ELAWC Annual Report 2022

AnnuAl Review

2022

Strengthening famili e S ending intergenerational violence

"Family" Courtesy of Yolanda Gonzalez

A Legacy of Growth

2000 >

> Received first federal grant to support Promotora Contra la Violencia

1990 >

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

> Established housing programs

2020 >

> 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

> 50,000+ COVID outreach contacts made by Promotoras

1976 >

> Established first-in-nation bi-lingual SpanishEnglish rape hotline

> All volunteer staff

1980 >

> 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

> Expanded human trafficking outreach efforts

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

> Opened emergency shelter and transitional housing

> Established DV Task Force at LAC+USC

> Acquired building in the City of Commerce for permanent HQ

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

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

A MEssAgE froM BArBArA KAppos, ExECutivE DirECtor

Dear friends, strength, resilience, and 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 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 and engaged with one another for continued wellbeing 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. in gratitude,

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 self-care, Hiv testing, prevention, and other activities in recognition of international Women’s Day and National Women and girLs Hiv/AiDs Awareness Day.

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

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

25th

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

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

Barbara Kappos

8th Annual Promotora Conference

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

Annual Mujeres de Paz Candlelight Vigil

25th Annual Mujeres de Paz Annual Candlelight Vigil

Red Lips, Hoops On — Invincible

First Family Nurturing Picnic 1st in-person reunion for 45 families participating in the family Nurturing program.

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.

BoArD of DirECtors

Yvette Rodriquez, PhD Chair

Department of Defense

Marilyn Ladd

Vice-Chair

East Los Angeles College professor Emeritus

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

Jennifer Zev Member first Citizens Bank

Laura Urias Member

Law offices of Laura E. urias, ApC

ADvisorY BoArD

Norma Bastidas

Athlete, Spokesperson on Human Trafficking

Linda Fischer

Author, advocate

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

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. 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.

A Connected Model of Service to

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.

CORE INTERVENTION SERVICES

red lipstick and hoop earrings are the symbols of a powerful new empowerment and prevention campaign launched by ELAWC throughout s exual Assault Awareness Month sAAM. the campaign is designed to dispel cultural myths normalizing sexual violence and rape culture and motivate action against sexual violence of all forms.

Men, women, youth & Promotoras used the campaign as a springboard for awareness and action — taking a stand against shaming and dated stereotypes, raising awareness on consent and boundaries, and reclaiming confidence and cultural pride. the month ended with iNviNCiBLE an immersive multi-media experience hosted at East LA College.

MoNiQuE's storY

I came to the East Los Angeles Women’s Center in 2018 with my four children, a survivor of homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence. With kindness and compassion, the staff at ELAWC helped us find a safe place to live, while we healed as a family.

Today, we are all thriving. I am supporting my family and doing work I love. I went back to school to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, completed a 200-Hour Yoga Certification, and now teach Trauma-Informed Yoga to other survivors of abuse.

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.

If it wasn’t for ELAWC, and all of the resources, guidance, and love, we would not be where we are today. For that, I am eternally grateful.

5,000 Chat Line Engagements

5,412

81 Hiv outreach

1,700

65 participants

sA/Dv Bilingual training

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

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

Working with women has always been my dream. So, when I found out about ELAWC’s Promotora program helping women in my community, I decided to become a part of it.

In our Hispanic culture, it is still very difficult to break myths and 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.

65 New Promotora Advocates & 210 New Community Promotoras graduated

7 Promotora Collectives reached 6,031 Community Members

Conducted

494 Educational presentations

150 Promotoras Attended the 8th Annual Promotora Conference

Covid outreach Events

27,359 Community Members reached

6,031

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

JAZMiN's storY

An Unwavering Commitment to the Future

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!

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

YOUTH SERVICES

Empower, Create, Mobilize was the theme of a photo campaign created by youth during sAAM to raise awareness on the topics of consent, 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

49 total participants in Male Engagment

shared fatherhood program goals with

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

Launched in 2020, the family Nurturing program is a culturally responsive intergenerational 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.

funding provided for evaluation by Blue shield of California foundation — report will be posted on ELAWC website.

Key Takeaways

> Nurturing was embraced by both parents and children.

> 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.

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

Staff Stories

Embodying the passion and the work at ELAWC

What KEEP s you M otivat ED E v ER y Day at EL aWC?

“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.”

Brittany Martinez, ACsW | 8 years

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Therapist

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 burns on her face, chest, and arms comprised her sight and caused many other medical complications.

What KEEP s you M otivat ED E v ER y Day at EL aWC?

“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 KEEP s you M otivat ED E v ER y Day at EL aWC?

"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

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! 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

$7,773,425

70.05%

Grants

16.62% Capital Campaign

5.43% Foundations

3.80% Donations Unrestricted

87% Program Services

ExPENSE BY CATEGORY

$6,819,797

% Donated Services

8% Administration Support

4% Fundraising

THE SAM INITIATIVE

1% Building Renovations

ELAWC is honored to receive an $80,000 grant from the sAM i nitiative 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 f reedman, 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 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.

“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

} 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. While we have always made the best of our existing spaces, as ELAWC has grown, so too have the demands on our workspace. While the agency has always been responsive to the 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 blocks from our current offices and are working to complete renovations by the end of 2023. i t 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.

CAMPAIGN GOAL: $4 MiLLioN

2.7 M by Dec. 2023: Capital improvements

1.3 M by Dec. 2028: Pay off building

elawc.org/foreverhome

on the journey and become a part of this promising future.

A Safe & Permanent Place

For Therapeutic, Housing, and Wellness Programs and Support

Located just a few minutes from our current offices, our new home will be a place to:

> 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

> increase reach and expand services in the Eastside and southeast Los Angeles communities

> Locate administrative services for the entire organization

> Establish a permanent and fully resourced center for comprehensive services

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

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

> Build organizational capacity

FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR

> Therapeutic spaces for individuals and groups

> 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

> Promotora Collective Center for SA/DV prevention and education

> Volunteer advocates and hotline offices

> Program offices for human trafficking and male engagement

> Administrative offices

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)

Department of public social services Community services

Block grant (CsBg)

California Dept. of public Health

LA County Community Development Division CDBg

state of California - Labor

Workforce Development Agency

$100,000+

Anonymous

Blue shield of California foundation

J.B & Emily van Nuys Charities

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

$5,000+

Audrey s freudberg

Casey family programs

Cemex usA

David C. Bohnett College

Community investment Donor Advised fund

Don and Bridgid Cheadle philanthropy fund

goldsmith Legacy

McMaster-Carr supply Co.

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

Beatrice viramontes

Charities Aid foundation of America (CAf)

Connie Destito

Constance Lopez

Deisy Castro

Dr. irma Licea

Jennifer Zev - first Citizens Bank

Jessica saul

JoAnn Diaz

Kate purdy

Liberty Hill foundation

Marilyn Ladd

Melissa Earnhart

Nadia Ali

Nadia Allaudin

NBC universal telemundo

Enterprises

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

Buena vista furniture

Catholic Daughters of America

Charity vest

Charlotte Eilbert

Cheryl Cromwell

Claire Donahue

Cyndi santizo

Craig realty group, Citadel, LLC

Darlene rodriguez

David Mehler

Deborah Chen

Diane Blake

Dimple simson

Dr. David r. Diaz

Eagle Wings

Edison international

Emily Acevedo

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

Amy raymond-Horton

Alexandra Wheatley

Bryan skowronek

David A. valdez

Erickka gonzalez

gillian smith

Katherine Emerson

Liz Hormann

Lisa Leombruni

Laurie Newbound

Miguel Jauregui

oscar rosales

richard Chang

ramani Durvasula

iN-KiND DoNors a special thank you to everyone who gave Christmas gifts for families!

AmazonSmile 4Front Ventures GFore ONE Jeanswear Group Target Corporation

CApitAL CAMpAigN

Ahmanson Foundation

Anonymous

Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation

Henry L. Guenther Foundation

Reyna & Eduardo Valadez

The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

The Skylight Foundation

sally Martin trevor okuno

teresa Contreras

victor Klaus

Yoel silashi

Tracie Sanchez Saint Sophia Philoptochos Society

Supervisor Hilda L. Solis1st Supervisorial District

Supervisor Janice Hahn4th Supervisorial District

Thank You

Honorable Valerie Salkin

W.M. Keck Foundation

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.

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.

How You Can Help