Q and A with Jacquie Skog
A conversation with Meagan Struck, TDP Development Director and Jacqueline Skog, MA of Peace & Safety Counseling.
Jacqueline Skog, MA of Peace & Safety Counseling (left) and Meagan Struck, TDP Development Director (right)
I love to tell stories of transformation. I believe one of the reasons the Lord led me to The Dwelling Place (TDP) was because there are stories to be told. In the short time that I have gotten to know Jacquie, I have realized she is a catalyst for growth in the lives of the women at TDP. She is a witness to the renewal taking place in many different ways, whether it is here at TDP, through her clients, and her own story. I was eager to learn more, and I wanted to share with you some of the insight and passion she brings to our mission every day. I hope you are as encouraged as I was when you read her words.
Meagan: How long have you been involved with TDP? What ways have you served over the years?
Jacquie: I’ve been involved in the TDP ministry since 2006 as a board member, board chair, support group leader, alumni group leader, intercessory prayer team member, and professional Counselor for the residents.
M: What changes have you seen during this time?
J: The growth of the mission and ministry of TDP has been progressively more effective, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of the residents and their children. Since 2006 when I first joined the board, the facilities have grown from 2 homes in a crime ridden neighborhood with a capacity of 4-6 women and their children to 5 homes equipped to serve 57 women and their children. In 2006, there were 3 dedicated employees and several volunteers who ran the ministry. Today, we have over 20 professional and passionate staff and consultants, and over 100 volunteers to collaborate care with the Christ-centered, in-depth programming.
M: What makes TDP unique from other transitional housing for Domestic Violence?
J: TDP is unique in that we proclaim Christ and teach Biblical truths about every woman’s identity in Christ as the primary goal for all phases of the TDP program. All programs are designed to provide compassionate care by responding to the needs of each woman and her family according to their expressed desires.
Our staff is equipped to identify symptoms of trauma and give trauma-informed care to address anxiety, anger, depression, post-traumatic stress flashbacks, chemical dependency, and other negative life-controlling behaviors that interfere with the stability of the residents and their children. The Intercessory Prayer Team specifically prays for the needs of our residents and their children, staff, volunteers, board members, as well as our donors and their families. The team meets monthly and publishes a prayer list several times each month. The team is comprised of dedicated believers in Christ who share the belief that faith in Christ plus education in a safe environment are the answers for the healing of the lives of those caught in the web of enemy and abuse.
The Alumni Support Program engages the residents after they have graduated from the TDP program and are out on their own. The response from former residents has been encouraging. At each alumni gathering, a family of volunteers provides and serves a meal to the women and their children. After dinner, the volunteers engage the children in active play in the safety of our meeting space. While the children are at play, their mother’s meet with staff to discuss a specific topic in which they are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences. Sharing has been rich with past, present, and future implications for each woman.
M: What trends in domestic violence are you seeing in your private practice since 2020
and into 2022?
J: Although the calls for help decreased somewhat across the nation, the incidents of DV did not change. In my practice, there has been a twenty percent increase in client’s reporting that the isolation made things more difficult at home. Fear, anxiety, and depression were more troublesome in marriage relationships which interfered with the ability to maintain stable parenting methods and regulate intense emotions. The stress that parents and children felt from the worry and fears about the pandemic contributed to a loss of safety in the families seeking help from counseling professionals.
M: What would you say to a donor who is curious about the value of their giving?
J: There is no dollar value that can be placed on a life and legacy that’s transformed from near death experiences to a life that has found freedom from abuse in Christ’s sacrifice. We want our donors to know that their generous contributions are the lifeline for continuing our mission to free women and children from abuse so that they can reclaim their rightful legacy, mission, and purpose in Christ. We honor them before the Lord during the monthly Intercessory Prayer Team meetings. The Team prays specifically for donors and their families, for their needs to be met and their lives to be blessed with abundance.
“We are humbly aware that each donor is our partner in Christ to end the cycle of abuse.”
To simply say “Thank you” seems inadequate for expressing the deep gratitude we have for every donor. The value of their contributions is seen in the transformation of the women we serve. In my work with the women at TDP, I see first-hand the growth of their beauty, confidence, and faith in Christ during their stay in our homes. A visible change in their physical appearance together with a boldness ofaith shines through them as they acquire the knowledge and skills needed to live a life free from abuse.
M: Is there a particular story you would like to share?
J: The transforming power of Christ’s sacrifice is inherent in all we do and becomes apparent as each resident graduates our program to pursue life outside of TDP.
One resident recently shared that she will be pursuing a ministry degree to become equipped for helping other women caught in the cycle of abuse. She’s currently applying to be accepted in a seminary program while taking care of her small children, working a part-time job, and attending the programming at TDP. Her life is full of anticipation with hopes and dreams for the future she plans to provide for her children, yet she also worries about her husband who is soon to be released from prison.
Since my first day on staff in February, I have heard so many wonderful things about Jacquie and how she has immeasurably blessed The Dwelling Place for over 15 years. As I continue to learn more about this ministry, I am eager to continue getting to know Jacquie.
Meagan Struck
Development Director
