Sustaining Ourselves with Social Support
Part of life is dealing with various ups, downs, highs, and lows. 2020 has become a year no one could expect and many are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. We are living through a global pandemic and a racial justice revolution. This is a time of radical change and many people are walking some challenging paths. Especially now, having a healthy support system and a strong community is crucial to our well-being. 

A support system is a network of people who provide respect and care. A support system is made up of people you trust who offer nonjudgmental assistance and feedback. Having a strong support system is especially critical for those navigating abuse, trauma, crisis, addiction, or mental health issues – but a healthy support system is important for everyone. Studies show that strong social support leads to longer, happier, and healthier lives.

So, what makes for a healthy support network? Support from the people in our lives can look like: 
  • Someone who respects you
  • Someone who cares for you and about you
  • Someone you trust
  • Someone who motivates you and encourages you to achieve your goals
  • Someone with whom you share common values
  • Someone who challenges you and holds you accountable
  • Someone who makes you feel good and happy
  • Someone who brings out your best qualities

One thing CADA advocates often do with survivors of domestic and sexual violence is help create a map of their support system. At CADA, survivors tell us that a huge factor in their journey after abuse is the support they receive from friends, family, advocates, and others. Feeling believed and understood gives survivors strength and lets them know that they’re not alone. 

Given all that is going on in the world and in our communities, now is a good time to reflect on what support looks like for you and who provides this support. It is always important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. You must care for yourself before you can care for others.

You can read the full version of this article in the August issue of River Valley Woman.
Our St. Peter office has moved just down the block from our previous location. Our new address in St. Peter is: 324 B S. Minnesota Street, St. Peter, MN 56082.

You can continue to contact our Nicollet County advocate by calling 507-934-5583 or emailing brandym@cadamn.org.

St. Peter's Keep Me Safe location has closed and we will continue to offer supervised parenting time visits and exchanges in our Mankato and New Ulm locations.
Thank You to our Interns!
We want to say a huge THANK YOU to our spring and summer interns. These last two semesters looked different than any before, and our team of interns was flexible, adaptable, and incredibly hard working while navigating a global pandemic.

Interns and volunteers are vitally important to the work we do at CADA. We couldn’t provide the services we do without the support of volunteers and interns. Last year, CADA hosted at least 80 volunteers and 21 student interns.

We are still looking for an Offender Education Program Intern and a Community Advocacy Intern for the fall semester. If you know any students who are passionate about CADA’s mission, please send them our way! For more information about CADA’s internships, please click here.
Update on CADA's Services During COVID Crisis
We want to continue to update you on CADA's services as we continue to live and work through a global pandemic. 

Advocacy Services:
Advocates throughout CADA's nine-county service area continue to offer phone or video meetings with victims and survivors. If it is not safe to meet by phone, advocates can meet with individuals in person while practicing health and safety precautions. 

Shelter:
Shelter remains open to those seeking safety from violence and abuse. Advocates and residents are taking precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy. 


Keep Me Safe Supervised Parenting Time and Exchange Centers:
In-person Keep Me Safe supervised visits and exchanges have resumed. To schedule a visit or exchange, please contact us at 507-625-8688 ext. 115 or email kms@cadamn.org. 


Education and Groups:
CADA is offering virtual support groups rather than in-person groups for victims and survivors. The Southern MN Offender Education Groups are cancelled until further notice.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CADA Offices

24-hour Crisis Line: 1-800-477-0466
Blue Earth County: 507-625-8688
Brown County: 507-233-6663
Faribault County: 507-526-5275
Le Sueur County: 507-934-5583
Martin County: 507-399-2001
Nicollet County: 507-934-5583
Sibley County: 507-233-6666
Waseca County: 507-835-7828
Watonwan County: 507-375-3040