ELAWC Annual Report 2022

Annual Review

2022

Strengthening families Ending intergenerational violence

"Family" Courtesy of Yolanda Gonzalez

00

A Legacy of Growth A trusted resource for more than 46 years, the East Los Angeles Women’s Center strives to create safe and healthy communities.

1990 > 1980 > 1976 > > Established first-in-nation bi-lingual SpanishEnglish rape hotline

> Expanded hotline programs to include domestic violence and HIV prevention

> Launched Promotoras en Accion Contra el SIDA — first-inthe-nation genderbased violence and HIV prevention program for Latinx communities

2000 > > Received first federal grant to support Promotora Contra la Violencia > Expanded human trafficking outreach efforts

2020 > 2010 > > Co-located at the Wellness Center@-(LAC+USC) Medical Center > Delivered trauma-informed training to 16,000 health care workers > Initiated fatherhood and men’s programs

> 6 locations serving over 12,000 individuals and 30 communities > 60+ staff, 150 Promotoras, 75 volunteers > Established 7 Promotora collectives county-wide — reaching 35,000 women > Expanded family therapeutic services, family nurturing program, and housing programs

> Established housing programs

> 50,000+ COVID outreach contacts made by Promotoras

> Opened emergency shelter and transitional housing

> Acquired building in the City of Commerce for permanent HQ

> Established DV Task Force at LAC+USC

> 12 staff, 15 Promotoras, 25 volunteers, 1 location

> All volunteer staff

ELAWC has earned a reputation as a trusted and compassionate resource working to empower and transform lives — and the lives of future generations.

International Women's Day & National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day A campaign to end violence against women and hiv.

4th Annual Health Resource Fair

A Message from Barbara Kappos, Executive Director

Self-care, HIV testing, prevention, and other activities in recognition of International Women’s Day and National Women and GIRLS HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Dear friends,

Red Lips, Hoops On — Invincible

Strength, resilience, and

Launched a month-long multi-media campaign to protest victim-blaming and raise awareness on the topics of consent, boundaries, and sexual assault.

determination are what come to mind as I reflect on the past three years. Throughout the pandemic, ELAWC delivered a range of services to strengthen the most vulnerable, and those impacted by economic hardships. Our 24-hour crisis hotline and chat line never closed. Housing services offered vital lifelines of shelter, housing resources and access to financial support. Therapeutic services adapted to meet

Mother's Day

Clients and Promotoras enjoyed a day of self-care and selflove with free makeovers and mariachi music.

survivors where they were — in-person and virtually — reaching thousands of people in need of support.

Promotoras brought their strengths into the community to lift up the community with education, resources

First Family Nurturing Picnic

and engaged with one another for continued well-

1st in-person reunion for 45 families participating in the Family Nurturing Program.

being. The challenges of the pandemic also created opportunities for ELAWC to grow and evolve. Today, ELAWC is strengthening our own future by investing in a nearby property, which will provide sustainability and become our new permanent headquarters in 2023.

All of this is possible because of the contributions of our dedicated staff, board of directors, volunteers, Promotoras, and interns, and through the steadfast support of all donors — large and small — whose collective generosity embraces our mission to empower and transform lives and create a world without violence.

25th Annual Mujeres de Paz 25th Annual Mujeres deVigil Paz Annual Candlelight CandlelightA Vigil night of remembrance and

A night of remembrance and ceremony. ceremony. 250+ walked in solidarity 250+ walkedwith in solidarity with survivorspartner survivors of intimate of intimate partner violence and honored violence and honored those whose those whoselives liveshave have been been lost lost forever. forever.

In gratitude, 8th Annual Promotora Conference

Barbara Kappos

Healing through Hope and Resilience was the focus during a day of workshops, panels, and keynotes attended by 150 Promotoras

01

} Leadership Board of directors

ADVISORY BOARD

Yvette Rodriquez, PhD Chair Department of Defense

Norma Bastidas Athlete, Spokesperson on Human Trafficking

Marilyn Ladd Vice-Chair East Los Angeles College Professor Emeritus

Linda Fischer Author, advocate

Katherine Emerson Secretary Fordham Graduate School of Social Services Dr. Irma Licea Treasurer Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Reyna Avina-Hernandez, M.Ed Member USC & East LA College Stephanie Mesones Alvarado Member Liberty Hill Foundation

The mission of the East Los Angeles Women’s Center is to ensure that all women, girls and their families live in a place of safety, health, and personal well-being, free from violence and abuse, with equal access to necessary health services and social support, with an emphasis on Latino communities.

02

Jennifer Zev Member First Citizens Bank Laura Urias Member Law Offices of Laura E. Urias, APC

Jerry Tello Internationally recognized authority in family strengthening, author, performer & program developer Connie Destito Co-founder Founding member ELAWC Diane Araujo Co-founder Founding member ELAWC Georgia N. Kezios Attorney at Law Cerritos, CA Melora Sundt Former Vice Dean USC Rossier School of Education Yolanda Gonzalez Artist

} Programs The East Los Angeles Women’s Center recognizes how deeply trauma, brought on by physical and sexual assaults and abuse impact survivors’ sense of emotional safety and physical well-being, reaching across multiple generations.

A Connected Model of Service To Meet Evolving Community Needs

Promotora Institute Promotora Collectives

All aspects of our work are rooted in a trauma-informed approach to care. We strive to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and to resist the re-traumatization of all who seek access to help and resources with nurturing and positive care.

Because sexual and domestic violence intersects with issues such as poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, and family disruption, we offer holistic solutions to address cooccurring issues to faciliate healing and create opportunities to achieve healthy relationships, safety, and future stability.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Promotora Community Engagement

CORE INTERVENTION SERVICES

Sexual Assault Services Domestic Violence Services Human Trafficking

Nurturing Program

FAMILY SERVICES

Project Heal

HEA LTH INNOVATIONS

Wellness Center @ LAC+USC HIV/AIDS Services Substance Abuse Services

An interconnected model of culturally responsive, trauma-informed services

Leadership Development

YOUTH SERVICES

Violence Prevention

HOUSING SERVICES

MA LE ENGAGEMENT

Hope & Heart Project — Hospital-Based Emergency Services Housing Assistance Program for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence Transitional Housing

Men’s Healing Circle Men’s Talking Circle

To address the multiple and complex needs of our clients, interconnected programs are designed to build upon each other to reach marginalized populations who may not feel welcome in other settings due to cultural bias, stereotypes, or fears.

03

CORE INTERVENTION SERVICES

MONIQUE'S STORY I came to the East Los Angeles

Red lipstick and hoop earrings

Women’s Center in 2018 with my four

are the symbols of a powerful new

children, a survivor of homelessness,

empowerment and prevention

addiction, and domestic violence.

campaign launched by ELAWC

With kindness and compassion,

throughout Sexual Assault

the staff at ELAWC helped us find

Awareness Month SAAM. The

a safe place to live, while we healed

campaign is designed to dispel

as a family.

cultural myths normalizing sexual

Today, we are all thriving. I am

violence and rape culture and

supporting my family and doing

motivate action against sexual

work I love. I went back to school

violence of all forms.

to become a Drug and Alcohol

Men, women, youth & Promotoras used the campaign as a springboard for awareness and action — taking

Counselor, completed a 200-Hour

a stand against shaming and dated stereotypes, raising awareness on consent and boundaries, and

Yoga Certification, and now teach

reclaiming confidence and cultural pride. The month ended with INVINCIBLE an immersive multi-media

Trauma-Informed Yoga to other

experience hosted at East LA College.

survivors of abuse.

If it wasn’t for ELAWC, and all of the resources, guidance, and love, we Inspired by the work of Diana Benavídez, survivors created a compelling exhibit of piñatas for Invincible, to initiate conversations and serve as powerful expressions of affirmation.

Hot Line Calls

5,000

LAc+Usc Emergency Responses Chat Line Engagements

5,412 04

81

Sa/Dv Bilingual Training

Hiv Outreach

1,700

65

Participants

would not be where we are today.

For that, I am eternally grateful.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Promotoras Contra La Violencia Healing through Hope and Resilience was the theme of the 8th Annual Promotora Conference.

150 Promotoras engaged in workshops focused on trauma-healing through storytelling and art to strengthen professional and personal skills. Dunia Elvir, news anchor for Noticiero Telemundo 52, served as the keynote speaker.

Offering hope, education and encouragement, Promotoras bridge cultural, language, and economic

JAZMIN'S STORY Working with women has always been my dream. So, when I found out about ELAWC’s Promotora program helping women in my community, I

barriers to reach underserved Latinas in the context of their daily lives — at home, at work, and in

decided to become a part of it.

their communities.

In our Hispanic culture, it is still

Individual conversations and group presentations are tailored to each community, focusing on ways to

very difficult to break myths and

improve health and well-being, and touching on difficult topics such as sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, domestic and teen dating violence and stalking, conversations often avoided due to cultural barriers.

Our Promotora collectives surmounted pandemic challenges and found support with one another, while also giving back to end gender-based violence in our communities. In 2022, Promotoras also launched a weekly book club to expand knowledge and critical thinking, discover new perspectives, improve and maintain communication skills, and share insights while also strengthening interpersonal relationships.

misconceptions about domestic and sexual violence. With my training, I bring information and resources to give hope, support, empowerment, choice, and a voice to women. With knowledge, they can heal and live a dignified life without fear or violence.

When I see the positive changes women make to improve not only their

65

New Promotora Advocates &

210

New Community Promotoras Graduated

Conducted

Covid Outreach Events

494 7 Promotora Collectives Reached

6,031 Community Members

Educational Presentations

150 Promotoras Attended The 8th Annual Promotora Conference

27,359 Community Members Reached

6,031

life, but also their family’s life, it gives me the strength to continue on this path, often filled with obstacles.

I am passionate about my work as a Promotora and am grateful for the opportunity to help empower women in my community.

05

An Unwavering Commitment to the Future

YOUTH SERVICES

Two Con Los Padres Fatherhood program participants demonstrated their commitment to the program and their future by joining our meetings virtually — from the hospital — on the day their babies were born!

to raise awareness on the topics of consent,

We are so proud of their dedication to healing their lives and change the future for the next generation.

Empower, Create, Mobilize was the theme of a photo campaign created by youth during SAAM boundaries, and sexual assault, and combat victim blaming.

During the annual Mujeres de Paz Candlelight Vigil, youth created a gorgeous Dia de los Muertos altar reflecting the importance of cultural roots and honoring teens who lost their lives to sexual, gun, and teen dating violence.

MALE ENGAGEMENT The Con Los Padres program continues to strengthen the ability of fathers to create and maintain healthy relationships within their families and help break transgenerational cycles of violence.

In addition to 12-week Fatherhood program, ELAWC expanded our Fatherhood work to offer training and workshops to engage men and boys to end domestic violence and sexual assault with organizations such as Project Sister Family Services; Pomona, Cerritos, and Rio Hondo Colleges; and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Belvedere.

3 12-Week Male Engagement Sessions

Shared Fatherhood Program goals with

49 Total Participants in Male Engagment

06

80

DCFS workers

Engaged with

136

Local Families in Collaboration with Dcfs and Spiritt Family Services

2,581 Presentations by Youth Leaders on SA Prevention

FAMILY NURTURING PROGRAM

Key Takeaways

Launched in 2020, the Family Nurturing Program is a culturally responsive intergenerational

>> Nurturing was embraced by both parents and children.

domestic violence prevention program for Latinx families with children and youth.

Parents and children come together to learn and play during 14 interactive “Family Nurturing Time” sessions. The curriculum is designed to increase caregiver capacities to use non-violent, nurturing parenting practices to promote self-esteem and resiliency in their children; improve intra-family communication; and build natural support networks among participating families.

Participants were deeply committed to starting the healing journey. With the confidence gained from developing new knowledge, skills, and social connections, families are on a path to disrupting violent behaviors across generations.

After meeting virtually throughout the pandemic, members of four cohorts joyfully gathered to meet and celebrate in person at the Montebello Barnyard Zoo in Grant Rea Park in July. 85 parents and children enjoyed a delightful day playing carnival games, spinning on the merry-go-round, meeting the ponies and animals in the petting zoo, picnicking, and sharing quality time together outdoors.

>> Domestic violence in the home caused fear, anger, and frustration for caregivers and children alike. >> Parenting skills improved the capacity to nurture. >> Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate expectations changed parenting behaviors to match children’s capabilities. >> Relationships continued to improve with more open communication between family members. >> Building social connections with other parents was an important source of support for both caregivers and children.

Funding provided for evaluation by Blue Shield of California Foundation — report will be posted on ELAWC website.

49

SpanishSpeaking Families Enrolled

56 Adults 84 Children

“My mother never showed me, love, instead, she hit me out of anger and frustration. I’m learning how to listen and be more empathic with my children. And the best thing … is my kids are kinder to each other too.”

- Family Nurturing Program participant

07

} Staff Stories mbodying the passion and E the work at ELAWC

MESERET'S STORY Meseret fled her home in Ethiopia five years ago after an acid assault and death threats from an ex-boyfriend that left her scarred and scared.

Arriving in the USA seeking asylum Messert was isolated, with a very limited support network. The acid

What keeps you motivated every day at ELAWC?

burns on her face, chest, and arms

“As a therapist, I’m able to guide people through personal challenges, help ease emotional burdens, and empower people to take action in their lives to achieve a healthier mindset. Seeing clients reach stability is so rewarding.”

comprised her sight and caused

Brittany Martinez, ACSW | 8 years Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Therapist

many other medical complications.

Fortunately, another Ethiopian woman came to her aid and referred her to ELAWC. At ELAWC she received emergency housing and access to surgery and laser treatments at LAC+USC Medical Center. While living at ELAWC’s transitional house her asylum application was approved!

What keeps you motivated every day at ELAWC? “I truly love being part of a client’s healing journey — to witness the emotional and mental growth as they find solutions through services and resources. And I am inspired by our passionate staff, who are driven to help others and bring awareness to the community every day. We bring hope in a time of darkness…we are a light.”

Stephanie Ortiz | 3 years Domestic Violence Counselor, CALWORKS Case Manager

What keeps you motivated every day at ELAWC? "My passion stems from the healing of our community. We honor our culture and traditions when we bring healing to women who raise our next generations. Bringing awareness to trauma, substance abuse, and mental health gives our community a voice to know they are heard — and that is my ultimate goal!"

Lisa Vargas | 13 years Human Trafficking Outreach Specialist

08

Today, Meseret has a permanent resident card and moved into her own apartment with her young sons. While she has more surgeries in her future, Meseret is a resilient and empowered loving mother, on a joyful path to a brighter future.

} Financials INCOME BY CATEGORY

expense BY CATEGORY

$7,773,425

70.05%

$6,819,797

87%

Program Services

Grants

16.62%

Capital Campaign

5.43% Foundations

3.80%

8%

Donations Unrestricted

2.38

%

Administration Support

4%

In Kind Contributions

0.95

%

Donated Services

Fundraising

0.77

%

1%

Other

Building Renovations

The SAM Initiative ELAWC is honored to receive an $80,000 grant from the SAM Initiative to fund a dedicated Jobs Coach to help survivors with job readiness counseling, education, employment, and entrepreneurship resources.

Founded in 2013 by social entrepreneur and philanthropist Mindy Freedman, SAM is a giving circle, where members pool financial resources and expertise to fund and support exceptional and innovative programs in Los Angeles that promote social change and benefit women, children and families, and drive non-profit sustainability.

SAM has awarded more than $2.5 million in community grants. And the collective spirit and network of SAM members broaden the impact with inspired giving, volunteering, and

“The passion and heart of our members have enabled us to give with meaning. We can do far more together than we can alone.”

— Mindy Freedman, Founder of The SAM Initiative

connections to new causes.

We are grateful to the SAM Initiative for their confidence in ELAWC and for this gift to empower survivors to find a path towards financial security.

09

} Building a Legacy ELAWC Is Beginning An Exciting New Journey From our humble grassroots beginnings in 1976, ELAWC has continually grown and adapted to meet changing times and evolving needs of the survivors and families we serve.

Campaign goal:

$4 Million

2.7 M by Dec. 2023: Capital improvements 1.3 M by Dec. 2028: Pay off building

PHASE ONE

While we have always made the best of our existing spaces, as ELAWC has grown, so too

$600,000 Design & Planning

have the demands on our workspace. While the agency has always been responsive to the

$1,700,000

PHASE TWO

Major Renovations

rising, complex needs of survivors, our facilities have not kept pace.

Recognizing the need for a permanent headquarters, ELAWC has embarked on a momentous journey. We were able to complete the purchase of a nearly 10,000 sq. foot building a few

PHASE THREE

PHASE FOUR

blocks from our current offices and are working to complete renovations by the end of 2023.

It will be a transformative space, designed to flexibly accommodate new and current programs, expand our footprint to serve new communities, and be a place to reliably serve future generations. And importantly, investing in a place of our own will provide financial predictability and a more sustainable future for East Los Angeles Women’s Center.

on the journey and become a part of this promising future. elawc.org/foreverhome

10

$1,300,000

$400,000

pay off building

Interior & Exterior Finishes

} A Safe & Permanent Place F or Therapeutic, Housing, and Wellness Programs and Support Located just a few minutes from our current offices, our new home will be a place to: >> Establish a permanent and fully resourced center for comprehensive services

>> Meet the crisis needs of survivors and families >> Deliver innovative solutions to disrupt cycles of abuse and homelessness by meeting the complex needs of survivors

>> Create opportunities for leadership, empowerment, voice, and choice

>> Increase reach and expand services in the Eastside and Southeast Los Angeles communities

>> Work collaboratively with partners to foster the implementation of policies and practices that support social justice and human rights

>> Locate administrative services for the entire organization

>> Build organizational capacity

> Therapeutic spaces for individuals and groups

FIRST FLOOR

> Housing Hub for assessment, case management, and referrals to emergency and permanent housing > Comprehensive case management resources > Children’s Corner for respite and activities > HIV Navigation for linkages to resources, counseling, and testing > Group activity spaces for self-defense, yoga, healing, and more > CalWorks case manager offices > Executive offices

SECOND > Promotora Collective Center for SA/DV prevention and education FLOOR > Volunteer advocates and hotline offices Floor plans and renderings subject to change.

> Program offices for human trafficking and male engagement > Administrative offices

11

} Friends of ELAWC Government Funding U.S. Department Of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) Cal OES Governor’s Office of Emergency Services US Dept. of Justice — Office on Violence against Women (OVW) LA County Dept. of Public Health — Office of Women’s Health Emergency Food and Shelter Program Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority City of Los Angeles AIDS Coordinator’s Office (ACO) Los Angeles County — Department of Public Social Services Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health –Division of HIV and STD Program ( DHSP)

Weingart Foundation

$50,000+ California Community Foundation Kaiser Foundation Hospitals Sam Initiative Vernon Community Fund

$20,000+ ACT LA Hot Topic New Venture Funds Orange County Community Foundation Ross Endowment, a fund from the Jewish Community Foundation The Benevity Fund Women's Foundation of CA

$15,000+ David Burd Foundation

Morgan Stanley - Wyatt & Jo Bloomfield Family Fund Space to Love The Hirsch Family Foundation WePay Payments William & Patricia Smith Private Foundation

$2500+ Amn Real Estate Communities Foundation of Texas Gig & Kathleen Kyriacou Fund Gilead Sciences Joseph Gius - Anne Amelia Xkalra LLC

$1000+ Alison Faith Charitable Fund Alta Hospitals Andrew Posen Angela Chomko Austin and Stephanie Alvarado Barry Gribble

Kate Purdy

Deborah Chen

Liberty Hill Foundation

Diane Blake

Marilyn Ladd

Dimple Simson

Melissa Earnhart

Dr. David R. Diaz

Nadia Ali

Eagle Wings

Nadia Allaudin

Edison International

NBC Universal Telemundo Enterprises

Emily Acevedo

Rachel Blum Ramani Durvasula Schwab Charitable Starbucks Foundation Stargazer Living Trust Terry Fischer The Di Massa Family Foundation The Wonderful Company TORP2039 Task 5 UC San Diego Yvette Rodriguez

$250+ Ana Maria Garcia Ann Gianopulos

Department of Public Social Services Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

$5,000+

California Dept. of Public Health

Audrey S. Freudberg

Charities Aid Foundation of America (CAF)

LA County Community Development Division CDBG

Casey Family Programs

Connie Destito

Charlotte Eilbert

Cemex USA

Constance Lopez

Cheryl Cromwell

David C. Bohnett College Community Investment Donor Advised Fund

Deisy Castro

Claire Donahue

Dr. Irma Licea

Cyndi Santizo

Jennifer Zev - First Citizens Bank

Craig Realty Group, Citadel, LLC

State of California - Labor Workforce Development Agency

$100,000+ Anonymous Blue Shield of California Foundation

12

J.B & Emily Van Nuys Charities

Don and Bridgid Cheadle Philanthropy Fund Goldsmith Legacy McMaster-Carr Supply Co.

Beatrice Viramontes

Jessica Saul JoAnn Diaz

Buena Vista Furniture Catholic Daughters of America Charity Vest

Darlene Rodriguez David Mehler

Emiliana Guereca Frontstream Credit Gina Frierman-Hunt Groundswell Charities Hensiek & Caron Hollander-Urbach Family John R. Shepherd Kay Ward Illinois Tool Works Lindsey Tod Luz Corbin Melissa Earnhart Melissa Trikilis Michael Dill Misha Vayro Maggie Cervantes Norma A Alvarado Patrick Seeholzer Rayna Saslove Rotary Club of East Los Angeles Cox Charities Santa Barbara Self Help Graphics & Art, Inc. Tabula Rasa Bar Teri Adams The Capital Group

Special Thanks to our Monthly Sustainers

Amy Frazee

Erickka Gonzalez

Laurie Newbound

Sally Martin

Amy Raymond-Horton

Gillian Smith

Miguel Jauregui

Trevor Okuno

Alexandra Wheatley

Katherine Emerson

Oscar Rosales

Teresa Contreras

Bryan Skowronek

Liz Hormann

Richard Chang

Victor Klaus

David A. Valdez

Lisa Leombruni

Ramani Durvasula

Yoel Silashi

IN-KIND DONORS A special thank you to everyone who gave Christmas gifts for families!

AmazonSmile

4Front Ventures

GFore

ONE Jeanswear Group

Target Corporation

Tracie Sanchez

Saint Sophia Philoptochos Society

Capital Campaign Ahmanson Foundation Anonymous Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation

Henry L. Guenther Foundation

The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

Supervisor Hilda L. Solis 1st Supervisorial District

Reyna & Eduardo Valadez

The Skylight Foundation

Supervisor Janice Hahn 4th Supervisorial District

Honorable Valerie Salkin W.M. Keck Foundation

Thank You Thank you to Christel Ferguson of Space to Love. Christel generously hosted a Wine Soiree in December to celebrate the Space to Love season and support ELAWC at the beautiful Rita House. We enjoyed tasting wines from around the globe and delicious hors d'oeuvres from Nonna's Noshes, while raising $5,000 to support vital ELAWC programs.

13

1431 South Atlantic Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90022

210 new community Promotoras graduated in 2022 wearing caps and gowns to signify their accomplishment. It was an especially great moment of honor and pride for some graduates who had not completed elementary school.

office 323 . 526 . 5819 fax 323 . 526 . 5822 email info@elawc.org Crisis Hotline 800 . 585 . 6231 The Wellness Center 213 . 481 . 6035

How You Can Help Contribute to our Capital Campaign Donate at www.elawc.org Volunteer to become a Hotline Advocate Join our Embajadoras de Paz Membership Network Walk with us at AIDS Walk LA and the Mujeres de Paz Vigil Sponsor a family in need during our Holiday Giving Campaign

Invite ELAWC to speak at your school, workplace or service club Share the great work ELAWC provides on your social media channels Follow us on Facebook Join our advisory committee or refer a colleague Gift new, unused clothing and essential goods to women and children for the Hope & Heart Shelter