September 24, 2024 • 28 mins
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Wichita Weekend welcomes Keri McGregor, director of Catholic Charities’ Harbor House. Harbor House is more than a safe shelter for survivors of severe violence. Harbor House uses outreach advocacy services to guide survivors of abuse through the judicial, medical and DCF systems. If you believe you and your children are not safe, Harbor House is available to help you, 24-7. Call the Hotline at 316-263-6000.
www.catholiccharitieswichita.org
www.catholiccharitieswichita.org
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Wichita Weekend, the weekly public affairs program from
iHeartRadio Wichita ninety seven, ninety ninety eight, Well O two
won the Bull Channel ninety six three and AULT one
O seven three.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Welcome to Wichita Weekend. Yes, it's late September, and as
we look ahead to October, we see that it's Domestic
Violence Awareness Month and that leads into our guest today,
and our guest is Karrie McGregor. She is the director
of Catholic Charities Harbor House here in Wichita. Welcome to
Wichita Weekend.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Carrie, Hi, good morning, Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Well, it's it's our pleasure to have you here. And
you know October being domestic Violence Awareness month, we need
to let our listeners know what exactly is Harbor House.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
So, Harbor House is one of the two domestic violence
crisis programs here in Sedgwick County. So we've actually existed
since the year of nineteen ninety two. Our primary goal
is really to serve families who have been impacted by silence.
You know, we have a shelter program that is confidential
and safe for anyone who's needing to.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Leave or flee their situation.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
But We do a wide variety of things in the
community to really engage survivors to make sure that they
have the support and resources that they need.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
I'm so sorry that there is a need for your services,
but so grateful that you guys are here to fulfill
you know, that need and really help out. What kinds
of things do you do? I mean you touched on
that a little bit, but it's full service.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Right, yeah, full range, absolutely.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
So we do have our twenty four to seven hotline,
you know, so anyone can access that number twenty four
hours a day, seven days a week. They'll reach a
trained advocate who's going to be available to essentially listen
to their situation, kind of hear what is happening, and
then help guide and direct them on potentially some next
steps or support that could be taken or provided to
(01:52):
them to give them the assistance that they need. You know,
safety planning is a huge resource of ours, so it's
not common for us to just simply provide some safety
planning tips and tools over that hotline to ensure people's
safety while they're residing in and potentially an unsafe environment.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
And if you've just joined us and you're curious about
that hotline number. It's area code three one six two
six three six thousand.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Yes, available every day of the year.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Twenty four to seven humans on the line.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Absolutely.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
So training is really important to us and our team
at Harbor House to ensure that, you know, we're up
to date on you know, the most useful resources and
information out there. So you can be rest assured that
if you call our team that we're going to have
somebody that's trained and equip to manage the situation in
which you're going to present to them.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
And I can imagine it's every situation. It's a little
bit different, but each one is equally touchy sensitive, very
very volatile. Absolutely, and you know, so your your involvement
is quite critical.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
Yeah, and you know, we recognize that somebody that's making
that phone call that could been a phone call they've
been waiting to make for years, you know, to.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
Reach out for support and to reach out for help.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
It's scary, you know, and sometimes it's really difficult to admit, Wow,
I'm not safe in my own home and I need
somebody who I've never met, who I don't know, to
help me. And so our advocates are very trained to
provide that support and that empathy to where they don't
have to feel bad, they don't have to feel judged,
they don't have to feel fear of what's gonna you know,
(03:33):
pick up on the other end of that line.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
So we're definitely there to help.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Well, Kerrie, what are some of the warning signs would
you say of an abusive situation?
Speaker 4 (03:42):
So, you know, in my experience in learning about domestic violence,
it really is about that power and control dynamic. You know,
a lot of times people think that there's you know,
anger issues or you know, substance abuse, and yes, there
are those factors that might come into play, but at
the end of the day, most of it is going
to be centered around having power and control over another person.
(04:04):
So in those warning signs, if you're in a relationship
where somebody is essentially controlling you, whether that be physically, emotionally, mentally, financially,
you know, we see a wide variety of different circumstances
that people find themselves in, and it's really about somebody
wanting to dominate and have power and control over you know,
(04:25):
how you spend your time, who you spend your time with,
whether you can have a job, whether you can make
financial decisions, you know, and so we see a lot
of different relationships transpire where another person is just wanting
to completely dominate that relationship, and the physical aspect can
be where it gets very scary and very unsafe. It's
(04:46):
not uncommon for us to serve people who have extensive
injuries where those relationships, you know, they might start out
maybe emotionally abusive, putting somebody down, making fun of them,
embarrassing them in front of others, or isolating them from
their friends and family, and the next thing you know,
you know, they're physically putting their hands on them and
causing them some serious harm.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
How do folks come to you? Are they referred? Do
they make that call? What's what's the most frequent way
that folks get in touch with you?
Speaker 4 (05:17):
So, since we are located at a confidential location within Wichita,
our primary point of contact is going to be that
hotline number. But then we also do have a website,
so at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org. Anyone can access us
that way by just simply sending an email. We again,
we're very trained to understand the safety component there, so
(05:39):
we're going to make sure we respond in a manner
that doesn't put somebody in a more unsafe situation. But
we have wonderful community partners and we work with systems
on a daily basis. So it's not uncommon for us
to get referrals, you know, from law enforcement or from
the courts, or from DCF or from other systems that
are working with families who experiencing violence and harm.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
And then when a family does come to you for
assistance whatever that may be or protection, is there a
standard period of time that they come or are they
is it kind of open ended? How does that work?
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Yeah, that's a great question.
Speaker 4 (06:14):
So capacity for shelter is obviously a challenge here in Wichita.
So we do have an emergency shelter that does operate
on a six week basis essentially, So we do offer
shelter for up to six weeks, but thankfully, we do
have the ability to extend people beyond that time if
their situation warrants it. You know, if there's still a
(06:36):
safety concern, if there's still barriers that we need to address,
we'll absolutely extend them. So I would say our average
length of stay is about two to three months. Oh wow,
it's not uncommon for us to have people there for
an extended period of time. And it's also not uncommon
for us to have people come in in just a
matter of days where we can help establish a very clear,
helpful safety plan or maybe even potentially relocate them to
(06:58):
another safe location.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
And like we say, every story is different, every situation
is different.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Yes, we definitely want to make sure that we're tailoring
our services to meet the individual and their needs and
recognize that everybody, while there's similarities, everybody's situation is very
unique to them. Outreach though, and you know, we provide
way more than just shelter, so people don't even have
to walk through the doors of our program to receive services.
So we have outreach advocates that will go out into
(07:27):
the community and serve them. We have advocates in the
courthouse helping with protective orders and criminal cases, and so
they do not have to seek shelter to seek services
from Harbor House. I think that's a really important key
for listeners to hear.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
You know, shelter can.
Speaker 4 (07:43):
Be scary for one for some people, and also it's
just not always needed for everybody. But we can do
that and there's no time limit on that. So when
you talk about how long can they work with us
on an outreach basis, as long as you need, will
be there to support you.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Kerry McGregor's our guest. She is the director of Catholic
Charities Harbor House in Wichita, and we've been visiting today
on Wichita weekend because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
and that's nationwide. Yes, going on, Carrie, let me ask you.
We've touched on some of the services that are available
(08:18):
for domestic violence survivors. How can our listeners today help
you provide more services?
Speaker 1 (08:28):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (08:28):
Wow, Yeah, this is definitely Domestic violence is definitely a
community problem. I think people recognizing that it's happening around us,
It's happening in our neighborhoods, it's happening to our friends
and our loved ones. So the biggest thing that I
would say for the community is, you know, giving is
always very helpful, you know, any sort of donation or
if they're really wanting to get behind a cause and
(08:50):
support something, you know. I think Catholic Charity has has
a wonderful reputation in the community of doing great work,
being great stewards of our funds, and so we will
absolutely take your gift and apply it directly to our
clients to ensure that they are moving forward and creating
a safe and stable life for themselves in their children.
Of course, we do have volunteer opportunities, So if there
(09:12):
is someone who's listening that wants to give back in
a different capacity, maybe not in an in kind donation
or a monetary donation, but you know, they can give
up their time. We have so many volunteer opportunities. In fact,
we have a volunteer coordinator on our team who could
help connect them to whatever it is that they would
feel most passionate about, whether it's from serving dinner for
(09:32):
our families, providing some sort of childcare, maybe transporting clients
to and from an appointment, or even just organizing our
storage room and making sure that we can find the
things that we need when the opportunity presents itself.
Speaker 3 (09:45):
I think that's really really going to be helpful for us.
So no matter what.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Way they're giving back, equally provides us the resources and support.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
That we need.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
So many ways to give up your time, talent, and treasure.
Absolutely then they're all needed and they're all appreciated at
casual charities. Yeah, so let's talk about it maybe a
reach out event, I guess you could call it. That's
coming up on October twelfth, Yes, called the Purple Mile.
Tell me about this Purple month.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Yes, okay.
Speaker 4 (10:16):
So the Purple Mile is one of my favorite events
because it truly centers around the families who have been
impacted by domestic violence.
Speaker 3 (10:25):
So it is a memorial walk.
Speaker 4 (10:27):
It's a collaboration between Harbor House, which saw Family Crisis Center,
who's the other domestic violence program here in Sedgwick County,
and then Whichita State University. We partnered a host a
one mile walk on their campus to really honor the
lives that have been lost to domestic violence or affected
in some way, shape or form. So we are definitely
(10:47):
trying to reach the families who've been impacted to let
them know that the systems in the city recognize that
what happened to your loved one is not okay.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
We're sorry for that, and we really want to.
Speaker 4 (10:59):
Show them that we are collectively trying to work together
to make things better and try to make improvement. So
you'll see representation from law enforcement there, you'll see representation
from our legal system, all the advocacy programs. There'll be
tons of booths there, So all the folks coming together
with their information on how to give back, how to volunteer,
(11:21):
or just maybe what resources are available for services. So
you can expect to see a wide variety of people
and then we'll all walk and we'll all do it
in honor of people who have been affected by domestic violence.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
That's Saturday, October twelfth. It is which daw State.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
Campuses, all right at nine am.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Can't miss it.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
It should be a beautiful autumn warning, So come on
out show of solidarity and learn, learn some things about
this wonderful agency that is doing so much to help
our community be a great place to live. Yes, all right,
And then there's one more date in October after the
Purple Mile, on October twelfth, and this is Purple Thursday. Now,
(12:01):
I personally don't have a lot of purple in my wardrobe.
Speaker 3 (12:04):
I have plenty you can borrow, all yeah, all.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Right, tell us about Purple Thursday on October seventeenth.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
Yeah, So Purple Thursday, it's a nation wide thing where
it's really to acknowledge and show survivors that we support them.
So the color that represents domestic violence is purple.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
If even just in.
Speaker 4 (12:23):
The simple gesture of wearing the color purple or you know,
wearing a pin or a purple ribbon or something a
survivor of domestic violence you may not even realize as
a survivor that might see you goes, wow, this is
somebody that stands up for what has happened to me.
They don't support, you know, the violence and things that
I've been experiencing. And there's somebody that's going to kind
(12:47):
of fight the stigmas around domestic violence. And again, they
don't have to say anything, they don't have to do anything,
but even just wearing that color really shows the community
and shows survivors and families impacted that you know, this
is wrong and we don't agree with what's happened to you.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
We want to show you our support.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
And non judgment and just really that we're allies in
this and we want to be helpful.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
All right. Kerry McGregor, director of Catholic Charities Harbor House,
in the studio today on Wichita Weekend. We've been talking
about October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month and all the
great things that Catholic Charities Harbor House does for victims
of domestic violence and the other outreach events that are happening.
(13:29):
We're going to take a quick break and when we return,
we'll talk a little bit more about what's going on
with Catholic Charities Harbor House. This is Wichita Weekend. Thanks
for listening.
Speaker 5 (13:47):
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer or do you
know someone who's recently been diagnosed. Keep this in mind
and pass it along. The American Cancer Society offers a
nationwide cancer information line. It's available to tenty four hours
a day, seven days a week, whether it's two BM
or two am. We're there for you to answer questions,
connect you to the resources you need, or to just listen.
(14:10):
As the most credible source of information, we can answer
your questions about prevention, diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical trials.
We can also help you with everyday needs like emotional
support and lodging during treatment. To learn more, visit cancer
dot org or call your American Cancer Society toll free
at one eight hundred two two seven two three four
(14:31):
five anytime day or night. That's one eight hundred two
two seven twenty three forty five.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Bring your crew out to the Roundhouse for some affordable
family fun On Sunday October sixth as your Shocker volleyball
team takes on the rice hours during shoctober Fest Weekend.
It's which Isa Eagle Family Day purchase a family day
voucher that includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four popcorns,
and four drinks for only thirty two dollars. First service
(15:00):
at one pm. Four tickets called three one six nine
seven eight fans or visit cooshokers dot com slash tickets.
Speaker 6 (15:07):
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and here in Wichita,
Catholic Charities Harbor House provides a full range of services
for domestic violence survivors. Learn all about Harbor House online
at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org slash harbor hyphen House.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
And if something about your relationship scares you, or if
you believe you and your.
Speaker 6 (15:25):
Kids are not safe, call the Harbor House hotline at
three one six two six three six thousand. It's available
twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. That's
three one six two six three six thousand.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
Welcome back. This is Wichita Weekend. It's the weekly public
affairs program from Myheart radio stations right here in Wichita, Kansas.
And as we sit here in late September looking ahead
to the month of October. Obviously, October is a domestic
violence awareness month, and we have been visiting with Carrie McGregor.
(15:59):
She's the director of Catholic Charities Harbor House and Carrie,
we were talking earlier in the first part of our
show today, how every family, every situation, every spouse that
comes to you is a little bit different story. There's
different sets of parameters that you've got to work with
within each situation. And you were telling me that there
(16:22):
sometimes are some gaps in some services that are available
to folks. But you're part of a multidisciplinary team that
kind of ties all that together. Tell us about that.
Speaker 4 (16:32):
Yeah, So the Coordinated and Community Response Team was started
back in twenty fourteen. Really it's a multidisciplinary team where
our primary focus and intention is to.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
Figure out how all of our systems.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
Can individually improve but then holistically together, how can we,
you know, find out what gaps are existing for survivors
and then how can we close them and how can
we do that with a systematic approach, because what we're
learning with survivors, you know, sometimes we slow down the
process and sometimes the way that we communicate with one
(17:06):
another isn't as efficient as it could be or as
timely as it could be, And when you're working with
victims of domestic violence, time is of the essence. Safety
is incredibly important, and so we want to make sure
that we have our ducks in a row, that we
have those relationships built, that they're solid, and that our
areas of expertise are all represented around one table to
(17:27):
you know, obviously help those that need it the most.
And so I want the community to know that this
is a priority for Wichitah. We are meeting on a
monthly basis sometimes more to really look at the impact
of domestic violence, what it's having on our survivors, what
it's having on our community, and how we can all
help to make that better.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Okay, And it's a good time to point out that
a Harbor House hotline that's available twenty four to seven,
just in case you're listening and you may need the
services of Harbor House. So if you know somebody who
does us, give them this number three one six, two six,
three six thousand. It's available twenty four to seven. And Carrie,
you were telling me even families can use this, right, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
So that twenty four to seven hotline.
Speaker 4 (18:11):
Obviously, you know, we we want to hear from survivors
who need us. We want them to know that that
is an access point to us. But at the same time,
it's available for anyone. It's available to the community, it's
available to friends and family. You know, if you have
somebody that you care about that you are recognizing, Wow,
I don't think that they're in a safe situation, or
they've told me they're not in a safe situation.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
I don't know what to do. I don't know how
to help. I don't want to make it worse.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
They can call us and we're happy to help provide
some of that education, some of that support so they
know how to help and support their loved one. I
always tell friends and family that it is you know,
sometimes doing the footwork is the most helpful thing you
can do. So by calling us, finding out, you know
what we do, how we help, and then conveying that
(18:59):
to your loved one and saying, hey, guess what I
called Harbor House today. They're a twenty four to seven shelter.
They have advocates trained around the clock to help you.
They have advocacy resources, therapy resources.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
You know, they're doing all of this great work. Just
by telling.
Speaker 4 (19:13):
Somebody that, then they go, Okay, maybe I won't call
right now, but maybe in a few weeks when I
feel ready, I will And knowing that somebody took that
burden or that weight off of them of having to
make this unknown call they don't know what's on the
other end. Sometimes just by you know, asking questions yourself,
you can tell your loved one what they can expect
and it just makes them feel a little bit better
(19:34):
and makes it a little bit easier for them to
take that step.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
Well, on that note, what can a DV survivor expect
when you get paired with an advocate? What happened?
Speaker 4 (19:46):
H So, first of all, it's very individualized. So we're
going to make sure that you know what what do
you need?
Speaker 3 (19:52):
What can we do to help you?
Speaker 4 (19:55):
And it's going to be different for everyone, and sometimes
they don't really know. Sometimes they just say here's what
I here's what I'm experiencing. Help And so it's going
to start with a safety plan, trying to identify safe resources,
safe supports to make sure that them and then their.
Speaker 3 (20:10):
Children are okay.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
Advocacy, case management related services are available, so a lot
of our survivors come in to shelter or into services
with nearly nothing. I mean they might just have what
they were able to grab on their way out, you know,
and depending on if they're in shelter or outreach, we're
going to say, okay, how do we get you from
where you're at to where you want to be? And
(20:33):
we can we just make a plan with them at
that point. What systems do we need to get involved?
Do we need to make a police report? Do we
need to file for a protective order? Sometimes that's necessary
and sometimes it's not. Do we need therapy? Has your
child been impacted by this? Does your child need resources?
So they're really going to take an approach for their
(20:54):
physical needs, you know, Do we need identification, Do we
need to.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
Get a job.
Speaker 4 (20:59):
Do we need to acts benefits through the state?
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Do we need food stamps? Childcare? What does that look like?
Speaker 4 (21:05):
So we'll help them fill out those applications, will help
them navigate those systems. But then, you know, if that's
not something that they need and they say, you know,
I really just need therapy, Okay, great, We'll get you
connected with a therapist that can support you with your
mental health and make sure that you feel supported in
that sense. So it's really guided by the person.
Speaker 3 (21:25):
But we have.
Speaker 4 (21:27):
Enough background education and knowledge of domestic violence that we
know the questions to ask and we kind of know
how to gauge the individual and help, you know, make
a plan with them and meet their needs.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
So do you find Carrie, that your services are more
in demand than they were years ago? Or are you
seeing an increased number of calls now?
Speaker 4 (21:49):
So we have seen specifically, I know, I hate to
reference the pandemic, but since then, we did see a
jump in not just the at the calls for services,
but the injuries that we were seeing, like they were
more extensive. We're seeing clients and survivors need more medical
(22:10):
care that something else I should mention medical is also
around the table when we talk about a systematic approach.
We have great partnerships with both big hospitals on our
health Grace Med Wesley, Saint Joe, Saint Francis. So I
do think that we're seeing people who are coming in
with more extensive injuries. I think our abusers are getting
(22:34):
more dangerous From where I mean, I've been with Harbor
House for many years and to hear some of the
things that are being done to another human. It's really
really disheartening and very very sad, and so we want
to make sure that medical care is something that we
could absolutely make available to them.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
So all along this process, you guys are continually updating
your education and your process, and your workers involunteers that
are helping out, and everybody's all on the same page
at least trying to get there, yeah, so that we
can give you the very best possible care.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
We've made so many improvements in terms of just the
way we as systems are responding to domestic violence. I mean,
Witch Stop Police Department. I cannot say enough nice things
about what they have done. They have a whole unit
now that is completely tailored towards responding to the needs
of survivors of domestic violence and offender accountability. So they're
(23:30):
out there every day arresting offenders who have caused harm
to someone that they're in a relationship with to send
the message that this is not okay.
Speaker 3 (23:38):
We don't tolerate this. We want to hold you accountable.
Speaker 4 (23:42):
So we have really grown leaps and bounds I think
in our community in terms of how serious we are
taking domestic violence.
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Very good to know. In case you just joined us.
We have been visiting with Kary McGregor. She's the director
of Catholic Charity's Harbor House here in Wichita. We're visiting
because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I've learned a
lot already just from visiting with you for a few
minutes here today. Could we remind folks again about the
(24:09):
Purple Mile happening on October twelfth.
Speaker 3 (24:11):
Yes, again, the Purple Mile. It's on October twelfth.
Speaker 4 (24:14):
That's at nine am at Wichita State University at the
Radigan Student Center. So our whole purpose and intent is
to really honor the lives that have been lost and
been impacted by domestic violence.
Speaker 3 (24:26):
So it's a memorial walk.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
We're inviting family members, friends, community partners, really the community
as a whole to come out where your purple of course,
and show your support for those who've been impacted.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
Okay, and there's no pre registration for that, You just
show up.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Just show up and we'll have booths with all sorts
of different resources available.
Speaker 3 (24:47):
And then some good education.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
We'll have some wonderful speakers talking about you know, what
we're doing in the community to help and then we'll
walk in honor of the life's loss this past year.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
These smiles all the way around, I think, and a
lot of good feeling. And then while you've got your
purple on, keep it clean for October seventeenth, which is
Purple Thursday, and that's just today. You just wear purple.
You don't even have to say anything about it.
Speaker 4 (25:13):
No, no, just wearing purple. It's the color that signifies
domestic violence and just shows people and the community and
survivors specifically that you support them and you support them
getting the help that they need and not having to
live in a life style like that.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
There you go, get on it. You've got your you've
got your instructions now, so you know what you need
to do. Carrie McGregor, it's been wonderful visiting with you.
You are the director of Catholic Charity's Harbor House. Can
I ask you a little bit about your personal experience
and what led you to come to Harbor House.
Speaker 4 (25:51):
You know, I was a social work student at Wichita
State back in twenty ten and I was placed at
Harbor House as a student for a practicum placement. So
I was blessed to have two parents who have just
shown me what a healthy relationship is. They've been married
I want to say forty three years something like that,
(26:12):
and so I had never seen the other side of that,
and I was very blessed. So when I was placed
at Harbor House and I saw really what was happening
in homes and families, I was so compelled and drawn
to do something and to help. So I personally have
not been impacted by domestic violence. A lot of people
in our work have been. It's what's drawn them. For me,
(26:33):
it was just I knew what healthy relationships were, and
I wanted to show people that there is another way
and there is hope.
Speaker 2 (26:40):
Thank you for choosing that past. Yeah, thank you for
all that you've done and continue to do on behalf
of Catholic Charity's Harbor House here in Wichita. And thank
you so much again for being with us today on
Wichita Weekend. Has been a fantastic interview.
Speaker 3 (26:56):
Yes, thank you for having me. I enjoyed it very much.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
Kerry McGregor, Director, can we call you president? No, you're
not exactly a president.
Speaker 3 (27:04):
Let's run that by my boss. I think she'd love it.
Speaker 2 (27:06):
Director and President of Catholic Charities Harbor House don't forget
the hotline that's available twenty four to seven three one
six two sixty three six thousand. You might want to
commit that to memory in case you ever need that number,
or a friend or an acquaintance might need that number
two six three six thousand. Again, Karrie McGregor from Catholic
(27:28):
Charities Harbor House. Thanks for being with us on which
do all weekend of.
Speaker 3 (27:31):
Course, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (27:33):
Thank you for listening to Wichita Weekend, a service of
iHeartRadio stations one O two won the Bowl, Channel nine
sixty three, All one O seven three and ninety seven
nine B ninety eight Listen every Sunday for Wichita Weekend
Welcome to Wichita Weekend, the weekly public affairs program from
iHeartRadio Wichita ninety seven, ninety ninety eight, Well O two
won the Bull Channel ninety six three and AULT one
O seven three.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Welcome to Wichita Weekend. Yes, it's late September, and as
we look ahead to October, we see that it's Domestic
Violence Awareness Month and that leads into our guest today,
and our guest is Karrie McGregor. She is the director
of Catholic Charities Harbor House here in Wichita. Welcome to
Wichita Weekend.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Carrie, Hi, good morning, Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Well, it's it's our pleasure to have you here. And
you know October being domestic Violence Awareness month, we need
to let our listeners know what exactly is Harbor House.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
So, Harbor House is one of the two domestic violence
crisis programs here in Sedgwick County. So we've actually existed
since the year of nineteen ninety two. Our primary goal
is really to serve families who have been impacted by silence.
You know, we have a shelter program that is confidential
and safe for anyone who's needing to.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Leave or flee their situation.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
But We do a wide variety of things in the
community to really engage survivors to make sure that they
have the support and resources that they need.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
I'm so sorry that there is a need for your services,
but so grateful that you guys are here to fulfill
you know, that need and really help out. What kinds
of things do you do? I mean you touched on
that a little bit, but it's full service.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Right, yeah, full range, absolutely.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
So we do have our twenty four to seven hotline,
you know, so anyone can access that number twenty four
hours a day, seven days a week. They'll reach a
trained advocate who's going to be available to essentially listen
to their situation, kind of hear what is happening, and
then help guide and direct them on potentially some next
steps or support that could be taken or provided to
(01:52):
them to give them the assistance that they need. You know,
safety planning is a huge resource of ours, so it's
not common for us to just simply provide some safety
planning tips and tools over that hotline to ensure people's
safety while they're residing in and potentially an unsafe environment.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
And if you've just joined us and you're curious about
that hotline number. It's area code three one six two
six three six thousand.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Yes, available every day of the year.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Twenty four to seven humans on the line.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Absolutely.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
So training is really important to us and our team
at Harbor House to ensure that, you know, we're up
to date on you know, the most useful resources and
information out there. So you can be rest assured that
if you call our team that we're going to have
somebody that's trained and equip to manage the situation in
which you're going to present to them.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
And I can imagine it's every situation. It's a little
bit different, but each one is equally touchy sensitive, very
very volatile. Absolutely, and you know, so your your involvement
is quite critical.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
Yeah, and you know, we recognize that somebody that's making
that phone call that could been a phone call they've
been waiting to make for years, you know, to.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
Reach out for support and to reach out for help.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
It's scary, you know, and sometimes it's really difficult to admit, Wow,
I'm not safe in my own home and I need
somebody who I've never met, who I don't know, to
help me. And so our advocates are very trained to
provide that support and that empathy to where they don't
have to feel bad, they don't have to feel judged,
they don't have to feel fear of what's gonna you know,
(03:33):
pick up on the other end of that line.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
So we're definitely there to help.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Well, Kerrie, what are some of the warning signs would
you say of an abusive situation?
Speaker 4 (03:42):
So, you know, in my experience in learning about domestic violence,
it really is about that power and control dynamic. You know,
a lot of times people think that there's you know,
anger issues or you know, substance abuse, and yes, there
are those factors that might come into play, but at
the end of the day, most of it is going
to be centered around having power and control over another person.
(04:04):
So in those warning signs, if you're in a relationship
where somebody is essentially controlling you, whether that be physically, emotionally, mentally, financially,
you know, we see a wide variety of different circumstances
that people find themselves in, and it's really about somebody
wanting to dominate and have power and control over you know,
(04:25):
how you spend your time, who you spend your time with,
whether you can have a job, whether you can make
financial decisions, you know, and so we see a lot
of different relationships transpire where another person is just wanting
to completely dominate that relationship, and the physical aspect can
be where it gets very scary and very unsafe. It's
(04:46):
not uncommon for us to serve people who have extensive
injuries where those relationships, you know, they might start out
maybe emotionally abusive, putting somebody down, making fun of them,
embarrassing them in front of others, or isolating them from
their friends and family, and the next thing you know,
you know, they're physically putting their hands on them and
causing them some serious harm.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
How do folks come to you? Are they referred? Do
they make that call? What's what's the most frequent way
that folks get in touch with you?
Speaker 4 (05:17):
So, since we are located at a confidential location within Wichita,
our primary point of contact is going to be that
hotline number. But then we also do have a website,
so at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org. Anyone can access us
that way by just simply sending an email. We again,
we're very trained to understand the safety component there, so
(05:39):
we're going to make sure we respond in a manner
that doesn't put somebody in a more unsafe situation. But
we have wonderful community partners and we work with systems
on a daily basis. So it's not uncommon for us
to get referrals, you know, from law enforcement or from
the courts, or from DCF or from other systems that
are working with families who experiencing violence and harm.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
And then when a family does come to you for
assistance whatever that may be or protection, is there a
standard period of time that they come or are they
is it kind of open ended? How does that work?
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Yeah, that's a great question.
Speaker 4 (06:14):
So capacity for shelter is obviously a challenge here in Wichita.
So we do have an emergency shelter that does operate
on a six week basis essentially, So we do offer
shelter for up to six weeks, but thankfully, we do
have the ability to extend people beyond that time if
their situation warrants it. You know, if there's still a
(06:36):
safety concern, if there's still barriers that we need to address,
we'll absolutely extend them. So I would say our average
length of stay is about two to three months. Oh wow,
it's not uncommon for us to have people there for
an extended period of time. And it's also not uncommon
for us to have people come in in just a
matter of days where we can help establish a very clear,
helpful safety plan or maybe even potentially relocate them to
(06:58):
another safe location.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
And like we say, every story is different, every situation
is different.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Yes, we definitely want to make sure that we're tailoring
our services to meet the individual and their needs and
recognize that everybody, while there's similarities, everybody's situation is very
unique to them. Outreach though, and you know, we provide
way more than just shelter, so people don't even have
to walk through the doors of our program to receive services.
So we have outreach advocates that will go out into
(07:27):
the community and serve them. We have advocates in the
courthouse helping with protective orders and criminal cases, and so
they do not have to seek shelter to seek services
from Harbor House. I think that's a really important key
for listeners to hear.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
You know, shelter can.
Speaker 4 (07:43):
Be scary for one for some people, and also it's
just not always needed for everybody. But we can do
that and there's no time limit on that. So when
you talk about how long can they work with us
on an outreach basis, as long as you need, will
be there to support you.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Kerry McGregor's our guest. She is the director of Catholic
Charities Harbor House in Wichita, and we've been visiting today
on Wichita weekend because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
and that's nationwide. Yes, going on, Carrie, let me ask you.
We've touched on some of the services that are available
(08:18):
for domestic violence survivors. How can our listeners today help
you provide more services?
Speaker 1 (08:28):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (08:28):
Wow, Yeah, this is definitely Domestic violence is definitely a
community problem. I think people recognizing that it's happening around us,
It's happening in our neighborhoods, it's happening to our friends
and our loved ones. So the biggest thing that I
would say for the community is, you know, giving is
always very helpful, you know, any sort of donation or
if they're really wanting to get behind a cause and
(08:50):
support something, you know. I think Catholic Charity has has
a wonderful reputation in the community of doing great work,
being great stewards of our funds, and so we will
absolutely take your gift and apply it directly to our
clients to ensure that they are moving forward and creating
a safe and stable life for themselves in their children.
Of course, we do have volunteer opportunities, So if there
(09:12):
is someone who's listening that wants to give back in
a different capacity, maybe not in an in kind donation
or a monetary donation, but you know, they can give
up their time. We have so many volunteer opportunities. In fact,
we have a volunteer coordinator on our team who could
help connect them to whatever it is that they would
feel most passionate about, whether it's from serving dinner for
(09:32):
our families, providing some sort of childcare, maybe transporting clients
to and from an appointment, or even just organizing our
storage room and making sure that we can find the
things that we need when the opportunity presents itself.
Speaker 3 (09:45):
I think that's really really going to be helpful for us.
So no matter what.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Way they're giving back, equally provides us the resources and support.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
That we need.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
So many ways to give up your time, talent, and treasure.
Absolutely then they're all needed and they're all appreciated at
casual charities. Yeah, so let's talk about it maybe a
reach out event, I guess you could call it. That's
coming up on October twelfth, Yes, called the Purple Mile.
Tell me about this Purple month.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Yes, okay.
Speaker 4 (10:16):
So the Purple Mile is one of my favorite events
because it truly centers around the families who have been
impacted by domestic violence.
Speaker 3 (10:25):
So it is a memorial walk.
Speaker 4 (10:27):
It's a collaboration between Harbor House, which saw Family Crisis Center,
who's the other domestic violence program here in Sedgwick County,
and then Whichita State University. We partnered a host a
one mile walk on their campus to really honor the
lives that have been lost to domestic violence or affected
in some way, shape or form. So we are definitely
(10:47):
trying to reach the families who've been impacted to let
them know that the systems in the city recognize that
what happened to your loved one is not okay.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
We're sorry for that, and we really want to.
Speaker 4 (10:59):
Show them that we are collectively trying to work together
to make things better and try to make improvement. So
you'll see representation from law enforcement there, you'll see representation
from our legal system, all the advocacy programs. There'll be
tons of booths there, So all the folks coming together
with their information on how to give back, how to volunteer,
(11:21):
or just maybe what resources are available for services. So
you can expect to see a wide variety of people
and then we'll all walk and we'll all do it
in honor of people who have been affected by domestic violence.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
That's Saturday, October twelfth. It is which daw State.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
Campuses, all right at nine am.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Can't miss it.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
It should be a beautiful autumn warning, So come on
out show of solidarity and learn, learn some things about
this wonderful agency that is doing so much to help
our community be a great place to live. Yes, all right,
And then there's one more date in October after the
Purple Mile, on October twelfth, and this is Purple Thursday. Now,
(12:01):
I personally don't have a lot of purple in my wardrobe.
Speaker 3 (12:04):
I have plenty you can borrow, all yeah, all.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Right, tell us about Purple Thursday on October seventeenth.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
Yeah, So Purple Thursday, it's a nation wide thing where
it's really to acknowledge and show survivors that we support them.
So the color that represents domestic violence is purple.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
If even just in.
Speaker 4 (12:23):
The simple gesture of wearing the color purple or you know,
wearing a pin or a purple ribbon or something a
survivor of domestic violence you may not even realize as
a survivor that might see you goes, wow, this is
somebody that stands up for what has happened to me.
They don't support, you know, the violence and things that
I've been experiencing. And there's somebody that's going to kind
(12:47):
of fight the stigmas around domestic violence. And again, they
don't have to say anything, they don't have to do anything,
but even just wearing that color really shows the community
and shows survivors and families impacted that you know, this
is wrong and we don't agree with what's happened to you.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
We want to show you our support.
Speaker 4 (13:02):
And non judgment and just really that we're allies in
this and we want to be helpful.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
All right. Kerry McGregor, director of Catholic Charities Harbor House,
in the studio today on Wichita Weekend. We've been talking
about October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month and all the
great things that Catholic Charities Harbor House does for victims
of domestic violence and the other outreach events that are happening.
(13:29):
We're going to take a quick break and when we return,
we'll talk a little bit more about what's going on
with Catholic Charities Harbor House. This is Wichita Weekend. Thanks
for listening.
Speaker 5 (13:47):
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer or do you
know someone who's recently been diagnosed. Keep this in mind
and pass it along. The American Cancer Society offers a
nationwide cancer information line. It's available to tenty four hours
a day, seven days a week, whether it's two BM
or two am. We're there for you to answer questions,
connect you to the resources you need, or to just listen.
(14:10):
As the most credible source of information, we can answer
your questions about prevention, diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical trials.
We can also help you with everyday needs like emotional
support and lodging during treatment. To learn more, visit cancer
dot org or call your American Cancer Society toll free
at one eight hundred two two seven two three four
(14:31):
five anytime day or night. That's one eight hundred two
two seven twenty three forty five.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Bring your crew out to the Roundhouse for some affordable
family fun On Sunday October sixth as your Shocker volleyball
team takes on the rice hours during shoctober Fest Weekend.
It's which Isa Eagle Family Day purchase a family day
voucher that includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four popcorns,
and four drinks for only thirty two dollars. First service
(15:00):
at one pm. Four tickets called three one six nine
seven eight fans or visit cooshokers dot com slash tickets.
Speaker 6 (15:07):
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and here in Wichita,
Catholic Charities Harbor House provides a full range of services
for domestic violence survivors. Learn all about Harbor House online
at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org slash harbor hyphen House.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
And if something about your relationship scares you, or if
you believe you and your.
Speaker 6 (15:25):
Kids are not safe, call the Harbor House hotline at
three one six two six three six thousand. It's available
twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. That's
three one six two six three six thousand.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
Welcome back. This is Wichita Weekend. It's the weekly public
affairs program from Myheart radio stations right here in Wichita, Kansas.
And as we sit here in late September looking ahead
to the month of October. Obviously, October is a domestic
violence awareness month, and we have been visiting with Carrie McGregor.
(15:59):
She's the director of Catholic Charities Harbor House and Carrie,
we were talking earlier in the first part of our
show today, how every family, every situation, every spouse that
comes to you is a little bit different story. There's
different sets of parameters that you've got to work with
within each situation. And you were telling me that there
(16:22):
sometimes are some gaps in some services that are available
to folks. But you're part of a multidisciplinary team that
kind of ties all that together. Tell us about that.
Speaker 4 (16:32):
Yeah, So the Coordinated and Community Response Team was started
back in twenty fourteen. Really it's a multidisciplinary team where
our primary focus and intention is to.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
Figure out how all of our systems.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
Can individually improve but then holistically together, how can we,
you know, find out what gaps are existing for survivors
and then how can we close them and how can
we do that with a systematic approach, because what we're
learning with survivors, you know, sometimes we slow down the
process and sometimes the way that we communicate with one
(17:06):
another isn't as efficient as it could be or as
timely as it could be, And when you're working with
victims of domestic violence, time is of the essence. Safety
is incredibly important, and so we want to make sure
that we have our ducks in a row, that we
have those relationships built, that they're solid, and that our
areas of expertise are all represented around one table to
(17:27):
you know, obviously help those that need it the most.
And so I want the community to know that this
is a priority for Wichitah. We are meeting on a
monthly basis sometimes more to really look at the impact
of domestic violence, what it's having on our survivors, what
it's having on our community, and how we can all
help to make that better.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Okay, And it's a good time to point out that
a Harbor House hotline that's available twenty four to seven,
just in case you're listening and you may need the
services of Harbor House. So if you know somebody who
does us, give them this number three one six, two six,
three six thousand. It's available twenty four to seven. And Carrie,
you were telling me even families can use this, right, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
So that twenty four to seven hotline.
Speaker 4 (18:11):
Obviously, you know, we we want to hear from survivors
who need us. We want them to know that that
is an access point to us. But at the same time,
it's available for anyone. It's available to the community, it's
available to friends and family. You know, if you have
somebody that you care about that you are recognizing, Wow,
I don't think that they're in a safe situation, or
they've told me they're not in a safe situation.
Speaker 3 (18:32):
I don't know what to do. I don't know how
to help. I don't want to make it worse.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
They can call us and we're happy to help provide
some of that education, some of that support so they
know how to help and support their loved one. I
always tell friends and family that it is you know,
sometimes doing the footwork is the most helpful thing you
can do. So by calling us, finding out, you know
what we do, how we help, and then conveying that
(18:59):
to your loved one and saying, hey, guess what I
called Harbor House today. They're a twenty four to seven shelter.
They have advocates trained around the clock to help you.
They have advocacy resources, therapy resources.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
You know, they're doing all of this great work. Just
by telling.
Speaker 4 (19:13):
Somebody that, then they go, Okay, maybe I won't call
right now, but maybe in a few weeks when I
feel ready, I will And knowing that somebody took that
burden or that weight off of them of having to
make this unknown call they don't know what's on the
other end. Sometimes just by you know, asking questions yourself,
you can tell your loved one what they can expect
and it just makes them feel a little bit better
(19:34):
and makes it a little bit easier for them to
take that step.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
Well, on that note, what can a DV survivor expect
when you get paired with an advocate? What happened?
Speaker 4 (19:46):
H So, first of all, it's very individualized. So we're
going to make sure that you know what what do
you need?
Speaker 3 (19:52):
What can we do to help you?
Speaker 4 (19:55):
And it's going to be different for everyone, and sometimes
they don't really know. Sometimes they just say here's what
I here's what I'm experiencing. Help And so it's going
to start with a safety plan, trying to identify safe resources,
safe supports to make sure that them and then their.
Speaker 3 (20:10):
Children are okay.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
Advocacy, case management related services are available, so a lot
of our survivors come in to shelter or into services
with nearly nothing. I mean they might just have what
they were able to grab on their way out, you know,
and depending on if they're in shelter or outreach, we're
going to say, okay, how do we get you from
where you're at to where you want to be? And
(20:33):
we can we just make a plan with them at
that point. What systems do we need to get involved?
Do we need to make a police report? Do we
need to file for a protective order? Sometimes that's necessary
and sometimes it's not. Do we need therapy? Has your
child been impacted by this? Does your child need resources?
So they're really going to take an approach for their
(20:54):
physical needs, you know, Do we need identification, Do we
need to.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
Get a job.
Speaker 4 (20:59):
Do we need to acts benefits through the state?
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Do we need food stamps? Childcare? What does that look like?
Speaker 4 (21:05):
So we'll help them fill out those applications, will help
them navigate those systems. But then, you know, if that's
not something that they need and they say, you know,
I really just need therapy, Okay, great, We'll get you
connected with a therapist that can support you with your
mental health and make sure that you feel supported in
that sense. So it's really guided by the person.
Speaker 3 (21:25):
But we have.
Speaker 4 (21:27):
Enough background education and knowledge of domestic violence that we
know the questions to ask and we kind of know
how to gauge the individual and help, you know, make
a plan with them and meet their needs.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
So do you find Carrie, that your services are more
in demand than they were years ago? Or are you
seeing an increased number of calls now?
Speaker 4 (21:49):
So we have seen specifically, I know, I hate to
reference the pandemic, but since then, we did see a
jump in not just the at the calls for services,
but the injuries that we were seeing, like they were
more extensive. We're seeing clients and survivors need more medical
(22:10):
care that something else I should mention medical is also
around the table when we talk about a systematic approach.
We have great partnerships with both big hospitals on our
health Grace Med Wesley, Saint Joe, Saint Francis. So I
do think that we're seeing people who are coming in
with more extensive injuries. I think our abusers are getting
(22:34):
more dangerous From where I mean, I've been with Harbor
House for many years and to hear some of the
things that are being done to another human. It's really
really disheartening and very very sad, and so we want
to make sure that medical care is something that we
could absolutely make available to them.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
So all along this process, you guys are continually updating
your education and your process, and your workers involunteers that
are helping out, and everybody's all on the same page
at least trying to get there, yeah, so that we
can give you the very best possible care.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
We've made so many improvements in terms of just the
way we as systems are responding to domestic violence. I mean,
Witch Stop Police Department. I cannot say enough nice things
about what they have done. They have a whole unit
now that is completely tailored towards responding to the needs
of survivors of domestic violence and offender accountability. So they're
(23:30):
out there every day arresting offenders who have caused harm
to someone that they're in a relationship with to send
the message that this is not okay.
Speaker 3 (23:38):
We don't tolerate this. We want to hold you accountable.
Speaker 4 (23:42):
So we have really grown leaps and bounds I think
in our community in terms of how serious we are
taking domestic violence.
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Very good to know. In case you just joined us.
We have been visiting with Kary McGregor. She's the director
of Catholic Charity's Harbor House here in Wichita. We're visiting
because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I've learned a
lot already just from visiting with you for a few
minutes here today. Could we remind folks again about the
(24:09):
Purple Mile happening on October twelfth.
Speaker 3 (24:11):
Yes, again, the Purple Mile. It's on October twelfth.
Speaker 4 (24:14):
That's at nine am at Wichita State University at the
Radigan Student Center. So our whole purpose and intent is
to really honor the lives that have been lost and
been impacted by domestic violence.
Speaker 3 (24:26):
So it's a memorial walk.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
We're inviting family members, friends, community partners, really the community
as a whole to come out where your purple of course,
and show your support for those who've been impacted.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
Okay, and there's no pre registration for that, You just
show up.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Just show up and we'll have booths with all sorts
of different resources available.
Speaker 3 (24:47):
And then some good education.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
We'll have some wonderful speakers talking about you know, what
we're doing in the community to help and then we'll
walk in honor of the life's loss this past year.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
These smiles all the way around, I think, and a
lot of good feeling. And then while you've got your
purple on, keep it clean for October seventeenth, which is
Purple Thursday, and that's just today. You just wear purple.
You don't even have to say anything about it.
Speaker 4 (25:13):
No, no, just wearing purple. It's the color that signifies
domestic violence and just shows people and the community and
survivors specifically that you support them and you support them
getting the help that they need and not having to
live in a life style like that.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
There you go, get on it. You've got your you've
got your instructions now, so you know what you need
to do. Carrie McGregor, it's been wonderful visiting with you.
You are the director of Catholic Charity's Harbor House. Can
I ask you a little bit about your personal experience
and what led you to come to Harbor House.
Speaker 4 (25:51):
You know, I was a social work student at Wichita
State back in twenty ten and I was placed at
Harbor House as a student for a practicum placement. So
I was blessed to have two parents who have just
shown me what a healthy relationship is. They've been married
I want to say forty three years something like that,
(26:12):
and so I had never seen the other side of that,
and I was very blessed. So when I was placed
at Harbor House and I saw really what was happening
in homes and families, I was so compelled and drawn
to do something and to help. So I personally have
not been impacted by domestic violence. A lot of people
in our work have been. It's what's drawn them. For me,
(26:33):
it was just I knew what healthy relationships were, and
I wanted to show people that there is another way
and there is hope.
Speaker 2 (26:40):
Thank you for choosing that past. Yeah, thank you for
all that you've done and continue to do on behalf
of Catholic Charity's Harbor House here in Wichita. And thank
you so much again for being with us today on
Wichita Weekend. Has been a fantastic interview.
Speaker 3 (26:56):
Yes, thank you for having me. I enjoyed it very much.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
Kerry McGregor, Director, can we call you president? No, you're
not exactly a president.
Speaker 3 (27:04):
Let's run that by my boss. I think she'd love it.
Speaker 2 (27:06):
Director and President of Catholic Charities Harbor House don't forget
the hotline that's available twenty four to seven three one
six two sixty three six thousand. You might want to
commit that to memory in case you ever need that number,
or a friend or an acquaintance might need that number
two six three six thousand. Again, Karrie McGregor from Catholic
(27:28):
Charities Harbor House. Thanks for being with us on which
do all weekend of.
Speaker 3 (27:31):
Course, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (27:33):
Thank you for listening to Wichita Weekend, a service of
iHeartRadio stations one O two won the Bowl, Channel nine
sixty three, All one O seven three and ninety seven
nine B ninety eight Listen every Sunday for Wichita Weekend
Popular Podcasts
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Decisions, Decisions
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!