2022
Strengthening famili e S ending intergenerational violence
00
"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
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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
} Leadership
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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.
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Programs
MEEt EvoLviNg CoMMuNitY NEEDs An interconnected model of culturally responsive, trauma-informed services HE A LT H IN N OVAT IO N S Wellness Center @ LAC+USC HIV/AIDS Services Substance Abuse Services CO R E IN T E RV E N T IO N SE RV IC E S Sexual Assault Services Domestic Violence Services Human Tra cking CO MMU N IT Y E N GA GE ME N T Promotora Institute Promotora Collectives Promotora Community Engagement FAMILY SERVICES Nurturing Program Project Heal Y O U T H SE RV IC E S Leadership Deve opment Violence Prevention MA L E E N GA GE ME N T Men s Healing Circle Men s Talking Circle HO U SIN G SE RV IC E S Hope & Heart Project Hospital-Based Emergency Services Housing Assistance Program for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence Transitional Housing
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
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Hot Line Calls
LAC+usC Emergency
responses
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.
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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.
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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
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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.”
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- 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.
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} 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.
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“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
Other
2.38% In Kind Contributions 0.77%
0.95
} 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
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PHASE ONE PHASE FOUR PHASE TWO PHASE THREE $600,000 DEsigN & pLANN Ng $1,700,000 MAJor rENovAtioNs $1,300,000 pAY off BuiLD Ng $400,000 iNtErior & ExtErior fiNisHEs
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
}
Floor plans and renderings subject to change.
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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
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}
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.
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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
1431 South Atlantic Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90022 office 323 . 526 . 5819 fax 323 . 526 . 5822 email info@elawc.org Crisis Hotline 800 . 585 . 6231 The Wellness Center 213 . 481 . 6035 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
to women and
for the
&
shelter
goods
children
Hope
Heart