AWUM 2018 Annual Report

AWUM

Annual Report

Fiscal Year: July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018

Participants Testimonials “I feel comfortable and can stay calm.”

““…it all started with HOP providing a safe home for me and my son, to rest our heads and regain peace, and reminding that there is always hope. Thank you for directing me towards a new beginning to real life. I am still plowing away for there’s a lot yet to clean up.

I will keep you updated. Taking it a day at a time. ...I will still need you.”

“I feel safe, happier, and can sleep at night.”

M I SSI ON Asian Women United of Minnesota will end domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships within the AsianPacific Islander community.

VI SI O N 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.

Letter from the Executive Director Dear Supporters and Friends: Asian Women United of Minnesota (AWUM) is honored to be a part of a vibrant community of caring individuals and organizations who are committed to ending domestic violence; every year we gain friends and allies in our efforts.

During fiscal year 2017-18, AWUM saw an uptick in complicated cases involving immigration status and child custody – two areas that are inevitably fraught, especially in our current national climate. The challenges facing the women staying at our House of Peace and the individuals reached at neighborhood-based sites pushed AWUM to strengthen connections and alliances within the community.

This past year was one in which AWUM was grateful for the talent and tirelessness of local nonprofit legal services agencies and private attorneys who often worked pro bono or for drastically reduced fees. In addition, AWUM found itself in the position of offering creative solutions on how to best reach victims who were isolated by complex circumstances to local law enforcement. Both the “give” and the “take” evolved through painstaking trust-building over months and years, all to benefit the women and families who rely on AWUM’s services.

These new and renewed partnerships have increased demand for advocacy and shelter services and set high expectations for positive outcomes for people going through legal processes.

AWUM has been pleased to offer a culturally specific perspective and an advocacy angle to these important conversations. It is gratifying to develop true reciprocity with critical entities such as legal services and law enforcement.

AWUM’s role in multidisciplinary conversations is to bring survivors’ voices to the table when it is unsafe for them to speak openly. With every workshop, task force, committee, and class in which our staff participate, AWUM gains credibility and respect from a broader field of professionals and policymakers.

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

FY 2018 Highlights

Eagle Scout Troop Donors AWUM young supporter Donovann Bower and his Eagle Scout Troop (and an older U of MN sister who accompanied them) held a car wash in May 2018 to raise funds for a summer garden project at our House of Peace. In their own neighborhood, the youth washed approximately 50 cars and raised $601, earning well over their goal! With their raised funds, they purchased a rain barrel, supplies to build 2 compost bins, a bench, 2 lawn chairs, PVC pipes, and a couple of plants. Donovann and the other Eagle Scouts worked with Louie Munn, AWUM facilities manager, to install the rain barrel, compost bins, and the new fencing with PVC pipes for AWUM’s existing vegetable garden. The plants were placed under a tree in the perimeter of the shelter property. Bench and lawn chairs are put out during warmer seasons for residents to enjoy.

Thanks so much to Donovann and his troop-mates for helping to beautify our shelter and care for our vegetable garden. We appreciate your generous spirit and community leadership!

FY 2018 Highlights

Handmade Quilts Donation In May 2018, Sarah Lake (right) donated 25 gorgeous quilts to the House of Peace. Posed here with AWUM shelter director, Sipra Jha, Sarah dropped off the lovingly handmade functional works of art to benefit the women and children at our shelter. AWUM sincerely thanks Sarah for her generosity and care for women and children in need!

FY 2018 Highlights

Sewing Classes Donation Nancy Wellington, a trained seamstress, reached out to AWUM to offer sewing classes in our House of Peace shelter.

We welcomed this addition to our shelter programming as our participants expressed interest in it. Thus, with money inherited from her late mother, Nancy purchased 12 new sewing machines, several yards of unbleached cotton fabric, and numerous sewing supplies for the classes.

From October 2017 through March 2018, the women at the shelter truly enjoyed the weekly sewing classes. They found it very educational as they gained new skills from the experience. The women made pillowcases, which involved hemming and side seams; some made flannel or plush pajama bottoms, using a pattern for themselves and their children. One woman took a length of pretty fabric, cutting a neck hole, stitching the edge, sewing the sides together at the waist, and hemming it, creating an African style dress. Another started making a skirt! Needless to say, it was a successful class, which we owe many thanks to the generous donation of Nancy Wellington!

FY 2018 Highlights

AWUM From the Heart 2017 On October 5, 2017 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 performance by poet Kaja Vang, keynote by Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, and a Chinese lion dance by the Minneapolis Plum Blossom Martial Arts Center. Deepest thanks to them and all our guests and donors! (Photos: Ramesh Harjani)

FY2018 Volunteer/

Ms. Allison Malmsten, Volunteer “When I reflect back on my times at HOP, I remember heartwarming moments sharing meals and stories, festive holiday celebrations, and meaningful exchanges of culture. The advocates at HOP demonstrated compassion and determination to the fullest degree. I am convinced that these women have some of the biggest hearts in the Twin Cities. Not only has volunteering at HOP benefited me personally, it also proved to be a valuable experience professionally. From making phone calls on behalf of the women, to helping manage the shelter’s demographic data, HOP helped me sharpen a wide range of skills that are useful in any workplace. AWUM’s work is necessary in our community, I applaud the hardworking staff for creating a supportive environment for the families at HOP.”

Intern Testimonials

Ms. Pa Vang, Intern “As an MSW student from Augsburg University, interning at the House of Peace has been a powerful experience. I was able to engage directly with the women and children during their time of need. What was powerful was seeing the advocates and directors empowering the women to be self-sufficient. While interning there, I would often see advocates and directors go above and beyond to help women and their families. They stay true to their mission and vision statement of ending domestic violence; providing a safe environment for the women and their families; and promoting women to be self-sufficient. Interning at House of Peace has taught me to never give up on people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.�

FY2018 Volunteer/ Mr. Max Letterberger, Volunteer “Volunteering at AWUM was a unique joy.

The kids there were all very friendly, and playing outdoors with them was a blast!

The staff were also very friendly. It was a memorable experience.”

Ms. Mai Vang, Volunteer “I was taking a course on domestic violence and volunteering at House of Peace simultaneously. The hands-on experience at HOP— interacting with the participants, taking initial calls, and seeing how the advocates work— in addition to the readings and discussions from class really put things into perspective for me.

My experience at HOP opened my eyes to the complexity of the issue and has continued to inform my understanding of the intersectionality of many other issues in our community.”

Intern Testimonials Ms. Shiyeng Vang, Volunteer “As a volunteer at AWUM, I have gained great experiences that have shaped what I want to do with my major. Working at this shelter allowed me to be more aware of the importance of children and their experiences. I was blessed enough to work with women and their children to provide a safe and fun environment.

AWUM is a great non-profit that helps change the lives of women and children who are in danger. I am thankful to have found them.”

Ms. Linda Thao, Volunteer & Intern (now Staff) “Serving at the House of Peace has been both a blessing and privilege. I learned a lot from the advocates and hope to also embody their loving, caring, and hardworking nature. As a volunteer and intern, it felt amazing to know that my presence made a difference for the women and children I interacted with every day. Now, I feel excited and determined to pursue a profession where I am able to help families be safe and live happily.”

H O U S E OF PEACE (HOP) Temporary emergency shelter Women’s support group 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

AWUM

COMM U N IT Y A DVO C A C Y PR OG R A M (C A 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

FY2018 Participants Statistics House of Peace (HOP) 147 shelter residents (68 women & 79 children) Crisis calls: 682 Calls requesting resources: 331 Support group meetings: 60 for women & 81 for children Volunteers/interns: 34 volunteers & 5 interns (1886 hours total)

Community Advocacy Program (CAP) 666 advocacy participants (524 women, 98 men, 1 not identified gender & 43 youth/children) Health fairs/booths: 225 visitors Trainings/presentations/groups: 225 attendees

Leadership 2018 FY Board of Directors Kris Arneson, Member (Minneapolis Police Department)

Rebecca Chaffee, Member (Best Law) Regina Chu, Secretary (Hennepin County Court) Ruby Nguyen, Chair (University of Minnesota) Arun Singh, Treasurer (Ability Network)

2018 FY Lead Staff Sipra Jha, Shelter Director Shoua Kong, CAP Lead

Lucas (Louie) Munn, Facilities Supervisor Claudia R. Waring, Executive Director Nancy Wong, Communications Manager

Financial Information Support and Revenue Government Grants Contributions Other income (various sources) Total:

$ 849,327 $ 176,728 $ 56,512

16% 5%

$ 1,082,567

Expense Program Services Management and Administration Fundraising Total:

$ 905,748 $ 92,883 $ 11,583 $ 1,010,214

Assets Current Assets: Cash Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses Leasehold Improvements & Equipment - Net Total:

$ 180,902 $ 201,440 $ 36,901 $ 92,511 $ 511,754

Liabilities & Net Assets Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses Accrued Salaries & Vacation Refundable Advances Total Current Liabilities Net Assets: Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Total Net Assets Total Liabilities & Net Assets

$ 2,662 $ 5,501 $ 37,177 $ 45,340 $ 460,366 $ 6,048 $ 466,414 $ 511,754

9% 1%

79%

Grants, Contracts, Foundations:

90%

City of Minneapolis: GTEAP (Grants to Encourage Arrest and Enforce Protection Orders: Office of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice) Hennepin County - Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC) HRK Foundation Otto Bremer Foundation State of Minnesota Office of Justice Programs Minnesota State Arts Board Mary Kay Foundation Pohlad Foundation

2 01 8 FIS C A L YE A R IND I V I D U A L CASH & IN - K IN D DO NO RS : Ada & Mark Wong Afagh Mohajeri Aimee Aase Alicia Krampert Allison Malmsten Amy Eian Amy Isenor Amy Kenzie Ana Keller-Flores Angela Jones Flanaghan Angeline (Sokunthea) Heng Ann Sullivan Anne & Michael Waring Ashwini Naik Avery Reyes Bealtie Bau Yang Bea Vue-Benson Bhavesh & Arati Damania Bilal Karim Bjorn Portraiture Brindha P. Sargunam Britney Thao Carissa Goodwick Carol K. Arthur Celina Morgan Cheryl L. Jensen Choua Lee Christine Howard Christopher Haug Christopher Wernimont Claudia Waring Coffee House Press Color Wheel Gallery Connie M. Korman Craig Steiner Dana Gillespie Darrell Thompson David Murphy Diane Seep

Donovann Bower & Eagle Scout Troop E. Joseph LaFave Estelle M. Brouwer Fong Vang Frances Tierney Gail Chang Bohr Gerald J. Stahl Grace & Paul Wong Hadir Alshekarchy Hays Companies Health Source Hotel Ivy House of Peace participants Jack Moore James Hodges Jennifer Kim-Ardakani Jessica Hockley Joan Linck John Choi Joseph Stahl & Lida Etemad Joshua Grooters Kalia Thor Kari Willey Karl Starr Kathleen Sullivan Kathryn Mary Tierney & David Tierney Kathy Walen Kathy Yang Kian & Eddie Glenn Kimberly J. Anthenat Kris Solz Krissy McIntyre Kristi Lahti-Johnson Kristine Arneson Kristine McIntyre Lake Wine & Spirits Laura Smith

Leah Herder Leeann Chin Restaurant Liam J. Moore Lillian Getzewich Linda Thao Lucas Munn Lucinda Pepper Luna Liu Lynda Hinrichs Maddie (Madeleine) Maroney Mahtab Rezai & James Church Mai Moua Mai Te Xiong Mai Vang Lee Mai Zouag Yang MaiXi Lee Maizouag Vang Malone’s Bar & Grill (Maple Grove) Mark N. Muller Mary Helmin Mary-Clare Bates Matt Oxford Maureen Faber Max Lettenberger May Vang Michaela Ronyak Mishy Wang Molly Schwartz Mui Ly Nancy Lindberg Nancy Wellington Nancy Wong Neelam & Arun Singh Northrup Auditorium (U of MN) Pa Vang Panu Her Lee & Jim Lee Patrick Tanis Patrick’s Bakery & Cafe Patsy Thayieng Pritika Chowdhry Rachel Flaherty Raj M. Chaudhary

Rebecca Chaffee Rebecca McLane Rebecca Milanovich Rebecca Saito Regina M. Chu Robyn Tabibi & Dain Meyer Rosario de la Torre & Rogelio Salinas Sabrina Townsend Salima Khakoo Samira Samimi-Mooore Sarah Kuboushek Sarah Lake Sati Jha Savita & Ramesh Harjani Selina Jue Sun Shana Sniffen Shelley Johnson Cline Sheng Thao Sherry Tibbitts Shirley Slagle Shiyeng Vang Shoua Kong Sia Thao Sigma Psi Zeta Sipra Jha Sita K. Dash Solei Christopher Sportsradar Stacy Moua Tanni & Bhabani Misra Tapestry Folkdance Center The Blake School The Cove The Woman’s Club of Mpls Timothy D. Savaloja TU Dance Willard W. & Jeanne Nelson Yamini Jha-Korman & Dan Korman Yasmin Mehrotra Yvonne Olsen

Thank You

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