Coffee with Chrysalis provides an opportunity to learn and engage with local experts about timely issues impacting girls and women in Greater Des Moines. Future coffees will be planned to address relevant topics, and we welcome your ideas for subjects and speakers.

upcoming coffee with chrysalis events

• Friday, July 14, 2023 - 8:30-9:30 am - Addressing Burn Out in Adults working with Youth, Julie Larson, LCSW
• Friday, August 11, 2023 - 8:30-9:30 am
• Friday, October 13, 2023 - 8:30-9:30 am

If you have suggestions for future Coffee with Chrysalis topics or speakers, please email us. Thank you. 

Past Coffee with Chrysalis Events

what you need to know about SANEs

Friday, December 9, 2022 - 8:30-9:30 am 
Sara Hulen, Sexual Assault Forensic Response Coordinator

rsvp

Join us as we learn about the importance of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, how to access Iowa’s SANE services when needed, and the positive impact this program has had on Iowa's response to sexual assault and abuse. Coffee will be provided and there is no cost to attend. 

___________

In 2010, the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported:

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will experience rape, and
• 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men will experience sexual violence other than rape at some time during their life

These rates are significantly higher for American Indian and Alaska Native women as well as persons with disabilities. Often, these incidents are not reported or appropriately addressed.

The 2021 Iowa Legislature created the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program to tackle this critical problem, and Sara Hulen was hired last January to head the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program across the state.

What is a SANE? it is a registered nurse who completed additional education and training to provide timely, comprehensive, and trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual assault. SANEs collect evidence (known as “rape kits”) for possible use in investigation or court, evaluate and treat patients appropriately and accordingly, and may testify in court as a fact or expert witness.

juneteenth - what it means to me

Friday, June 17, 2022 - 8:30-9:30 am 
Dwana Bradley

Learn about Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States, and Iowa's observation of this important holiday. Dwana Bradley, Iowa Juneteenth General Chairperson, will provide information and lead our discussion. Coffee will be provided and there is no cost to attend. 

rsvp

the experience of afghan women and other refugees in iowa

Friday, January 21, 2022 - 8:30-9:30 am 

Learn about the refugee crisis resettlement of refugees in Iowa and the particular challenges faced by the rapid resettlement of Afghan women and their families. Stephanie Moris, Executive Director, Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa, will provide information and lead discussion on this important topic. No cost to attend; masks are required.

thank you to those who were able to join us for coffee with chrysalis.

We encourage you to share what you learned with your family, friends, and colleagues. 

We will continue to hold the supply drive specifically collecting undergarments and sanitary pads for the Afghan women refugees and gently used winter gear for ALL family members (see associated links). 

Additional resource: Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa 

donation drive

1. Donate undergarments and sanitary products using the Chrysalis Support for Afghan refugees Amazon Wish List. 

2. Make a monetary donation to Chrysalis here. 

3. Gather gently used winter gear for ALL family members and email us to arrange a drop-off or pick-up.