Making a Difference in Your Community : Girls Hear of Choices Better Than Alcohol

The philosophy of the Valley Women’s Center in Tarzana in its battle against alcoholism and the abuse of women is simple.

“We feel that prevention is going to go a lot further than treatment,” said Carolee Newman, community relations coordinator for the group, founded almost 20 years ago when women with these problems had fewer allies.

The center acts as a public information and referral service and offers counseling, support groups, outreach and community presentations to try to inform women about their options regarding alcoholism and the violence that often accompanies the disease.

“We feel that women with self-esteem are much less likely to be a co-dependent in an alcoholic relationship,” Newman said. A co-dependent is one who allows or helps a person engaging in self-destructive acts, such as drinking, to continue the acts as a part of their relationship.

On a recent afternoon, Newman took her message to San Fernando Middle School, where she met with about 20 teen-age girls in a small room off the auditorium. The students talked guardedly about what they would do if they were being abused, ridiculed or hurt.

“I didn’t expect anyone to come out with any real confessions,” Newman said. “That’s really too personal. You don’t know me.”

The girls talked in generalities, such as about what they might do if they were being abused.

Newman underscored the point that alcohol and violence are often related. A man may strike a woman because of his drinking and, worse, the woman may see drinking as her only option, too.

Newman told the students that if they have a problem with abuse or alcohol, they are not powerless.

“There is always a choice,” she said. If the students come away with one message, she added, “that is what I want you to know.”

Newman said there are alternatives to an abusive relationship caused by drinking, including counseling, calling the police or turning to a shelter for battered women.

The Valley Women’s Center, on Corbin Avenue in Tarzana, was founded in 1976 by Norma Ehrlich, who had seen her cousin die from alcoholism. The center operates with only two full-time employees. Volunteers run the center’s office and make referrals for women who call in for help.

Through the center, women can get into a 12-step recovery program, obtain family counseling or become involved in “Weekends for Women,” an educational retreat program for women worried about their drinking or that of a loved one.

The center is also starting a new volunteer association that will organize Sober Socials, nonalcoholic gatherings like bowling, theater outings or parties.

Information on volunteering: (818) 757-2188.

The Burbank Family YMCA needs volunteer tutors to teach adults to speak, read and write English. Training is provided during a four-week period.

The next training session begins March 18.

Information: (818) 845-8551.

Valley Presbyterian Hospital’s Volunteer Services Department needs retired pharmacists or pharmacy technicians to volunteer in the hospital’s pharmacy.

Information: Anne Fastiggi, the volunteer director, (818) 902-2932.

The Valley Storefront Multiservice Center for Seniors is looking for volunteers to instruct seniors in a variety of subjects such as astrology, improvisational comedy, photography or indoor gardening.

Classes are one hour once a week.

To schedule an interview with Judy Raffel, activities director: (818) 984-1380.

Getting Involved is a weekly listing of volunteering opportunities. Please address prospective listings to Getting Involved, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, 91311. Or fax them to (818) 772-3338.