AWUM 2016-2017 Annual Report

PARTICIPANTS TESTIMONIALS “HOP (House of Peace, 24 hour shelter) is a place to improve yourself to become a strong person.”

“The staff are very caring. I feel safe when I’m in the shelter. They took care of us very well.

They are very helpful. The staff are always there for you.”

“They told me I am a winner and deserve better and can do better. They motivated me every step of the way. HOP is such a great place for all different women. They don’t discriminate.”

“It is a safe and hygienic place for women and children at risk. I liked the emotional support from the advocates, the director, and the food.

I was motivated to learn self-defense, driving, communicating the issue to others. Printing, scanning, and faxing documents there was helpful.”

“It was clean and respectful. Felt really safe.”

“I want to thank you for helping me for everything. Now, I have a new partner who loves and supports me.”

MISSION Asian Women United of Minnesota will end domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships within the Asian-Pacific Islander community.

VISION We are the leader in eliminating violence in the Asian-Pacific Islander community, and share the expertise of our best practices with others. Using the strengths of the API community, AWUM will uphold an environment free of violence, promote selfsufficiency for women, and foster nurtured and healthy children and families.

LET TER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Supporters and Friends: Asian Women United of Minnesota has weathered challenges and obstacles throughout its existence. The period of July 2016 through June 2017 was no exception.

During the last fiscal year, AWUM faced the loss of a key funder, who decided to eliminate all of its funding of domestic violence organizations. The loss was unexpected and abrupt and required the organization to adapt quickly to the change. During the months following the announcement, AWUM participated in many hours of strategy sessions and collaborative meetings with sister agencies and other prospective funders. The understanding and generosity of the Twin Cities philanthropic community and the creativity and persistence of local human service leaders was inspiring. Fortunately, AWUM was able to secure replacement funding for one year from a local foundation and participated in numerous community meetings and roundtables, which gave the agency positive exposure in the region. This experience sparked a renewed commitment to opening ourselves to partnerships and resources that may not have seemed possible just a year ago.

A highlight of 2017 was AWUM’s screening of the powerfully moving and visually captivating film, Light. With support from AWUM and other investors, artists Lenora Lee (San Francisco) and Tatsu Aoki (Chicago) created Light to share the real story of women trafficked from Asia to the United States in the early 20th century. Because AWUM provides shelter and advocacy to women who have been internationally trafficked, it is critical for us to understand the historical context of this issue. By publicly screening Light and offering space for a facilitated conversation on the topic, AWUM sought to expose a matter that has deep roots in our history and continues, sometimes “hidden in plain sight,” today.

Our most important constituents are, as always, the families with whom we work and the individuals who contribute their time, talent, and gifts to AWUM as we keep working toward ending domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships within the Asian-Pacific Islander community in Minnesota and beyond.

As always, we thank you for your interest in AWUM’s work, which would not be possible without your support.

Sincerely,

Claudia R. Waring, Executive Director

VO LUNT E E RS & INT ER NS (Feb. 2017) AWUM volunteers (L-R) Faryal, Sarah & Halle pictured here with the lanterns made by the children at AWUM’s House of Peace 24-hour emergency shelter. The lanterns were created in time to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Thanks to the children’s creations and to our amazing volunteers!

AWUM HIGHLIGHTS AWUM’S SHELTER DIRECTOR RECEIVED 2017 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD AWUM proudly congratulates our House of Peace’s Shelter Director, Sipra Jha, for being presented with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her outstanding service to crime victims in Minnesota. This award was given by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Office of Justice Programs on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 in Brainerd, MN. We are grateful to Sipra’s devotion and commitment to women and children. Many thanks to OJP for recognizing an exceptional citizen and her service in our community! Photo: Sipra Jha with Joann Jones (Training and Communications Director, Office of Justice Programs).

A big “Thank You!� to Girl Scout Troop 55268 for their donation of brand new socks and underwear!

These girls donated shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, lotion, and more for our House of Peace 24 hour emergency shelter residents. Thank you, Girl Scouts, for their kind and thoughtful efforts to help others in need! (Photos courtesy of Bao Moua)

AWUM HIGHLIGHTS IN-K IND D O N AT I O N S

(December 2016) Mom’s Stocking Project donated wonderful gift bags of goodies (toiletries, beauty products, etc.) for the House of Peace shelter participants.

Thank you, Mom’s Stocking Project!

In-Kind Donations

AWUM HIG (Feb. 2017) AWUM’s 24 hour emergency shelter, the House of Peace, received a grant from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless to purchase 24 new beds!

Thank you, Open Your Heart!

GHLIGHTS (June 2017) Blake School made a sweet donation of tote bags, books, blankets, travelsize toiletries, and stuffed animals for young shelter residents. Thank you, Blake School!

Report on Violence Against Asian Women and Children event at HAP (May 20, 2017) Empowering Communities: Support Healthy Families + End Domestic Violence, follow-up event to the Report on Violence Against Asian Women and Children in Minnesota, created by a working group formed at the request of the Minnesota Legislature, which AWUM was one of 10 partners. Event took place at Hmong American Partnership with speakers, discussion, lunch and artistic presentations by local performers!

AWUM HIGHLIGHTS Twin Cities Premiere of LIGHT, a film by Lenora Lee and Tatsu Aoki Hosted by AWUM, with support from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women and Cornerstone. The two screenings were held at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Health on Thursday, April 6, 2017.

Filmmakers Lenora Lee and Tatsu Aoki pose with student attendees at the film premiere.

Q&A Panel after first screening.

Panelists (R-L): Moderator Claudia Waring (AWUM Executive Director); Sipra Jha (AWUM Shelter Director); Lauren Ryan (MN Health Dept.

Safe Harbors Director); Tatsu Aoki (LIGHT Film Director); and Lenora Lee (LIGHT Film Producer & Choreography Director).

(R) Filmmaker Tatsu Aoki chatting with local artist Saymoukda Vongsay at the film premiere.

Candle light vigil at UMN with Alpha Phi Gamma AWUM joined Alpha Phi Gamma (APhiG) Sorority at the APhiG Speaks Candlelight Vigil / Taking a Vow event on Thursday, April 20, 2017 on the University of Minnesota Coffman Memorial Union Front Plaza. Each year Alpha Phi Gamma – U of MN hosts APhiG Speaks, a week-long series of activities and events dedicated to Alpha Phi Gamma’s philanthropy. One of the sorority’s commitments is raising awareness of domestic violence, including ending violence against women. Bravo to these amazing women, working together to promote safe and healthy relationships within the AsianPacific Islander community and beyond. AWUM is honored to partner with them!

AWUM HIGHLIGHTS AWUM FRO M THE HEA RT 2 0 1 6

On October 1, 2016 AWUM hosted its annual fundraiser, AWUM from the Heart, at the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis to support women and their children fleeing domestic violence. The evening included a powerful & heartfelt presentation by Jamie Chai, and a beautiful performance by the Korean Dance & Drum Group. Deepest thanks to all our guests and donors! (Photos: Ramesh Harjani)

H O U S E O F PEA C E (H O P ) Temporary emergency shelter Women’s support group & ELL (English Language Learner) classes Assistance in obtaining an Order for Protection (OFP) or Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) Assistance in filing for financial assistance & reparations claims Legal referrals for family and immigration law 24-hour multi-lingual crisis line Safety planning Children’s group activities

CO M M U NIT Y A DVO CA CY PR O G R A M (CA P) Legal (criminal & civil court) advocacy Sexual assault advocacy Assistance with immigration services On-going follow-up services Violence prevention & outreach in the API community Support groups in schools Training for service providers Community dialogues & education on domestic violence within the API communities

P A R T I C I P A N T S T OTALS H O U S E O F PEA C E (H O P ) 169 shelter residents (72 women & 97 children)

Support groups meetings: 43 for women & 97 for children

Therapy sessions: 37 for women & 9 for children

Volunteers/interns: 47 volunteers & 1 intern (1,473 hours total)

Crisis calls: 931

Resources calls: 550

CO M M U NIT Y A DVO CA CY PR O G R A M (CA P) 1,430 advocacy participants (1,149 women, 239 men & 42 children) Health fairs/booths: 73 visitors Trainings/presentations/groups: 415 attendees

GRANTS, CONTRACTS, FOUNDATIONS

City of Minneapolis: GTEAP (Grants to Encourage Arrest and Enforce Protection Orders: Office of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice) FR Bigelow Foundation Hennepin County – Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC) HRK Foundation Hennepin County Bar Foundation Otto Bremer Foundation Saint Paul Foundation State of Minnesota Office of Justice Programs WCA Foundation

F IN A N C I A L I N F O R MATION Support and Revenue Government Grants Contributions Other income (various sources) Total:

$ 862,253 $ 216,062 $ 17,140 $ 1,095,455

Government Grants (79%) Contributions (20%) Other income (2%)

Expense Program Services $ 845,984 Management and Administration $ 87,433 Fundraising $ 11,515 Total:

$ 944,932 Program Services (90%) Management and Administration (9%) Fundraising (1%)

ASS ETS Current Assets: $ 56,255 Cash $ 257,909 Accounts Receivable $ 42,301 Pledges receivable Prepaid Expenses Leasehold Improvements & Equipment - Net $ 90,088 Total Assets

$ 446,553

L I ABI LI TI E S & NET A S S ETS Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses Accrued Salaries & Vacation Refundable Advances

$ 2,864 $ 12,131 $ 37,497

Total Current Liabilities

$ 52,492

Net Assets: Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted

$ 311,334 $ 82,727

Total Net Assets

$ 394,061

Total Liabilities & Net Assets

$ 446,553

VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIAL

Ms. Leah Herder, Volunteer

“Serving as a volunteer at the House of Peace has been, and continues to be, an empowering experience. The dedicated and hardworking advocates at HOP create an environment of support, understanding, and safety. Volunteering at HOP has raised my own awareness of domestic violence issues and has inspired me to follow a career focused on sparking development and self-sustainability within communities of color.� (Photo courtesy of Leah Herder)

LEADERSHIP 2016/2017 FY Board of Directors Kris Arneson Regina Chu, Secretary Sue Cook, Treasurer Ruby Nguyen, President Arun Singh

2016/2017 FY Lead Staff Sipra Jha, Shelter Director Lucas (Louie) Munn, Facilities Supervisor Shoua Kong, CAP Lead Claudia R. Waring, Executive Director Nancy Wong, Communications Manager

2016/201 7 F IS CA L Y EA R IN D I VI D UA L CASH & IN-K IND D O N O RS Afagh Mohajeri Amy Isenor Amy Smith Ann Moore Ann Sullivan Anne & Michael Waring Anne Hines Brabec Arun Singh AWUM Participants Barb Ricci Bau Yang Bea Vue-Benson Bell State Bank & Trust Ben Pabich Benjamin Pooladian Bhavesh & Arati Damania Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre Breadsmith – Minnesota Brindha P. Sargunam Brooke Jee-in Newmaster Burlesque of North America Carolyn Larson Chiho Watanabe Christine Howard Christopher Haug Claudia Waring Comedy Sportz Twin Cities Connie M. Korman Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts Craig Steiner Dana Gillespie Dave & Judy Lucking Dawne Brown White Deepa Sethi Depot, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel

Douglas Wright Drs. Robyn Tabibi & Dain Meyer Duraikkannan Sundarackannan Emily Kor (Rouge Urban Salon & Boutique) Emily Youngdahl Wright Frances Tierney Gail Chang Bohr Gaoly Her Gerald J. Stahl Grace & Paul Wong Grace A. Wang Hana Jang & Family Hannah Tuggle Hays Companies Heather Shirey Hunter London Jacqueline Carter-Critten Jamie Chai Janet & Hartono Halim Jennifer Kim-Ardakani Jennifer Nguyen Jenny Taylor Joan Linck Jon Vang Joseph Stahl Ka Yang Karen Matthes Karl Starr Kathleen Sullivan Kathryn Mary Tierney & David Tierney Kathy Walen Kaylie Anderson Keen Eye Coffee (Ann Erickson) Kenneth Hayden

2016/201 7 F IS CA L Y EA R IN D I VI D UA L CASH & IN-K IND D O N O RS Kimberly Lund Kris Arneson Kris Solz Kristi Lahti-Johnson Kristine Arneson Leilah Abdennabi Lida Etemad Lowertown Wine & Spirits Lowry (blue Plate Restaurant Company) Lucas Munn Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Lynn & Mark Murphy Madhuri & Luke Shors Mai Ge Lor Mai Moua Mai Yia Her Mall of America Marcella Anderson Maryam Rettman Mea Hurley Melissa Chiodo Minnesota Twins Mr. Nguyen Nancy Lindberg Nancy Wong Nayana Jha Nhia Vang Nika Nguyen Niko Kubota-Armin Noman Ahmad Old Log Theatre, LLC Panu Her Lee & Jim Lee Park Square Theatre Phoua Lee (Phoua’s CupCake Creations) Private Donor

Raj M. Chaudhary Ramesh Harjani Razeena Shrestha Rebecca Milanovich Rebecca Saito Red Balloon Bookshop Regina Chu Rosario de la Torre & Rogelio Salinas Ruby Nguyen Ryan Jackson Sabrina Townsend Samira Samimi-Moore Sena Samaha Sencha Tea Bar Sesame Cafe Sharmistha Patnaik Sheng Thao Sipra Jha Sneha Saxena Sneha Singh Summer Youngs Susan Armington Susan Frenzel Suzanne Cook Tanni & Bhabani Misra Teng K. Lor Tia Vang Manning Timothy D. Savaloja Tousher Yang Tsua D. Xiong Willard W. & Jeanne Nelson Xiaoying Chen Yasmin Mehrotra Yvonne Olsen

AWUM, P.O. Box 6223, Minneapolis, MN 55406 24-Hour Crisis Line: 612.724.8823 Office phone: 612.724.0756 | Fax: 612.729.0660 Email: awum@awum.org | Website: www.awum.org Designed by Nan Sinchai | nansinchai.com