Students join fight against domestic violence

UPSTANDING--Members of Teens Against Domestic Violence, a mostly male club at Calabasas High School, are honored at a recent gala benefiting Haven Hills, a shelter for battered women. At a formal gala where more than 250 people gathered to fete and fund-raise for a local organization, an unexpected group of honorees huddled at one of the glamorously set tables: a club of teen-aged boys. 

The San Fernando Valley-based Haven Hills honored Teens Against Domestic Violence, founded and staffed by mostly male Calabasas High School students. Haven Hills, which started in the mid-1970s, established the first battered women's shelter in Los Angeles County.

"To us this is a way to give back to the community and make a difference," said the club's copresident Evan Plotkin. "Domestic violence doesn't get the attention it deserves. We've learned about the power of a small group. It gives up great feelings of pride and accomplishment to be able to do this."

It started when a group of boys at the high school wanted to begin a project to give back to their community. Linda Hayes, a parent of one of the students, suggested working with domestic violence victims.

The young men adopted two shelters and started by collecting holiday gifts for the shelter residents, one of the tougher tasks for Haven Hills, said Joanne David, director of development.

"They brought in so many holiday items," David said. "And they focused on teens--no one thinks about the teens. It's so much easier to bring gifts for the moms and little babies.

"From the start they've been conscious of what we needed, not just what they wanted to do for us."

Los Angeles judge Harvey Silberman introduced the group at the event.

"This isn't a little thing," Silverman said. "Not only did teenagers do all this, but boy teenagers did it. They didn't just learn about domestic violence, they stood up for it.

"I think they are an extraordinary bunch of kids. They inspire us."

The group was "fearless" about personally soliciting local merchants and other students for new toys, books and donations, David said.

"We were overwhelmed when they brought the gifts to our office- van loads," David said. "We are so impressed with these kids." Instead of fading away for a year, Teens Against Domestic Violence expanded their program to make Easter baskets, organize food drives and bring backpacks for back-to-school.

The group highlighted some of their guiding principles including empathy, encouragement and empowerment.

Hayes serves as the club's adviser.

"I love these teenagers," she said. "It's been so rewarding working with them."

The banquet also honored Barbara Jean Penny, an attorney who's been involved with Haven Hills for more than 20 years. She began by volunteering to help battered women and low-income families get the legal help they needed.

The Canoga Park Women's Club was also recognized for getting Haven Hills off the ground in 1976 when they realized the San Fernando Valley had no services for victims of domestic violence.

The dinner brought in about $75,000 gross, but Haven Hills hasn't narrowed down how much will go to the organization after costs are assessed.

"This will be the most successful year we've had as far as financially, though," David said. "This was the most people we've ever had. It was really nice."

The night was centered around the three groups of honorees. It also included words from a victim of domestic violence who shared her story. A silent and live auction helped bring in donations.