CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF NEW BEGINNINGS
19,990 PEOPLE BENEFITTED FROM AVDA’S SERVICES IN 2020 AVDA’s mission is to end family violence by advocating for the safety and self-determination of victims, promoting accountability for abusers and fostering a community response to abuse.
LETTER FROM MAISHA COLTER, CEO Dear Friends of AVDA,
What a year! 2020 marked the 40th anniversary for AVDA, and while we had plans to commemorate the four decades of service to the greater Houston community through our mission to end abuse, COVID had other plans for us. Despite Stay Home Orders, quarantine and social distancing, our staff provided continuous service – touching the lives of nearly 20,000 victims, children, abusers and collaborative partners through our programs and services. Through the generosity of donors, and foundations, AVDA’s kept our 45+ person staff employed. The team transitioned to a remote work environment in March 2020 and returned to a two-day per week in–person work setting in July.
AVDA was met with an outpouring of support from volunteers who wanted to find a way to support our work. AVDA’s staff conducted remote volunteer orientations and trainings, and in 2020 over 1000 volunteer hours were donated to AVDA representing 25 weeks’worth of time. This marked a 200% increase in the number of volunteer hours from 2019.
While the year was different than planned, I am proud of the way we were able to meet the challenges and obstacles presented in 2020. I am touched by the commitment of our staff. While dealing with their own tumultuous personal lives that were disrupted as a result of COVID, they continued to live out our mission and meet the needs of our clients. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the key program accomplishments from 2020 outlined below. Again, on behalf of the team, our Board and the clients we serve, thank you for your commitment to AVDA . With gratitude,
Maisha Colter, JD, MSW CEO
PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS & KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM 2020 ••
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Thanks to Clear Channel Outdoor and the Texas Bar Foundation, AVDA launched our 40th Anniversary Billboard Campaign with a press conference to kick off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. State Senator Carol Alvarado; Houston Police Assistant Chief H.R. Morris; Lee Vela, Vice President of Public Affairs; Clear Channel Outdoor Americas Houston; and former AVDA client Dr. Rebecca Berens joined AVDA CEO Maisha Colter. With the increase in severity of domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic, this victim-centered campaign reached thousands who have not yet broken the cycle of abuse, letting them know help is available. AVDA volunteer and Board member, Mark Russell was recognized in December by the Houston Texans Foundation as a Community Quarterback for his exemplary leadership, dedication and commitment to AVDA. Mark received a surprise notification from Toro at home and was recognized during theTexans game.
• The Young Friends of AVDA, Metroclean, S.M.O.O.O.T.H and longtime supporter Quasar Data Center donated gifts for nearly 120 children of AVDA’s clients. AVDA hosted a “stop and shop” day for our clients in Fort Bend and Downtown to pick
Chronicle, Univision 45, Estrella-TV and Fox 26 News. AVDA’s Legal Advocacy and Battering Intervention and Prevention Programs were featured in a photo essay by The New York Times in July discussing the effects of bystander trauma.
out two to three gifts for each of the children. AVDA’s volunteers helped clients pick out their gifts and wrapped all of them so clients could have gifts fully ready to go for the holidays!
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AVDA hosted its first virtual volunteer orientation in May, and in 2020, trained nearly 100 new volunteers. These volunteers provide critical support to AVDA’s Family Violence Program, Battering Intervention Program and Legal Advocacy Program and provided over 1,000 hours of service. In honor of AVDA’s 40th anniversary, AVDA hosted a virtual 40th Anniversary Open House for Service Providers in July attended by nearly 100 participants. The presentation was kicked off by AVDA’s Founding Mothers Rhonda Gerson, Dr. Toby Myers and Deedee Ostfeld, who discussed how the National Council of Jewish Women Houston Section launched AVDA back in 1980 and the incredible strides made in the 80’s for victims’ rights. With an unprecedented rise in incidents of family violence and increased fatality, AVDA’s staff continued to educate and empower the Houston community. AVDA’s CEO, Maisha Colter, discussed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on domestic violence victims on media platforms like National Public Radio, Houston Public Media, Houston
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In June, AVDA was invited for the sixth year, to engage the incoming Houston Texans rookie players in a conversation about domestic violence. AVDA’s BIPP and Community Awareness and Prevention Program staff gave this year’s presentation online with players and coaching staff. The importance of social change, the cycle of family violence, types of abuse (emphasizing sexual, technological and economic) and bystander intervention were covered.
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While outreach looked different for AVDA’s Community Awareness and Prevention Program, the outreach team continued to provide meaningful presentations to law enforcement, first responders, health care workers and more. AVDA’s Outreach Director served on a panel in July for a conference hosted by the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia. This webinar was seen all around the world and included participants in Austria, Indonesia and Washington, D.C. plus members of Houston’s own Indonesian community.
ABOUT AVDA
AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) is a nonprofit organization that has served the Greater Houston community for more than four decades, remaining steadfast in its mission to end family violence by advocating for the safety and self-determination of victims, promoting accountability for abusers, and fostering a community response to abuse. 1 in 3 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime
AVDA SERVICES
LEGAL ADVOCACY PROGRAMS
AVDA offers a holistic approach to ending abuse so that clients may truly begin again through victim advocacy, legal representation, and trauma counseling.
VICTIM ADVOCACY SERVICES
In 2020
AVDA’s Legal Advocacy Programs served
4,981
adult and child victims of domestic violence, helping
1,885
survivors through the legal process.
$2.1 m
was awarded to survivors through AVDA representation. The Battering Intervention and Prevention Program served
843
abusers through intervention counseling. The Community Awareness and Prevention Program had an impact on
14,166
adults and youth through prevention programming.
AVDA’s bilingual victim advocates provide survivors of domestic violence with free safety planning, crime victims’ compensation application assistance, intake for legal services, needs assessment, crisis intervention, referrals for other social services, and emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and clothing. Clients are also eligible for training and education funding through AVDA’s scholarship funds.
LEGAL REPRESENTATION AVDA’s nine staff attorneys and nine paralegals provide domestic violence survivors with free legal representation for protective orders, divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption (in cases of parent fatality) in Austin, Grimes, Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, and Washington counties. Protective orders have no income requirement while divorce and child custody/support cases are accepted for survivors with low to moderate income. AVDA’s “working poor” program is for survivors who earn too much to qualify for free, traditional legal aid.
TRAUMA COUNSELING AVDA’s licensed, bilingual trauma counselors provide group counseling as well as individual counseling for child and adult survivors to address the emotional impact of abuse. AVDA’s education-based support group for survivors is open to voluntary and mandated clients. All trauma counseling services are free.
BATTERING INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION PROGRAM AVDA’s nationally acclaimed, fully accredited Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP) is an 18-week, group counseling program focused on personal growth and accountability to change abusive behavior. It is for both men and women who have been violent, abusive, and/or controlling in their intimate or family relationships. AVDA facilitates groups located across Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Montgomery counties with separate groups for men (in English and Spanish) and women.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND PREVENTION PROGRAM AVDA believes that we can end family violence through community awareness and teaching our young people about healthy relationships to prevent abuse. AVDA outreach efforts include training social service providers and law enforcement, participating in resource fairs, and presenting to adults. AVDA provides youth abuse prevention and education in schools and juvenile justice programs across the region at no cost to the community.
HOME SAFE HOME GALA 2020
Home Safe Home Gala chairs, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, pictured with Board Member, Meredith Marshall, enjoy their chef’s tasting dinner in the private dining room at Potente.
In a year unlike any other, AVDA hosted a Home Safe Home Gala unlike any of our previous galas! More than 400 guests stopped by Minute Maid Stadium to pick up a delicious four–course meal prepared by Potente’s Executive Chef Danny Trace at AVDA’s 15th Home Safe Home Gala, held on October 14, 2020. Guests participated in a live-streamed program filmed from Minute Maid Stadium including a Big Board, paddle’s up appeal, overview of AVDA’s programming and the impact of AVDA’s services from former client, Dr. Rebecca Berens. The live-streamed program also gave supporters the chance to applaud the work of three honorees. The Joseph D. Jamail Award for Justice was presented to Dori Kornfeld Goldman, partner at Yetter Coleman LLP, for her outstanding commitment in her work with the Texas foster care system. Tony Bradfield received AVDA’s Heart of Houston Award for his exemplary service to Houston and its citizens through legendary dedication to worthy causes and transformational leadership in creating a safer, healthier, robust community. An inaugural award, the Faithful Founders, was presented to the National Council of Jewish Women Houston Section for the key role they played in the formation of AVDA 40 years ago in 1980.
Through the generous support of the Astros Foundation, Potente, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Memorial Hermann, Bank of Texas, Decode, Frost Bank, Sequent Energy Management, Schlanger Silver, Tenenbaum and Westside Lexus, AVDA surpassed its goal. The night ended in a great success with supporters and corporate partners helping raise $429,590 towards AVDA’s mission to end abuse!
Volunteers helped pack and distribute over 400 four-course meals with wine to Home Safe Home Gala guests through a drive-thru pick-up line, pictured above.
Astros Foundation Executive Director and Board Member Twila Carter with AVDA CEO Maisha Colter greeted guests at Minute Maid Park.
Potente’s Executive Chef Danny Trace and his team prepared four-course meals including their famous Spaghetti al Tartufo Nero.
Steve Winter, AVDA Board Chair, picks up his entrees from Minute Maid Park.
2020 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Assets
Revenue
Cash Restricted Cash Investments
Grants Client Fees Donations In-kind Donations Restricted Contributions Gala/Special Events Dividend/Interest Income Other income
$ 1,525,878 342,842 101,928 14,761 794,984 547,004 84,525 2,550
Total Revenue
$ 3,414,472
$ 1,592,976 24,962 2,285,151 Grants and Promises to Give Receivable 692,413 Prepaid Expenses 54,385 Propery & Equiptment 80,958 Total Asset
$ 4,730,845
Liabilities Accounts Payable Payroll Liabilities Refundable Advance
$
Total Liabilities
$
36,910 4,375 91,285
Equity Fund Balance Net Income Total Equity Total Liabilities & Equity
$ 4,767,469 (127,909) 4,639,560 $ 4,730,845
Expenses Family Violence Program $ 1,820,118 Legal Advocacy Program 385,593 Battering Intervention & Prevention Program 558,303 Community Awareness & Prevention Program 398,858 Total Program Expenses 3,162,872 Fundraising 295,140 Management & General $ 84,369 Total Support Services Expenses
379,509
Total Expenses
$ 3,542,381
Total Changes in Net Assets
$ (127,909)
Steve Winter Chair ASTOUNDZ Carla Diaz-Lewis Secretary Community Volunteer Michelle Tran Treasurer Berkley Research Group, LLC Bethany Andell Savage Brands Afolabi Arikenbi CPA, FCCA, Amazon Dawn Callahan City of Houston, Mayor’s Office Jennifer Caras Schlanger Silver Twila Carter The Astros Foundation Carter Dugan Norton Rose Fulbright Joey Fisher, MD, MPH Baylor College of Medicine Antonio Gianola Houston Wine Merchant Leisa Holland-Nelson ASTOUNDZ
45%Grants
2% Other
93¢
of every dollar spent benefitted AVDA’s clients
Amy Huggins Community Volunteer Meg Kamin Spencer Stuart Meredith Marshall Community Volunteer
27 Donations %
Kathleen McAllister Community Volunteer Katherine Cabaniss Parsley Community Volunteer Stephen Post Fullenweider Wilhite
10% Client Fees 16%Gala/Special Events
Christina Stith Tenenbaum Jewelers Don Woo Mission Constructors
THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 DONORS $200,000+
Dan L Duncan Foundation Office of the GovernorVictims of Crime Act Texas Access to Justice Foundation Texas Department of Criminal Justice/ Community Justice Assistance Division
$100,000+
The Laura and John Arnold Foundation Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Houston Endowment Inc. Lone Star Legal Aid Bobbie Nau Texas Health and Human Services Commission United Way of Greater Houston
$50,000+
Astros Foundation The Simmons Foundation
$25,000+
Vanessa and Chuck Ames Karen and Buster Freedman The George Foundation Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation Metroclean Commercial Building Services The Permanent Endowment Fund of Moody Methodist Church Office of the Attorney General- Other Victim Assistance Grant Vitol Foundation
$15,000+
The Brown Foundation Congregation of the Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word Halliburton Foundation, Inc. Ben and Meredith Marshall National Council of Jewish Women Sylvia and Mark Russell Sequent Energy Management
$10,000+
Amazon Houston Texans Foundation The Medallion Foundation Memorial Hermann Foundation Amy and Rob Pierce Jordan and Dylan Seff Sheridan and John Eddie Williams
$5,000+
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation Bank of Texas Debi and Michael Barrett Juliet Breeze Parul Das Carter and John Dugan Joey and Ron Fisher Frost Bank Adam and Dori Goldman H-E-B Houston Young Lawyers Foundation Carla Diaz-Lewis and Kenneth J. Lewis Elizabeth and Jesse Libby Kathleen McAllister Beth and Jon McKay Trini & O.C. Mendenhall Foundation Jeri and Marc Shapiro Marguerite Swartz Leah and Brandon Taubman Texas Bar Foundation Stephanie and Frank Tsuru Paula and Steve Winter
$2500+
Norman Abramovich Heather and Max Bulk Kathleen and Nick Perley Angie and Will Deupree Jen and Ben Fink Fort Bend Crime Victim Response Team Martha and Donald Freedman Lynn Kamin and Marcel Gremillion H-E-B Tournament of Champions Houston Health Foundation Amy and Bo Huggins Meg and Preston Kamin Sarah and Mark Knysh Brooke and Kevin Lee
Jess and Brian Leeke Calvin F Leeke Velva and Fred Levine Sheila and Norman Loewenstern Ashleigh and Phillip Love Rebecca Marie Marshall Stacy and Michael Medrano Memorial Drive Presbyterian Lisa Modica Natalie and Steve Mohtashami Next Level Urgent Care Katherine and Brian Parsley Courtney and Stephen Post Stablewood Properties Paige and David Rockecharlie Rachel and David Roosth Sonnie Schepps Rani Russell Shea Jill and Frank Stagg George W. Strake, Jr. Michelle Tran Ede and Dr. Bruce R. Weiner Westside Lexus Westwood Management Don Woo Yetter Coleman LLP
$1,000+
Dorothy and Mickey Ables Pam and Terry Andrus The Allstate Foundation Sheila Aron Astros Golf Foundation Honor and Mark Baggett Olga Balboa Steve Barth Stuart Bates Binz Building Ranveig and Brett Borland Leisa Holland-Nelson and Bob Bowman Alexandra and Rich Bruskoff Cadence Bank Maisha Colter Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston Leslie and Bradley Davis Julie and Clay Davis Andrew De Luna Vada and Stephen Earnest Lisa and Eric Elder Margaret and TJ Farnsworth Rose Goals Foundation Inc. Pam and Keith Fullenweider Function4
Rhonda and Paul Gerson Kristy and Darren Giron Good Earth Foundation Maria Elena and Gregory Grannen Houston Area Women’s Center Houston NFL Holdings, LP Russell Joseph Gloria and Frank Kalman Malini and Jonathan Katzen Sherri Kendall Glenda and Dan Kirshbaum The Krist Foundation Barbara and Barry Lewis Lyondell Chemical Company Kimberly and Scott Martin Ginni and Richard Mithoff Matthew James Monday Karen Nicolaou Alicia Nuzzie Dylan Osborne Deedee Ostfeld Anup Patel Annsley and Christopher Popov Quasar Paula Reid John Rose Schlanger, Silver, Barg and Paine Debbie and David Simon Barbara Winthrop and Jay Steinfeld The Studio FORM Andrea and Peter Sullivan Shane Treleaven Lindzey and Eric Winter Sherri Zucker
$500+
Alkek & Williams Foundation Bethany Andell Anonymous Russell W Ballato Nan Banks Jennifer and Jason Caras Donae and Rob Chramosta George Connelly Constellation Julia and H. Fred Cook Deana and Mark Day JoAnn Edds Barbara and Rael Elk Greybird Foundation Courtney and Eric Haas Terry Hausner Gregory Hawthorne Houston SECC Sara and Brad Howell
AVDA // 1001 Texas Ave., Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77002 // 713.224.9911 // avda-tx.org
Jessica Howell Jill and Ewing King Diane Kingshill Joseph A Kornfeld Marshall Lang Sabria and Kevin Lewis Laura Liang Bonnie and Larry Likover Bruce Lundstrom William Harris McGrath Gary and Janet Mead Andrea and Henry Medina Noemi Montejo Danny Morales Todd and Walker Newbury Kim Ogg Donna Orrico Wanda Pan Pradeep Panketh Kathleen and Nick Perley Joseph Radzwill Chris Robertson Stacey Dawn Rubain Carolyn Sabat Jennifer and Robert Shults Ruby K. Sondock Rima and Ryan Soroka St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Jenny Stadler Bruce Stein David and Beverly Sufian Ron Walker Martha and Walter White Kenneth Whitehouse Denise Wolf
Ana Lee and Marc Jacobs Gaye Johnson Carolyn and Jay Kaplan Delores S. Krakower Suzanne and Michael Krakower Stacie Lefkowitz Leorah and Jack Levin Kelley and Steve Lubanko David MacDonald Dena McClure Kathy McCoy Jordan McDonough Chaitanya Mehra Anne Neeson Nimish D. Patel Randall Petrick Suzanne and Nathan Post Aisha Savoy Lisa Colket Schrimsher Sheryl Sculley Jacqi and Jean Stahl Tessa and Danny Trace Stefanie and Mark Trachtenberg Patricia Turner United Way of Greater Cincinnati Hallie Abercrombie Vanderhider Meghan Verikas Doug and Judy Warne Emilee Dawn Whitehurst
$250+
Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar Angela Fabbri Ara Malekian Benjy’s Bill Heuer/iHost Poker Carrie Baird Hopi Tepees Houston Dairymaids Jeremiah Bacon Jordan and Dylan Seff Keith Poole Luca Manfè Marcia Smart/Smart in the Kitchen Natalie and Steve Mohtashami Potente Richard Magee Roost/Kevin Nadiri Taste of Texas True Craft Market and Catering Uchi Vintage Contessa & Times Past
Sofia Adrogué Amazon Smiles Kathy and David Ambrose Kimberly & Dimitri Ang Anonymous Elizabeth Bender Cathy Borlenghi Scott Brown Katy and Paul Clarke Jacquelyn Creath Katie Deal Geyer and Erik Dybesland J Randolph Ewing Gina and Peter Faucetta Suzy Filbert Anissa and Reid Friedman Jill and Jim Gibson Steven Edward Goerner Amanda Gonzalez Sebastian and Amy Good Tami and Mike Hanks Theresa Sandoval and Dr. Travis Hanson Jake Herd Caroline Baker and Robert B. Hurley
In-Kind