Staff Spotlight: Monica A. Wood, LICSW Meet Monica A. Wood, one of the caring hearts behind DAWN’s mental health program. Monica says it is a true privilege to be part of this work because she believes even the smallest moments of support can create ripples of healing that reach across generations. For survivors, that can mean having someone beside them who listens without judgment, honors their story, and helps them move toward healing at a pace that feels right. Monica brings warmth, compassion, and deep respect into the therapy room. She works to create a space where clients feel accepted, encouraged, and understood. Her approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and empowering, with survivors leading the way in their own healing. “I carry profound compassion and admiration for those impacted by intimate partner violence,” Monica shares. “Their courage, strength, and resilience offer hope to their loved ones and help light the path toward breaking the cycle of violence in our communities.” Outside of work, Monica enjoys baking, camping, going to the beach, gardening, practicing self-care, and spending time in nature with her family. A quote that stays close to Monica’s heart is from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo: “Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.” For Monica, it is a reminder she hopes survivors can hold onto too: even the darkest days can pass, and the sun can shine once more. 🌅

Last chance to get your tickets! 🎲🌴 Hot Havana Nights Casino Night is almost here, and you do not want to miss this night out for a cause. Join Kent Station on Friday, June 5 from 6–9 PM for an adults-only evening benefiting DAWN and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Enjoy dinner, drinks, casino-style entertainment, music, raffles, and community impact, with special guest Mason from Emma 94.1 and Alice 97.3 joining us to help bring the buzz. The raffle lineup is sizzling, too: ✈️ High Flyer Raffle sponsored by Alaska Airlines Win two main cabin roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines, valid throughout North/Central America and Hawaiʻi. 🏁 Porsche GT3 RS ride-along at Pacific Raceways Donated by Colin Hungate of Sports Driving Motors. Plus, raffle prizes include a Kent Station dine-out package, AMC movie tickets, and a wine experience. Every ticket helps support DAWN’s work, providing advocacy, resources, safety, and support for survivors and families in our community. Online ticket sales close TOMORROW morning at 10 am! Don’t wait to grab your spot. Buy tickets or learn more at: dawnrising.ejoinme.org/buytickets #DAWNRising #HotHavanaNights #KentStation #SupportSurvivors #EndDV #CasinoNight #AlaskaCares #CommunityCare

Mason has a message for you. 🎤🎲 Online registration for Hot Havana Nights at Kent Station has been extended until Friday at 10 AM, so there’s still time to say yes to a night out that does some good. This 21+ casino night brings together dinner, cocktails, music, raffles, prizes, and Havana-night fun, all benefiting DAWN and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Watch Mason’s message, grab your tickets, and meet us at Kent Station this Friday! Friday, June 5 | 6–9 PM Online registration closes Friday at 10 AM Tickets: dawnrising.ejoinme.org/buytickets #masononthemic #HotHavanaNights #KentStation #DAWNRising #SupportSurvivors #EndDV #CasinoNight #CommunityCare

After two years of homelessness, moving between shelters and transitional housing, “Ari” and her family were ready for something steady. When Ari reconnected with DAWN through the CSO program, she was working hard to find stability while also preparing to welcome a new baby. With support from her CSO Advocate, she was connected to additional community resources and, finally, permanent housing. But finding housing is only one part of beginning again. A new home needs diapers. Clothing. Basic household items. Gas to get to prenatal appointments. The everyday essentials that turn an empty space into a place where a family can breathe. Through DAWN Marketplace and donor support, Ari was able to stock her new home with basic needs, receive diapers and clothing for her baby, and get a gas card so she could make it to her prenatal appointments. She shared immense gratitude for the support, and her story reminds us that safety and stability are built piece by piece. Your support helps survivors and families move from crisis into a future with more security, dignity, and hope. Because sometimes the next chapter starts with a roof, a stocked shelf, a full tank of gas, and someone saying, “We’re here with you.” If you are experiencing abuse, housing instability, or struggling to meet basic needs while trying to stay safe, DAWN is here. You do not have to do this alone.

💜 Want to stay connected to DAWN’s impact? The best way to hear about what’s happening at DAWN — from survivor-centered programs to community events and ways to get involved — is through our email list. When you sign up, you’ll receive: ✨ Stories of impact and hope ✨ Invitations to events and community gatherings ✨ Updates on programs your support makes possible ✨ Opportunities to show up for survivors in meaningful ways We respect your inbox and focus on sharing what matters — with care, transparency, and gratitude. 📬 Sign up at the bottom of our homepage: dawnrising.org Thank you for staying connected and for being part of a community that believes in safety, dignity, and hope. 💜 #DAWNRising #StayConnected #CommunityCare #SupportSurvivors #NonprofitImpact

The cards are on the table, and tickets are live! 🎲 Join Kent Station for Hot Havana Nights Casino Night on Friday, June 5 from 6–9 PM, benefiting DAWN and survivors of domestic violence. Enjoy dinner, drinks, casino-style entertainment, music, raffles, and a chance to win big in the High Flyer Raffle, sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Only 100 High Flyer raffle tickets will be sold, so don’t wait. Buy tickets or learn more at: dawnrising.ejoinme.org/buytickets To sponsor or volunteer, contact development@dawnrising.org. #DAWNRising #HotHavanaNights #KentStation #SupportSurvivors #AlaskaCares

Registration is live for Hot Havana Nights Casino Night! 🎲🌴 DAWN is honored to be selected as the charity partner for Kent Station’s upcoming Hot Havana Nights Casino Night on Friday, June 5 from 6–9 PM. Join us for an adults-only evening of dinner, drinks, casino-style entertainment, music, raffles, and community impact, all in support of survivors and families impacted by domestic violence. A huge thank you to Rae Permann and Kent Station for choosing DAWN as the beneficiary of this event, and to Alaska Airlines for sponsoring the exciting High Flyer Raffle. ✈️ High Flyer Raffle Prize: Enter for a chance to win two main cabin roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines, valid throughout North/Central America and Hawaiʻi with no blackout dates. Each ticket is valued up to $1,750, and only 100 raffle tickets will be sold. Sponsorships are still available, and volunteers will help make this event a success! For event registration and raffle information, visit dawnrising.ejoinme.org/buytickets To sponsor or volunteer, contact development@dawnrising.org. Come play for a purpose and help support survivors in our community. 💜 #DAWNRising #HotHavanaNights #KentStation #SupportSurvivors #EndDV #AlaskaCares #CasinoNight #CommunityCare

A little donation can go a long way. 🧡 For many survivors, leaving an abusive situation can mean leaving behind everyday essentials like shampoo, laundry detergent, clean socks, pajamas, and personal care items. That’s why DAWN’s Marketplace exists. Through our Marketplace, survivors can access free everyday necessities with dignity and choice. DAWN advocates invite clients to “shop” for the items they need, whether during one-on-one visits or quarterly Marketplace events created just for survivors and their families. Right now, we need your help restocking the shelves. We are currently accepting donations of: Tampons, pads, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, dish soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher pods or liquid, sponges, Windex, multi-surface cleaner, kids socks, kids pajamas, kids underwear, paper towels, toilet paper, and coffee makers. Your in-kind gift may seem small, but to a survivor rebuilding safety and stability, it can mean one less worry, one more comfort, and a little more room to breathe. Donation drop-offs must be scheduled in advance, as our downtown office is secured and by appointment only. To schedule a donation drop-off, please contact development@dawnrising.org.