestly, what I find the most interesting about the job is just hearing everybody’s stories and experiences that they’re entrusting strangers with, and it’s kind of like a quick, real deep way to get to know people. It’s just been interesting to see and be part of conversations, be part of a group that has people from all different walks of life, and have really meaningful and challenging conversations about the way we’ve used anger and abusive behaviors, or have been on the receiving end of that.
DAP: What is your favorite part about working at DAP?
My favorite part about working at DAP is truly just the people I work with. It’s a difficult job sometimes, and the fact that we are all still able to have fun with each other and make jokes and share memes in group chats has been a fun environment to be a part of.
Also, just getting to know our clients—once someone has completed programming, we have like a little mini graduation ceremony at the end of the session, just for a few minutes, and everybody goes around to share something they’ve learned, or hoped, or appreciated about that person. The groups I work with are virtual, and so it’s really cool to see that kind of community shape up in just a few weeks in a virtual setting.
DAP: What can we find you doing outside of work (hobbies, creative pursuits, etc.)?
I had some very patient friends teach me how to crochet, so I’ve been crocheting up a storm. I DIY little craft projects here and there, otherwise I’m spending time with my friends, my dog, my plants. I also like to psychoanalyze movies very deeply, and I love travelling.
DAP: What are the top 3 things you’re into right now?
Okay, top 3 things—first, movies. I am re-watching all the X-Men movies in timeline order. Strangely enough, there’s a lot of accountability in there and some interesting life lessons. I’m playing a lot of Balatro, which is like a poker, I don’t know, it can be a phone game—very addicting, so be warned. And currently reading Yellowface, which has been very interesting.
DAP: What is the DAP Care Cabinet? Why is it important, and how can folks support it?
Yeah, so the DAP Care Cabinet is a place where we stock basic hygiene items and basic necessities for any of our clients who may be needing them while they’re experiencing domestic violence. And so where we could use your help is by keeping that closet fully stocked. You can visit the link to our Amazon Wishlist, or just donate through our website!
