Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Hurley Collier, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State, to discuss why trauma-responsive services matter across every sector — including mentoring programs serving vulnerable youth. Stephanie shares how meaningful, professionally supported mentoring relationships can help children build confidence, resilience, and connection, esp...

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we were so excited to participate in Contact Crisis Center's SAAM Book Club reading Nobody's Girl, the posthumous memoir of Epstein survivor Virginia Roberts Giuffre. In our newest episode of Root for Each Other, CONTACT advocates Jo and Elijah join us to further discuss the book from an advocacy perspective. Join us as we explore this account...

What does it look like when a business community leads with compassion? In our newest podcast episode, Megan Archer, President of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce and Anna Adkins, with the Huntington Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau join us to talk about how Huntington is building trauma-responsive practices into local businesses and how that work is making a real difference....

In this episode, we’re joined by students from Marshall University’s W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications who spent the fall semester researching the state of trauma responsiveness in Huntington as part of our BTR (Building Trauma Responsive) Communities initiative. Together, we unpack what they discovered, where our community is making progress, and where gaps still exist. Mo...

Food insecurity is a major barrier to safety in that a survivor has to be assured they can feed their children if they leave. In this episode, our advocates discuss how it is more expensive than ever to provide groceries and how that both affects and directs advocacy services. Join us for a conversation about how the basic human needs of food and safety threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods...

Recorded Live at Marshall University In Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month In this special episode, recorded live at Marshall University, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter joins forces with Marshall’s Title IX Office and the Violence Prevention & Response Program for a thought-provoking panel and podcast discussion: “Privacy and Power: The Role of Tech in Relationships.” Technol...

Episode Summary:  In this episode, we’re sharing something close to our hearts — the upcoming BTR Communities Advocacy Summit , hosted by Branches Domestic Violence Shelter. This gathering is all about bringing people together to talk about how we can create safer, stronger communities for survivors of domestic violence. We’ll explore what it really means to build “BTR Communities” and why your vo...

In this episode, Branches advocates Shannon and Sara unpack the growing TikTok conversation surrounding ELF Cosmetics’ latest ad campaign featuring a male comedian known for his history of domestic violence jokes. Together, they reflect on the outrage sparked by his inclusion in a campaign from a brand that has often positioned itself as a champion of women’s empowerment. This discussion explores...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Bender from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence alongside long-time podcast presence, Sara O'Toole , advocate with Branches Domestic Violence Shelter , to talk about WVCADV's work developing statewide trainings for faith-based communities and advocates . Jessica shares how these trainings take a more collaborative approach , brin...

Podcast Description/Show Notes: In this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon dive deep into the headlines surrounding the Diddy trial, unpacking what the public response reveals about our cultural understanding of domestic violence. At the heart of the conversation is a question that continues to echo across social media and news outlets: "Why did she stay?" Through the lens of advocacy a...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Blevins O'Toole, advocate, and Amber Ross Chapman, Director of Client Services at Branches, to demystify what happens when someone calls our 24/7 emergency hotline. We walk through the types of questions that may be asked, the purpose behind them, and most importantly, what callers can expect in terms of safety, confidentiality, and compassionate support....

On the latest episode of Root for Each Other, Director of Development Sara Blevins O'Toole speaks with three of our volunteers about their reasons for giving to the cause and what their experience supporting survivors has given them. Join our Board President Kara Hornbuckle, intern Hayley Fadse, and shelter/wellness/all-around survivor cheerleader Michelle Blake as they share how volunteering...

This month, we're welcoming Laurel Thornton, (MA, LPC, ALPS, EMDR CERTIFIED), back to the pod to discuss the implications of Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence Situations. Laurel joined us last year to talk about Neurodiversity and Trauma, and we love the way she conceptualizes the possibilities for innovation and trauma-informed practice in brain health. Listen along as we talk abou...

In our newest podcast episode, Amber and Sara recount their recent launch of a curriculum dedicated to engaging young athletes. We'll talk about dating violence prevention, why athletes, and digital abuse in modern relationships. If you are interested in hosting a training for a community group, check out our menu of topics at branchesdvs.org/trainings and email Sara at blevins@branchesdvs.or...

It can be incredibly difficult to love and support a family member or friend who is actively experiencing or fleeing domestic violence, and the abusive party's control often involves isolating a support network. On this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon continue on a topic from our 2022 episode, "Stay Connected: What to Do If Your Friend or Family Member Is In an Abusive Relationship,&...

This episode of Root for Each Other was recorded LIVE from our Pick Your Potion: Avoiding Toxicity and the Alchemy of Healthy Relationships event from earlier this Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Listen to experts Dr. Wendy Perkins of MU's Criminal Justice department, Jaxson Miller, Counselor in Residence at MU, and Sara Blevins O'Toole, Director of Development at Branches as they dis...

Our special guests, Ashley & Mandee, owners of Booktenders, a local bookstore in downtown Barboursville, join Branches advocates to discuss the incredible story that unfolds in Barbara Kingsolver's Pultizer Prize winning novel, Demon Copperhead.   Ahead of a very special visit from the author, our friends at Booktenders sat down to discuss how Demon Copperhead explores a variety of societ...

Join us as we interview our friend, Laurel Thornton (MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR-C, ALPS), owner of Whole Brain Solutions & The Whole Brain Institute to explore the intersection of domestic violence trauma and neurodivergence. Laurel brings powerful insight to the issue, with her discussion of best practices for working with survivors with all kinds of brains.   

Join us for this unique episode of Root for Each Other that amplifies the voices of some of the incredible women that have inspired, educated, and led us as we navigate the difficult work of advocacy.  

Join us for this incredible benchmark in Root For Each Other history,  our first ever live recording, from the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence Shelter's 2024 Advocate Retreat  This special episode takes the opportunity to check in with three advocates across the state, Katie Spriggs, Executive Director of the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center,  Ashley Carpenter, Executive Director o...

Domestic Violence prevention can sometimes seem like a far-fetched concept, no matter how much we dream of a world without violence. How do we eradicate a crime that is often unacknowledged, generational, and perpetrated behind closed doors? The answer is to be very creative and exceptionally smart, so we contacted one of the most brilliant and innovative advocates we know, Jessica Bender, of the...

This month's episode of Root for Each Other checks in with our friend Brandy, from @dancefitnesswithsandb , who has consistently partnered with her friends and community for the last 7 years to combine her passion for Zumba and her compassion for survivors of domestic violence!  Don't wait to learn more!  Check out the latest episode of Root for Each Other: A Branches Podcast wherever yo...

Legislative session is in full swing here in the Mountain State, and we are honored this month to bring you the story of Celena Roby Henry in celebration of her story of survival and the positive change she made for survivors in West Virginia. Public policy can often be confusing or even disheartening, and it can be daunting for both survivors and advocates to try and communicate needs to lawmaker...

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and, while we've talked about the evolution of this kind of victimization before, we had yet to delve into the specifics of how advocacy programs serve survivors of trafficking. Join us as we chat with friend and colleague, Katie Spriggs Brown, Executive Director of sister program, Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center. Branches Domestic...

Domestic Violence services are not often thought of in the realm of "homeless service providers," but it's actually one of the most important things we do, given fleeing abuse is federally-recognized as a leading cause for people to experience homelessness. In this episode, we're highlighting our place within the local homeless service collaborative, The Cabell-Wayne Continuum...