In March 1999, a group of women struggling with divorce, debt, death of a loved one, and helping family members recover from drugs and alcohol got together to form a support group. The purpose of the group was to provide a nourishing communication system to mentor the women of the group and help sustain each woman as she went through her personal struggles. As the group evolved, it was discovered that domestic violence was another common thread between the women. Divorce, debt, drugs and alcohol seemed to be a by product of the domestic violence and the women wanted to address the issue of domestic violence on a broader scale.
In 2000 and 2001 lots of discussion around domestic violence assistance emerged and the women saw the benefit of linking together to help other women as they went through tough times. As a result, the group decided on the name, LIFT3. LIFT3 is an acronym for “Leading Individuals Forward Through Tough Times.”
In 2002 and 2003, motivational conferences were held. Women from local shelters, group homes and the general public were provided information, referrals, encouragement and assistance.
In 2004, the group added Support Group to its name and LIFT3 Support Group was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit public benefit agency. A consulting firm was hired to do a Market Study of the demographics and prevalence of domestic violence in the Napa and Solano Counties. Interviews were also conducted with local domestic violence service providers and other social agencies to identify service gaps and identify how LIFT3 could help.
The results of the Market Study and interviews identified the need for assisting women going through transition from safe houses, shelters and other crises. There was a shortage of services dedicated to helping survivors be self-sufficient by providing long-term support, business training and assistance. Using the arts and drama to train youth and college students about relationship violence prevention was also identified. Several other service needs were also identified as a result of the Market Study and interviews, and are under review with LIFT3’s Board of Directors for future implementation.
In January 2005, LIFT3 Support Group moved into its headquarters in Fairfield, CA.
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Claudia Jones
Chief Operating Officer
W. Angeles Community Development Corporation
Los Angeles, CA
P.O. Box 5251
Vallejo, CA 94591
Andrea Richard
National Safety Council
U.S. Postal Service
Oakland, CA
P.O. Box 5251
Vallejo, CA 94591
Debra Patton
Senior Marketing Consultant
KFAX Radio Station
Fremont, CA
P.O. Box 5251
Vallejo, CA 94591
Novelle Burks
Real Estate Consultant, Pittsburg, CA
P.O. Box 5251
Vallejo, CA 94591
Helen Mitchell
Experience Works
Fairfield, CA
P.O. Box 5251
Vallejo, CA 94591
C. F. Humphrey
Executive Director
P.O. Box 5251
Vallejo, CA 94591
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Joyce McCoy
Vice President Premier Banking
Bank of America
San Rafael, CA
Keith Van
Principal Consultant
Alpha One Consulting
Program and Fundraising Development
Oakland, CA
Glenda Roberts
Director of Even Start
Coordinator of Foster Kinder Care
Contra Costa College
San Pablo, CA
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LIFT3’s mission is to eradicate the effects of abuse grounded in the misuse of power and control fortified by intimidation and coercion by providing safe shelter, supportive services and systematic support. At LIFT3 we believe that survivors can regain control of their lives.
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