Salem, Oregon. Bridges Oregon is pleased to announce a new hire in the nonprofit agency’s Advocacy Services for the OVW grant. Velma Foust joins the organization as the OVW Advocate.

Velma joins Bridges Oregon from Southern Oregon, where she has worked and volunteered closely with the Deaf community in both California and Oregon for years. She will primarily work in the Southern Oregon area, providing support and services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Velma is a fifth-generation Deaf individual, born in Roseville, California. She has lived in the Southern Oregon area for over ten years, with her family having strong roots in the region. Her experience and knowledge of Southern Oregon will be a significant asset to the team and agency. Bridges Oregon acknowledges that the Deaf community in Southern Oregon lacks access in many areas. It is our hope that Velma will strengthen the support for our Deaf community experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, especially in that area. Velma is eager to begin her work with victims and survivors, ensuring she serves and supports them to the best of her ability. This work is close to Velma’s heart as she has personal experience as a survivor. She is dedicated to ensuring that victims and survivors have access to the emotional support and resources they need to empower themselves.

“For the past few years, I’ve worked in California while attending classes to earn my degree in Deaf Interpreting. I’m grateful to Bridges Oregon for bringing me back to Southern Oregon and giving me the opportunity to serve my community as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence advocate. As a Deaf person and a survivor, my goal is to empower others with the resources and knowledge I wish I had back then,” says Velma Foust.

Executive Director Chad A. Ludwig states, “We are excited to have Velma on our team. Her knowledge and networking in the Southern Oregon area will be a phenomenal addition that will benefit the team and the whole state of Oregon. We are eager for the upcoming days ahead with her as part of our team.”

As Bridges Oregon continues to be an emerging leader in the community, the nonprofit organization remains the only dedicated Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing direct service in Oregon that provides advocacy and accompaniment services. Bridges Oregon has been awarded the Office of Violence Against Women grant from the United States Department of Justice. Velma’s first day was June 20, 2024. Her work will focus primarily on survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The date of availability for Velma’s services will be announced at a later date.

About Bridges Oregon:

Bridges Oregon is a nonprofit for Oregonians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing or face other communication barriers. It is in our mission to facilitate equity, inclusiveness, and to provide a bridge to opportunities through advocacy, education, and communication.

###