The vision of many years ago to protect victims of domestic violence and sexual assault became reality when Northwest Domestic Crisis Services, Inc., started in Woodward. Then, through old-fashioned fundraising, pure determination and a strong will to help victims of violence and abuse, a satellite facility opened in Alva – known as New Beginnings.

That was thanks to women like Julia Bays who was coordinator and advocate for the Alva satellite. Alva women's groups and more individuals and organizations worked hard to help raise the funds needed. The early day board members were: Julia Bays, Jane Tucker, Jane McDermott, Maggie Yates, Patty Harkin, Liz Smith, Bob Wharton and Dr. Paul Beran. Current board members are: President Kyle Johnson, Vice President Monica Baird, Secretary Krista Yadon, Treasurer Jenny Dasai, Tamara Rosales, Dr. Rebecca Lewis, Rev. Mary Davis, Lauren Boring, Aaron Sims, Crystal Simmons and Caryl Parsons. Now the Northwest Domestic Crisis Services Alva satellite celebrates 10 years in its current facility (the former Vista Motel on Oklahoma Boulevard) the late Bob Wharton donated in 2002. With grant money, donations and matching funds renovations began in 2005.

In 2017, Brandy Johnson is the new coordinator at the Alva facility. She comes with a passion for helping others who've suffered a traumatic incident. When asked about the domestic violence and sexual assault statistics that are frightening, Johnson said, "But that's what confirms for me that this work is so vital. Though not everyone is built with the ability to handle the work I learned at a young age of how important it is. "I saw at 16 how an agency can work together with a family to rise from a truly terrifying ordeal to seeing themaccomplish things they had been told they never could.

"My mentor, Ginger, a woman I have respected and admired my entire adult life, was my supervisor back at that agency in Alaska. The entire time I knew her she worked tirelessly and diligently to bring awareness, support, and services to a community that needed it desperately, saying that maybe one day victim advocacy will no longer be needed. I hope for that day too, a day where there is no need for advocates because there is no violence. Until that day comes I choose this work." Johnson continued saying, "Many people take for granted some of life's most basic elements. Something as simple as feeling safe isn't guaranteed, but it should be. Through outreach, education, and support we work to get there, even if we never arrive in our lifetimes we have to try.

"No, it isn't all sunshine and roses. And sure, some days are heart breaking and soul crushing, but if at the end of the journey the person or family can feel safe, and can begin to heal then it's worth every moment. The successes, those make every day worth it all."Johnson mentioned her co-worker Jennetta Marry who is an advocate as well. Marry has many years of experience as an advocate at NWDCS and elsewhere. "She has been invaluable in my transition into the Coordinator position. She knows the community and the work so well already. I can't even express how much easier and rewarding it is to do the kind of work that we do with an ally like her by my side."

NWDCS in Alva has seven units of which are mainly two bedrooms. The maximum number of guests they've housed at once is 17. The center offers traditional and permanent housing. Residents must work or go to school. Their rent is adjusted to their individual income and family size. They also offer emergency and temporary housing. If the shelter is full they have a deal with local motels. Residents can be a part of group peer counseling for adults and children. A licensed counselor is also available from the Woodward location. The center operates with federal funds, grants and local donations.

Johnson recalled that her first job was as a teen advocate in Alaska at a shelter to create a safe space. She's taken volunteer positions such as with a family readiness group. She's done lots of training on her own including on-line classes such as Victim Advocacy Training. "When this position opened, I was excited," Johnson said. She said that raising a family has made her take classes around many other activities. She and her husband Steven Johnson reside in Kiowa where they raise three sons from middle school age down through the elementary and a baby daughter. Johnson has spoken to several organizations on the NWOSU campus. The theme for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is "Show Us Your Purple." There are buttons and t-shirts available. NWDCS's theme is "When It Hurts We Can Help." They have a 24 hour hotline 1-888-256-1215. They serve 10 counties in Northwest Oklahoma.