July 1, 2023June 30, 2024
“I appreciate the shelter and staff. Sipra was the most wonderful person for helping me with my legal case. There are no words to describe my appreciation to everyone. The shelter got my daughter and me feeling safe, and my daughter was able to be more happy.”
“Everyone was nice and helpful. I and my children were most thankful for the food, support, and keeping us safe.”
“I was a newly single and struggling mother of four, escaping an abusive ex-husband. I was afraid of him, money was tight, we were homeless and didn’t know where else to turn to for help. With the help from Bau and Asian Women United, I was able to secure an apartment, afford a lawyer, begin therapy, and received emotional support throughout the entire process. Because of Bau and AWUM, I have gained strength, confidence, safety and security, and have been able to move forward successfully in life with my kids. Thank you, truly, for everything they have done for us.”
“I’m a single mother of an autistic child trying to hide from my child’s father. I had no type of help or resource of what I was doing and in the situation I was in. If it wasn’t for Asian Women United and the help of Bau I would have never been where I am today. With their help I was able to get a deposit for my new place and they also offered Christmas gifts, and so many more to support me and my child.
I got the help I needed to file for a restraining order. Now my child and I are safe. I can’t thank the agency enough.”
Asian Women United of Minnesota will end domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships within the Asian-Pacific Islander community and beyond.
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.
Dear Friends and Supporters:
As Asian Women United of Minnesota (AWUM) reflects on its previous fiscal year (July 1, 2023June 30, 2024), we are reminded of a significant period of transition and adaptation for both society and our organization. The post-pandemic world required much reinvention and flexibility in how people and institutions connect and collaborate, especially for those of us that prioritize community support and empowerment.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence more than ever before. The response during the pandemic took herculean efforts from direct service providers on the ground. During the last year, AWUM’s focus was to put its energy into figuring out funding for stopgap measures like hotel placements, and more funding to establish permanent housing solutions. We labored tirelessly with our sister shelters in the Twin Cities to secure hotel rooms to lessen the risks posed by living in crowded shelters or in unsheltered and unsafe situations, ensuring to provide full-fledged advocacy to our participants.
Claudia Waring, our Executive Director at the time, worked on securing the Pohlad Foundation’s Housing Stability Direct Impact grant, aimed at supporting families before they fall into homelessness. This grant opportunity increased the options available to move unhoused families into stable homes. As reported in our 2022-2023 Annual Report, our capacities were further expanded and strengthened in assisting such families with the hiring of a full-time housing advocate. And, of course, AWUM’s continued partnership with ZACAH to provide safe transitional housing for women and children post shelter life, has been a vital element in the ecosystem needed to assist many survivors of genderbased violence.
After 14 years of stalwart service, Claudia Waring voluntarily resigned her position as AWUM’s Executive Director. We express our deepest appreciation for her notable leadership. Moving forward, as the interim Executive Director, my plan is to develop a roadmap for AWUM to evaluate the priorities that position us towards advancing our work to end domestic violence. Leadership transition and succession planning, as well as uninterrupted critical services and safe space for the women and children in our communities are top on the list of the priorities. During this transition period, we strive to continue to deliver effective and impactful programming that truly aligns with our mission and goals.
AWUM’s volunteer Board of Directors has generously provided their time, expertise, and invaluable perspective during this year of leadership change and transition. We gratefully acknowledge each of them for their time, input, guidance, and investment in the organization. I wish to personally recognize our amazing staff who have been indefatigable in their service to aid families working towards a life free of violence. Thank you deeply.
Finally, we thank you, our friends and supporters, for our collaboration in the work to build and nurture families and communities that are safe and healthy for all.
Sincerest thanks,
Sipra Jha
Interim Executive Director & Shelter Director
August 2023
AWUM held our 12th annual gala, AWUM from the Heart, on August 30, 2023 at the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis. It was a gorgeous evening of special connections with new and long-time friends. We are grateful for the time we spent together. We had the talented and spectacular Cydi Like the City accompanied by the musical genius Mayda Miller shower us with their performance. The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis staff made this year, and every year, top-notch. We acknowledge every guest and donor for making our annual fundraiser a success. Thank you!
Photos by Thaiphy Phan-Quang
Each year AWUM participates in the annual statewide fundraiser, Give to the Max Day. The yearly event is held on a Thursday each November and in 2023 on November 16th, donors gave over $6,000 to AWUM, surpassing our goal of $2,500! We requested donations for our emergency shelter’s maintenance and repairs. Shortly after the event, we, unexpectedly, found ourselves needing to replace several mattresses and box springs. The timely contributions went directly to cover those costs. Thanks to our supporters for helping us to serve families hurt by domestic violence, partnering to provide a haven for those who need it most.
December 2023
Children residents at our House of Peace created artwork using their hands and paints. The message in this collection is “hands are not for hitting.” Monetary donations & gifts of art supplies allow us to ensure that the arts are an integral part of our shelter programming for youngsters. The families appreciate such donations.
AWUM Team
December 2023
The AWUM team took time to commemorate the end of the year and hosted a winter holiday soirée. We intentionally chose a locally owned venue for this event reflecting our goal of promoting Asian women. We were excited to have celebrated at the gorgeous restaurant, Khâluna in south Minneapolis. Many thanks to Chef Ann Ahmed for personally welcoming us and thanks to her incredible staff who made sure our evening was special and memorable. Suong was the perfect host for us that night. And of course, the dinner was divinely delectable and visually stunning. We loved our time together. Thank you, Payton (Khâluna’s events coordinator) for helping us finish 2023 with such a wonderful experience. Our winter holiday celebration was made possible by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota through their Rest Up Award. Gigantic thanks to the MN Women’s Foundation for this gift!
January 6, 2024
Many thanks to the RGK DANCE ACADEMY for their 20th Anniversary gala, Pursuit of Happiness, a Bollywood Dance Drama production that took place on September 30, 2023. AWUM was the nonprofit organization selected as the 2023 beneficiary from the event’s profits. The gala generated a $5,000 cash gift, which was presented on January 6, 2024 to our Shelter Director, Sipra Jha. We send sincerest appreciation to the RGK Dance Academy and their supporters!
A selection of the furniture at the House of Peace was repainted in the spring of 2024. Our dedicated and handy Facilities Supervisor, Lucas (Louie) Munn, did a fantastic job of updating our heavily used furniture pieces in the shelter. Here are some before & after photos. Great job, Louie!
AWUM staff took part in the annual Action Day at the Minnesota State Capitol to advocate for crime victim survivors and services funding. The theme focus for this day in 2024 was: Invest in Survivors. Action Day was hosted by six crime victims coalitions: Violence Free Minnesota, Mending the Sacred Hoop, MN Coalition Against Sexual Assault, MN Alliance on Crime, MN Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition, and MN Children’s Alliance. AWUM was proud to be a part of this annual event.
Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declared May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This proclamation celebrates AAPI arts, social services and businesses, and recognizes AAPI accomplishments ensuring that AAPI cultures, histories and stories are seen and heard. The Commissioners acknowledged specific organizations (AWUM being one of them!) that have made tremendous contributions to the Ramsey County community. These organizations were nominated by the Ramsey County Asian Descent Network (ADN). Hao Nguyen, AWUM’s Board President and Ramsey County Attorney, is also a member of ADN and represented AWUM at the proclamation event. Thank you, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, Ramsey County Asian Descent Network, and Hao for this recognition.
June 2024
During the summer months, AWUM Facilities Supervisor Lucas (Louie) Munn planted amazing vegetables, herbs and flowers at our House of Peace shelter. The veggies & herbs were delicious, and the flowers cheered our hearts. Thanks, Louie!
Each year AWUM receives many in-kind donations from local community members. Below are some of the contributions received. Thank you to the thoughtful and generous donors from around the Twin Cities.
November 2023
Many thanks to Beautopia Hair in Eden Prairie for their donation of dozens of designer hairspray. Our program participants appreciate the hair product!
November 2023
The Edina High School (EHS) Asian American & Pacific Islander Union student club focuses on creating a safe & accepting environment for the Asian American & Pacific Islander community at EHS. The student club hosted a drive to gather resources and donated various essential supplies, including some warm throw blankets for AWUM. These much-needed items for the women and children at the House of Peace, and in our Community Advocacy Program, were greatly welcomed. Thank you to all the students, teachers, staff & their families at EHS!
THE CAKE BOX BAKERY
November & December 2023
Deepest thanks to Roxanne, owner/ executive baker at The Cake Box Bakery in New Hope for her monthly cake donations for our shelter participants. Roxanne, you & your team, make sure the children & women at the emergency shelter can celebrate birthdays with a delicious cake each month. All of us at the House of Peace are so grateful!
February 2024
Mina & Sofia’s local Bahá’í children’s class collected baby diapers, wipes, towels, bedding, and other assorted items from AWUM’s wish list. Mina & Sofia, longtime friends of AWUM, pose with some of their class’s recent donations, which was organized to celebrate Ayyám-i-Há, a Bahá’í holiday season involving service, gift-giving, fellowship, and preparation for the Bahá’í Fast for those between the ages of 15-70. AWUM loves it when youngsters find meaningful ways to serve the community. Thank you so much!
April 2024
Members of the Alpha Phi Gamma (APhiG), MGC sorority at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, hosted a philanthropy event on campus, asking AWUM advocate Maitzeng (L) to talk about AWUM’s mission and services. Many thanks to the APhiG sorority sisters for the donation of these adorable no-sew blankets they made together for our shelter families!
April 2024
Gabby Edwards, Celia Skubic & friends are part of Project Glimmer, a national organization whose mission is to inspire every girl to envision and realize an empowered future. Gabby & Celia reached out to AWUM in the spring of 2024 to see if they could donate some decorated compact mirrors in their efforts to reach out to and support women’s shelters. Their group was hosting an event at their Twin Cities area high school to decorate these mirrors. AWUM was delighted to receive some of the creatively & thoughtfully embellished compact mirrors! Thank you, Gabby, Celia & friends, for thinking of the women & families at AWUM!
May 2024
Long-time AWUM supporter Angela donated a large tote of towels for the women & families at our shelter. Thank you so much, Angela!
May 2024
Local community member Lynnae donated some needed essential items for the families we serve. Thank you sincerely, Lynnae!
May 2024
A member of a local parent group donated new women’s socks and undergarments. Thank you for these very useful clothing items. And many thanks to our long-time donor Anne who made the connection & delivered the items!
Volunteers are an indispensable resource for the success of AWUM’s programs. Each volunteer brings with them a thoughtful, caring, humble awareness of the importance of their service. They make it possible for us to provide the best service possible for each woman and child at AWUM. We are so thankful to these wonderful humans!
During July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, AWUM had 33 volunteers and 3 interns offering a total of 1,560 hours of service.
We share some testimonials from a few of the volunteers.
“I am very honored to have had the opportunity to contribute my efforts to AWUM. AWUM is a place filled with warmth and inclusivity. As an Asian woman, I have consistently felt a profound sense of belonging every time I entered the shelter and engaged with the staff and residents. This experience has been incredibly meaningful to me, and I am grateful for the chance to contribute to such a worthy cause. This was my first time witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by Asian women in this context, which has prompted me to reflect and want to address the issue of domestic violence against Asian women. I hope to continue paying attention to these often-overlooked communities in the future and contributing my efforts to them.”
“I want to give the biggest thank you to AWUM and all its staff. When I started volunteering there for class credit in February of 2023, I had no idea how many opportunities would unfold from that one decision. AWUM introduced me to the world of advocacy and shelter work, and it is because of this organization and its staff that I am where I am today. I will be forever grateful to AWUM and am beyond honored that I even get to say that I had such an opportunity.”
“Having volunteered at the House of Peace for over two years now, I can genuinely say that it has been one of my most gratifying and inspiring experiences thus far. I’ve witnessed the tremendous support that AWUM has given to many families, and it is an absolute privilege of mine to be able to contribute to AWUM’s mission.”
Temporary emergency shelter
Women’s support group & children’s groups
Assistance in obtaining Orders for Protection (OFP)
Aid in filing for Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO)
Provide with housing assistance and job search
Help with filing for financial assistance & reparations claims
Legal referrals for family and immigration law
24-hour multi-lingual crisis line
Safety planning
Legal (criminal & civil court) advocacy
Sexual assault advocacy
Assistance in obtaining Orders for Protection (OFP)
Aid in filing for Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO)
Assistance with immigration services
On-going follow-up services
Violence prevention & outreach in the API community
Community education on domestic violence
Training for service providers
90 shelter residents (42 women & 48 children)
862 crisis callers
285 callers requesting resources
102 callers for OFP/HRO (Orders for Protection/ Harassment Restraining Orders)
658 support groups & individual counseling services provided House of Peace (HOP)
754 attendees at 25 community trainings/ presentations Community Advocacy Program (CAP)
215 advocacy participants (186 women & 29 men)
Hao Nguyen, Chair
Ramsey County Attorney’s Office
Rebecca Chaffee, Secretary
Hennepin County District Court
Miski Abdulle, Member
Pillsbury United Communities
William Vang, Member
Chlamydomonas Resource Center
Sophia Vuelo, Member
Ramsey County Second Judicial District Court
Claudia R. Waring, Executive Director
Sipra Jha, Shelter Director & Interim Executive Director (as of June 2, 2024)
Shoua Kong, CAP Lead
Lucas (Louie) Munn, Facilities Supervisor
Nancy Wong, Communications Manager
$1,396,241
$1,405,220
FY 2024
Alice M. O’Brien Foundation
Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence
FR Bigelow Foundation
HRK Foundation
Mardag Foundation
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
Minneapolis Foundation
Minnesota Office of Justice Programs
Otto Bremer Trust
Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation
Pohlad Family Foundation
Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation
Women’s Foundation of Minnesota
Afagh Mohajeri
Agarwala Foundation
Alpha Phi Gamma - UMN
Amy Isenor
Andrea Jachman
Angela Jones Flanaghan
Angeline Chen
Anne & Michael Waring
Anne Applebaum
Anne Hines Brabec
Anonymous Donors
Anu Codaty & Prateek Verma
Asian American & Pacific Islander Union, Edina High School
Bahá’í Children’s ClassMinneapolis
Bau Yang
Boondi Iyer
Boston Scientific
Brandon Fabel
Briana O’Brien
Carla Tourin
Carol K. Arthur
Carol McTeague
Chaya Garg & Ravi Janardan
Cheryl L. Jensen
Claudia Waring
Connie M. Korman
Craig Steiner
Dana Gillespie
Daniel Karpowitz
Dave Dumas
David Milazzo
Dawne Brown White
Deborah Weinstock
Deepika Appana
Diane Seep
Dolkar Tenzin
Duraikkannan
Sundarackannan
Dzung Thai
Elissa Schloesser
Elizabeth Henrich
Elizabeth Sauer
Francesca Guglielmo
Gail Chang Bohr
Gautam Jha
Gemini Incorporated
Gerald J. Stahl
Grace & Paul Wong
Hotel Indigo Minneapolis
Illinois Tool Works
Jacob Hustedt
Janani Karthick
Jeanette Everson
Jessica Lerbs
Joan Linck
Karen R. Steiner
Katie Berg
Ke Sunshine Yang
Kelly McTeague
Kohpa Vang
Lee Reinhardt
Lucas Munn
Lydia Geiszler
Lynnae Tefferi
Madeline Kuehn
Mai Yang
Maitzeng Chang
MayTong Chang
Melissa Avery
Melissa Ng
Minyoung Do
Mubina Qureshi
Nancy Lindberg
Nancy Wong
Nayana Jha
Ntxhais Xay Yang
Pamela Zeller
Panu Her
Poonam Agarwala
Rebecca McLane
Robyn Tabibi & Dain Meyer
Ryan Companies’ Asian Collective Team ERG
Sandip Sura
Sandra Erickson
Sarina Khariwala
Savita & Ramesh Harjani
Sayali Amarapurkar
Sewa-Aifw
Shanti Shah
Sharon Johnson
Sheng Lor
Shirley Slagle
Shoma Hokanson
Shoua Kong
Sipra Jha
Sneha Singh
Sreejaya Veluvali
Stacy Miller
Stephanie Hawkinson
Susan Armington
Susan Frenzel
Swaranjali Kale
Tanni & Bhabani Misra
Terra Shockman
Theresa Hyska
Tonia Marie Shupien
University of Minnesota
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
Valleyfair
Willard W. &
Jeanne Nelson
Yamini Jha-Korman & Dan Korman
Yasmin Mehrotra
Yvonne Olsen
ZACAH
Thank you for working to promote safe & healthy relationships. Thank you for partnering with us to end domestic violence!
