Great Nonprofits

I have been involved with the FVPF since 1997 and I am as awed by their reach now as then. They are the thought-leaders on the issue of violence against women and children and their influence extends to the 20,000+ orgs that use their programs and materials and have in turn re-shaped their own proceedings on the issue. From re-shaping police intervention and judiciary proceedings to how health care providers recognize and care for victims, the FVPF has made a difference. Most important to me has been the acceptance, or better put, the invitation to men to join women in fighting this violence. Founding Fathers, the organization of men dedicated to ending violence against women and children through programs like "Coaching Boys into Men" are clear ways this group has functioned. Esta Soler, Founder and President, is a towering figure in moving the US's and world's response to this issue. She radiates optimism and her organization produces not only first class work, but results.

As a physician and a man I was challenged to my soul by Eve Ensler and “The Vagina Monologues”.I had known, of course, of the violence to women and children all over the world but had not “felt” it. I found THE way to make a difference on this issue in The Family Violence and Prevention Fund. Over 30 years old, lead by the vision of a country free of this plague, an indominable spirit, and pratical experience of Esta Soler. They wrote the WAVA legislation. They are rated amongst the top 100 non-profits in the US. They collaborate with groups in every state and many nations by creating programs that can be reproduced and audited to demonstrate their effectiveness. They train judges (so many are men) to greater awareness of the danger of allowing perpertrators free without demanding behavioral help. With coaches all over the country they have produced a “Playbook” to guide college and professional coaches in their team discussions that strength does not equate with violence to women and children. Their Founding Father program challenges men around the world to make the issue of violence a public discussion and to join in the “Coaching Boys Into Men” program-to create a new kind of society, to lead with conviction and speak with one voice to say “No more”. RESPECT is the watchword for their work and the entire organizational team demonstrates this in their daily work. Please do not wait as long as I did to help end violence to women and children. Help educate and guide victims, perpertrators, young and old and make a reality of The International Center for the Prevention of Violence to Women and Children to be sited in The Presidio in San Francisco.

As a supporter of Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) for close to 30 years I can say without any hesitation that FVPF is one of the most effective, well run and forward thinking organizations I have ever worked with. They have a staff that is smart, committed, innovative, and honest. They know how to collaborate and support others working in the field. An investment in FVPF is an investment in the entire field that is dedicated to ending violence against women and children.