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 Welcome to Building Direction for Families

 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS!
    
    Domestic violence is a nasty thing. We may be tempted to give it no thought—until or unless it begins to touch our lives. Touch it does! Here in Buchanan County, government statistics suggest there are more than 2,700 victims—mostly women and children.
    
    Recognizing this situation was not to be viewed as a problem for domestic violence victims, but everyone’s concern, a collaborative effort spearheaded by Buchanan County Supervisor Ellen Gaffney has brought together multiple Buchanan County agencies working with the Dubuque Community Y Domestic Violence Program to design a way in which victims can once again receive services out of an office in Independence. Office space has been arranged; telephone service is almost in place. Next step? Finding and training an advocate!
 
    If you are a strong, compassionate, passionate individual available one day per week to work with victims of domestic violence we need
you! Experience and education in such areas as psychology, teaching, social work criminal justice, etc. are excellent backgrounds for this work. Training and guidance/supervision is provided. Mileage reimbursement for all travel included. Although at this time there is no salary, the reward for helping break the cycle of violence and supporting victims of domestic abuse is priceless!
    
    Interested parties will find applications and job descriptions link below or you may pick up both application and job description at the Buchanan County Public Health Department, 1413 First Street West in Independence. An interview will assist to determine the best fit for all. After training of volunteers has been completed, further information regarding the opening of the new office and services will be published. Any questions should be directed to Sister Charla Bulko, DCY Domestic Violence Program: 1-800-332-5899.
 
 
 
 
                                                                     
Our Mission:
All children beginning at birth, through age 18, will be healthy and successful.

 

 

 

 
What is Building Direction for Families, Inc.?

    Building Direction for Families, Inc. (BDF) is a non-profit agency that provides funding for the Early Childhood Iowa, Decategorization, Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, and Community Based Child Abuse Prevention initiatives in Buchanan, Delaware, and Fayette Counties. Building Direction for Families believes families are at the heart of our communities, and envision families growing and prospering in communities that promote family self-esteeem, self-sufficiency, and self-determination.

    The Building Direction for Families board is composed of representatives from Buchanan, Delaware, and Fayette Counties in the areas of health, education, and faith, plus elected officials and appointees from the Department of Human Services and Juvenile Court Services. The Board oversees the planning and implementation of our vision and mission.  The Building Direction for Families Board contracts with local service providers to implement programs that directly impact children, prenatal to age 18, and their families.

 

    These state supported initiatives encourage communities to develop strategies to help impove the lives of children and families within the community.

The results of these initiatives include:

*Healthy Children

*Children ready to succeed in school

*Safe and supportive communities

*Secure and nurturing families

*Stable, self-sufficient, and healthy young people

 

 

 

 Building Direction for Families

105 2nd Ave. N.E.

Independence, IA 50644

Phone: 319-334-5105

email: coordinator@bdfempowerment.org