Dulce Flor
Courtesy of German Rubio
A trusted resource for oVer 48 yeArs
the east Los Angeles Women’s center strives to create safe and healthy communities.
SAAM 2023
Red Lips, Hoops On, Invincible!
A powerful Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign to remind everyone that “who am I am and what I wear does not justify violence.”
Club de Chicas Malas (Bad Girls Club)
Meets weekly at the Wellness Center for Bailoterapia (dance therapy) sessions that promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing through the joy of dance and community.
Youth Empowerment Summit
Bringing youth together to connect and explore important topics such as resilience, LGBTQ+ allyship, HIV education, and sex positivity.
LA General Medical Center
In collaboration with LAGMC we deliver advocacy and comprehensive response services and training to health care professionals.
Empowering Promotora s
Thank you, Asm. Wendy Carrillo, for your incredible support! Your $200,000 investment will expand our powerful Promotora program and grow new leaders in the community.
Mother’s Day
A day to celebrate and pamper the women who create, nurture, shape, and sustain happy homes and healthy communities.
26th
Annual Mujeres de Paz Candlelight Vigil
Remembering lives lost and honoring survivors of DV.
National Sexual Assault Conference
ELAWC presented 3 workshops at the NSAC in San Francisco.
Dia de Los Muertos Youth altar honoring our loved ones
Legislative Advocacy Day
A team of Promotoras Contra La Violencia traveled to Sacramento to advocate for legislation to improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by health, education, and immigration inequities.
Annual Holiday Food and Gift Drive
Bringing joy to families through the generous support of donors and volunteers.
Mujeres Market
Empowering survivors with the opportunity to become small business owners and a place to showcase their work.
LA Philharmonic
ELAWC clients had an unforgettable experience as invited guests at the Canto en Resistencia (Sounds of Protest) concert, featuring conductor Gustavo Dudamel and singer Silvana Estrada.
World AIDS Day
Building awareness with community presentations and testing to prevent HIV.
2023 Nonprofit of the Year
Thank you District 52 Assembly Member Wendy Carrillo for nominating & recognizing ELAWC.
embracing change | empowering communities dear friends,
I’ve noticed the seeds of change often take root in the dreams of survivors yearning to start over. yet, for many who have faced multiple traumas and marginalization, the daily struggle to stay housed and care for their children can be overwhelming. At eLAWc, we understand these challenges. We offer survivors a place where, with resources, support, and renewed confidence, they are empowered to build pathways to stability and security.
eLAWc embraces change by continually modifying our approach and programs to align with the evolving needs of our community. for example, our restorative Justice program prioritizes accountability over punishment to prevent future harm and foster family healing, while our economic Pathways program empowers survivors to achieve self-sufficiency. our new headquarters stands as a testament to this progress, symbolizing the growth and positive impact of eLAWc
one thing that doesn’t change, however, is our unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering survivors and their families. everyday, I give thanks to the staff, volunteers and Promotoras for their commitment to making people’s lives matter and improving the quality of life for families. And I am deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors. your support empowers us to create positive change in our communities — so dreams of brighter futures can take root and flourish. thank you!
With gratitude,
Barbara Kappos, LcsW executive director
} Leadership
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Yvette Rodriquez, PhD, Chair, Engineer, u s department of defense
Katherine Emerson
DPA, MSW, Secretary, fordham Graduate school of social services
Dr. Irma Licea Treasurer
Los Angeles county
Metropolitan transportation Authority
Stephanie Mesones Alvarado Member
Liberty Hill foundation
Jennifer Zev Member first citizens Bank
Laura Urias, Esq. Member
Immigrant defenders Law center
Christel Ferguson
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.
Member space to Love
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 east Los Angeles
Women's center
Diane Araujo Founding member east Los Angeles Women's center
Georgia N. Kezios
Attorney at Law cerritos, cA
Melora Sundt
Former Vice Dean usc rossier school of education
Yolanda Gonzalez Artist
eLAWc Board of directors
} Programs
ELAWC supports women and families by delivering culturally responsive, traumainformed programs and services that empower them with the support, tools, and resources they need to build safe, stable lives.
Core Intervention Services
Delivering comprehensive, crucial, and timely support and resources to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
Health Innovations
Empowering survivors and marginalized communities by providing access to vital health resources, education, and support for holistic well-being.
Housing Services
Providing survivors and their children facing homelessness or housing instability with emergency and transitional housing, along with resources to secure permanent, safe, affordable homes.
Male Engagement
Reinforcing positive cultural values to help men heal, and build and strengthen family relationships.
Youth Services
Engaging youth as change agents in the community to prevent teen dating violence and sexual assault through comprehensive, gender-inclusive, and culturally-based efforts.
Family Services
Helping build healthier families and disrupting violent behaviors across generations.
Community Engagement
Building on ELAWC's pioneering Promotora model, our community engagement initiatives foster solidarity while empowering survivors and families through support, education, and personal and professional growth opportunities.
A Connected Model of Service
to Meet eVoLVInG coMMunIty needs
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.
Project Heal is a culturally responsive initiative addressing generational trauma and fostering healthy family dynamics. Launched in 2020 as a four-year demonstration project*, this innovative program aims to prevent future generational family violence through trauma-informed methods.
Project Heal supports non-abusing parents and children exposed to domestic and family violence and abuse in the home. the group-based program strengthens parenting skills by teaching non-abusing parents how to effectively communicate and set age-appropriate expectations for their children.
families enrolled in Project Heal report significant improvements in their daily lives including:
• stronger, more positive relationships with their children
• enhanced skills to reduce family stress and prevent or interrupt family violence
• development of lasting, supportive connections among participating families
• Improved overall family wellbeing, reducing the risk of family violence
Project Heal's measurable success led LA county supervisor Hilda L. solis to invest in its continuation with a generous $250,000 community Programs grant. this support, combined with other funding, allows Project Heal to extend its impact and pave the way to help families and communities live free from generational trauma and family violence.
* Funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. ELAWC will publish a final evaluation of the program in 2025.
8,000 Hotline calls
60
Advocate volunteers trained (spanish and english)
6,219
Public chat interactions
Housing
120 Households secured permanent housing
367 families received housing support and resources
92 Adults & children received emergency shelter and transitional housing services
"I’m feeling grounded and grateful to everyone at Project Heal. I finally feel good for myself and my children."
82 families | 226 parents and children participated in the 4-year demo project
Project Goals:
• reduce trauma-related psychological and behavioral problems experienced by children and their nonabusing parents exposed to domestic violence and/or child abuse
• enhance protective factors for children, youth, and parents affected by domestic violence and/or child abuse
• empower survivors to achieve self-sufficiency and independent living in a safe environment, while improving their ability to access and utilize concrete support during challenging times
An eLAWc presentation made at the Grantee Meeting at the futures against Violence Headquarters in san francisco April 2024
284 new Promotoras 662 Promotora workshops
14,384 Promotora community connections
Annual Promotora conference
Sembrando Sanación y Resiliencia
the work of a Promotora is both rewarding and demanding. to support these dedicated individuals, the annual Promotoras Against Violence conference brought together 150 Promotoras from all seven eLAWc collectives for a retreat focused on professional growth and personal healing.
Keynote speakers offered profound insights into holistic well-being. dr. elena esparza explored contemporary approaches to healing, while Maestra ofelia esparza delved into the ancient tradition of creating altars to honor ancestors. sara calderón provided invaluable tools for reframing grief. Interactive workshops on mandala making, drumming, and dance encouraged participants to relax, connect, and recharge. In this supportive environment, Promotoras discovered new strategies for coping with adversity, building stronger relationships, and deepening their connection to culture and community.
Elvira's Story
Elvira and her daughter arrived at ELAWC's "House" in 2021, having survived a perilous journey to the United States with scant resources and no support. After enduring years of domestic violence in her home country, Elvira was physically and mentally unstable and needed help to find a way forward.
Over the next two years, Elvira and her daughter received legal assistance and were able to move into their own apartment. With ELAWC's guidance, Elvira also opened her first savings account, obtained a work permit, and found employment.
"yo llegue a esta casa con una maleta vieja y ahora tengo dos maletas, nuevos recursos, ahorros y sueños. Mi corazón siente mucho agradecimiento."
elvira
" When I came to this house I
had one old suitcase,
now I
have two new suitcases with resources, savings and dreams. My heart is filled with gratitude."
Today, Elvira is taking her independence one step further by launching her own small business as a licensed street vendor. Meanwhile, her daughter has graduated from high school and has begun her college journey. They are proud of the promising life they are building together.
seeking safety
e LAWc is one of the first organizations in the country to address the relationship between intimate partner violence and HIV/ AIds among Latinx women. despite advancements in treatment and prevention, Latinx women remain disproportionately affected by HIV/ AIds due to cultural and healthcare access barriers. s urvivors are less likely to practice safe sex and often fail to continue antiretroviral therapy, compounding the risk.
the program incorporates the seeking safety curriculum, a 12-week evidence-based program empowering survivors living with HIV, trauma, and/or addiction. the project teaches coping skills, emotional management, and strategies for improving overall well-being and self-efficacy. d espite facing challenges such as low literacy, personal crises, and health issues, participants have shown remarkable resilience and determination in restarting medical treatment, reclaiming their safety, and regaining control over their lives.
Seeking Safety is funded through the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health- Ending the HIV Epidemic Priority Population Intervention- Administered by Heluna Health .
" I never imagined I’d be homeless and battling addiction, a consequence of decades of trauma and abuse. the project offered at the center provided me with coping tools, and ways to advocate for myself and to commit to my HIV treatment plan. today, I am safely housed, undetectable from HIV, and hopeful for my future. "
~ Laura, 62
LOUISE'S STORY
Trafficked as a child, I never felt like I belonged anywhere or with anyone. At 18 I gave birth to my daughter, while in an abusive relationship with her father. Despite all the suffering we endured over the years, today we are free.
My daughter is now 18, and our lives have been transformed. I earned my BA in studio art and, inspired by my daughter's love for pottery, started a small ceramics business. My hope is that she'll take over the business after college.
Our little family is excited about our future and ready to embrace every opportunity. We're never looking back.
restorative Justice Program | Voz y Palabra
restorative Justice, a transformational, community-based approach, focuses on accountability rather than punishment to break the cycle of violence within families experiencing domestic violence.
eLAWc's restorative Justice Project, in collaboration with the national compadres network, facilitates a safe environment for dialogue, reflection, repair, healing, and rebuilding healthy relationships. drawing on indigenous roots, the process builds on the sacredness of circles and welcomes community members to the circle as a tool for transformation.
Participants who have caused harm explore what is needed to heal and prevent future harm. survivors are invited to be present and participate in the process only if they feel safe and willing. By rebuilding trust and cultivating an environment of understanding, accountability, and restoration, families can find healing, strength, and transformation.
economic Pathways Program
d esigned to support survivors in their journey towards economic empowerment, the economic Pathways program fosters the development of financial literacy, self-confidence and marketable skills, paving the way for participants to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve financial self-sufficiency.
the path to economic empowerment can include receiving training for a new job, returning to school to discover rewarding career paths, or starting a small business. Women enrolled in the program receive job and money management coaching, language and education resources, employment services, entrepreneurship tools.
survivors also have opportunities to showcase their business and sell products at eLAWc’s Mujeres Market, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
142
LAGMc emergency responses
6,437 sA youth prevention & outreach presentations
Male engagement
The Men’s Healing Circle is a sacred and safe space where men come together to share, learn, and process life experiences while supporting one another in the discovery of resilience, resolve, and healthy coping mechanisms.
The circle honors space for the collective redress of childhood trauma, generational wounds, and transformative community medicine and healing.
3,116
Medical professionals trained on sA and dV
Twelve virtual sessions culminating in an in-person ceremony are offered throughout the year.
} Our Forever Home Is Nearly Complete.
Help us finish the Journey!
In 2022, eLAWc embarked on an exciting journey — to completely transform a 10,000 sq. ft. building into a haven of hope and healing for survivors and families and to serve as a vital resource hub for the community.
to fund the renovations for our new headquarters, we launched forever Home, a five-year capital campaign to raise $4.3 million.
Through the incredible generosity of lead donors, our new home is nearing completion. But there is more work to do.
We have raised $2.4 million to complete major building renovations. However, we still need to raise an additional $600,000 to complete the work and open our new headquarters to the public.
the final finishes on our forever Home need your help. With your continued support we will:
• furnish all the rooms to create a welcoming, healing environment.
• equip the facility with the necessary tools and technology.
• complete exterior landscaping and finishes to create an inviting facade, elevating the community.
We can't wait to open our doors and share the beauty and joy of our Forever Home with you.
Before ProGress
on the journey and become a part of this promising future. elawc.org/foreverhome
} Staff Stories
embodying the passion and the work
at eLAWc
I am inspired by the heart and soul my colleagues infuse into their work and the profound trust survivors and our community place in ELAWC.
ruth joined eLAWc in 2018 as coordinator of Wellness Programs after serving as a volunteer. today, she oversees a range of critical services for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Her responsibilities include coordinating care, training medical providers, and actively participating in the dV and sA task force at Los Angeles General Medical center.
Ruth Rivera | 6 years Wellness Coordinator
My passion is helping families find peace and justice so my clients can live and thrive in safety and security. Being an Advocate is making a meaningful difference in someone's life.
“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.”
Zulibeth Inda-Lara | 6 years Victim Advocate
The youth program transformed the way I think about domestic violence, consent, and healthy relationships. It helped shape the relationships in my life. I am inspired by seeing the process of growing and learning, for myself and others ~ and how ELAWC continuously supports the community in so many different ways.
"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!"
Nathalie Ceron | 5 years Youth Advocate
Celebrating Service
ELAWC is deeply grateful to our amazing team members who've been with us for 20+ years! Your dedication, kindness, and hard work make a real difference in the lives of others. You've seen us grow and change, and you've helped shape ELAWC into the incredible organization it is today. Thank you!
Thelma Garcia — 28 years
Sonia Rivera — 25 years
Sandra Ibarra — 25 years
Alejandra Aguilar — 20 years
Carmen Lorenz — 20 years
In loving memory of our beloved Promotora Alicia Bautista and her son who both lost their lives in 2023. We embrace her family and all the Promotoras and staff who were close to this very vibrant and beautiful soul.
} Financials
$100,000 disbursed for emergency and essential support
Project Heal
thank you to first district supervisor Hilda L. solis for awarding the east Los Angeles Women’s center a $250,000 community Program fund grant. the funding will support eLAW’s Project Heal, a culturally responsive program that helps Latinx children and their non-abusing parents heal from the trauma of domestic violence, family violence, and/or child abuse.
$550,000
In flexible funds distributed to 220 survivors from LA county from the “small dollar Grants for the domestic Violence survivors Project”
$140,000 to fund housing for survivors through the Housing first Initative
Friends of ELAWC 2023
Government Funding
u s department of Health and Human services
Administration on children, youth and families (Acyf), family and youth services Bureau (fysB)
us dept. of Justice - office on Violence against Women (oVW)
cal oes Governor’s office of emergency services
state of california - Health and Human services Agency
c alifornia d epartment of Public Health
Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB), rape Prevention and education (rPe)
state of california - department of Industrial relations
county of Los Angles
Public Health - office of Women’s Health
county of Los Angeles Public Health - rising communities
emergency food and shelter Program ( efsP)
Los Angeles Homeless services Authority
Los Angeles county dept. of Public Health - division of HIV and std Program
department of Public social services community services Block Grant (csBG)
Los county - community development division - cdBG
city of Los Angeles AIds coordinator’s office (Aco)
$100,000+
Anonymous
Anonymous
Blue shield of california foundation
california community foundation
J.B. & emily Van nuys charities
Kaiser foundation HospitalLos Angeles
Marisla fund - orange county community foundation
$50,000+
california foundation for stronger communities
Goldsmith Legacy foundation
Michael and Irene ross e ndowment f und of the Jewish community foundation of Los Angeles
the sam Initiative
together rising
$20,000+
don and Bridgid cheadle Philanthropy fund
Jewish community foundation of Los Angeles
Max factor family foundation (Mfff) in partnership with Jewish community foundation of Los Angeles
$15,000+
Audrey freudberg
Beatrice Viramontes
Bryan skowronek
conrad n. Hilton foundation
$5,000+
carolyn Kendall
casey family Programs
constance Lopez
JoAnn diaz
Katherine emerson
Laurie newbound
Marilyn Ladd
McMaster-carr
supply company
network for Good ramani durvasula
rebecca Weightman
christel ferguson
space to Love
teresa contreras
$2500+
charities Aid foundation of America (cAf)
deisy castro
fidelity charitable
Jacob Hurwitz
Jennifer Zev
Lisa Leombruni
raines feldman Littrell LLP
richard chang
sally Martin
scott stevens
the Kyriacos Gig and Kathleen
Kyriacou fund
the saint sophia
Philoptochos society
yvette rodriguez
Zachary negin
$1000+
Mattina Proctor foundation
Honey Amado
dr. Irma Licea
Lauren J Katunich
Howard Grobstein
Miles feldman
sandra Henriquez
david r diaz
david Valdez
Hensiek & caron cPA
Kate Purdy
Liz Hormann
Melissa earnhart
Michael dill
Miguel Jauregui
nadia Ali
norma A. Alvarado
Patrick seerholzer
roxanne cheng
Wendy chiu
stephanie Mesones-Alvarado
Laura urias, esq.
$250+
christine M. Vecchio
Magdalena cervantes
eleni Peters
dana newman
sahar Maknouni
Marla Matar
Jodi christensen
James Mendez
timothy Gant
Belinda Gillett
Alyssa Lorenzo
california Healthcare foundation
Gina Martinez
Juli Legat
Buena Vista furniture
emily Acevedo
Maria tekla toczek
Gillian smith
John shepherd
oscar rosales
Amy Hayutin contreras
Amy frazee
Amy raymond-Horton
eduardo nunez
trevor okuno
Barbara dunsheath
Victor Klaus
Ana Maria Garcia
yoel silashi
catholic daughters of the Americasst. Alphonsus #2696
Maria chavez
erickka Gonzalez
nicole Poltash
Alexandra Wheatley
danielle surra
rudolph flores
Melissa Hunt trikilis
Monthly sustainers
Alexandra Wheatley
Bryan skowronek
danielle surra
david Valdez
Gillian smith
In-Kind donors
2evil car club
Alejandra Aguilar-Avelino
Armando Lawrence
daniela tellez
east LA rotary club
eastside eats
Jacqueline rabot
capital campaign
the Ahmanson foundation
california community foundation
Bloomfield family fund day 1 families fund don and Lorraine freeberg foundation
Katherine emerson
Laurie newbound
Lisa Leombruni
Liz Hormann
Marla Matar
Jhoanna Avelino
Joan Wajda
Katherine emerson
Kavya navayanan
Key shawn carter
Kim Lee
Kimberly tran
Henry L. Guenther foundation
LA county supervisor
Hilda L. solis, district 1
LA county supervisor
Janice Hahn, district 4
Molly Jasmine foundation
Miguel Jauregui
oscar rosales
Paul Morgana
ramani durvasula
richard chang
Loteria nights
Martha cristo
Matt simeon
Monique Gutierrez
nicole Aranda
olivia Macias flores
rancho Humilde charities
Morgan stanley skylight foundation
rose Hills foundation
ralph M. Parsons foundation
s. Mark taper foundation
W.M. Keck foundation
teresa contreras
trevor okuno
Victor Klaus
Barbara Kappos
robert J Mauricio
samantha ubaldo
sienree
stephanie Mesones-Alvarado
summer Wheaton
tania Gomez
st. sophia Philoptochos society
Anonymous
Audrey s freudberg
Amn real estate
reyna Avina-Hernandez
tony naples
the transformation of eLAWc's new headquarters has been an extraordinary journey, made possible by the efforts of many dedicated individuals and organizations. your work has helped create a sanctuary of hope and empowerment that will serve our community for generations. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
Our GEnErOuS CAMpAIGn DOnOrS | Your unwavering support and remarkable generosity have been the foundation of this project. Your belief in our mission and contributions to our community have made a lasting impact, creating a place where hope thrives.
Our ExCEpTIOnAL DESIGn AnD COnSTruCTIOn TEAM | Your expertise, creativity, and tireless efforts have made our vision a reality. ArCHITECTurE RFRM Collective | COnSTruCTIOn Marcos Construction, Inc. | InTErIOr COnSuLTInG
Steven Acevedo | Shur-Net Technologies | F2GZ Structural Engineering | Western State Design Group, Plumbing & HVAC Yowanto Electrical Engineering | First Citizens Bank | Yolanda Gonzales | Claire Donahue
And we thank the CITY OF COMMERCE for all their support and assistance.
THAnk YOu for being part of our journey and helping to build a brighter future for ELAWC and all those we serve.
} Section Title
East Los Angles Office
1431 South Atlantic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90022 office 323-526-5819
Commerce office 5801 Washington Blvd, Commerce, CA 90040 office 323-526-5819
The Wellness Center
LA General Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA 90033 office 213-481-6035
Crisis Hotline 800-585-6231 fax 323-526 -5822
email info@elawc.org website elawc.org
congratulations to our Promotoras and hermanas from the transLatina coalition, who completed our 70-hour s exual Assault and d omestic Violence Volunteer Advocate training.
How You Can Help
COnTrIBuTE to our capital campaign
DOnATE at www.elawc.org
VOLun TEE r to become a Hotline Advocate
JOIn our Embajadoras de Paz Membership network
WALk with us at 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
S HA r E the great work e LAWc provides on your social media channels
FOLLOW us on facebook and Instagram
JOIn our advisory committee or refer a colleague
GIFT new, unused clothing and essential goods to women and children for the Hope & Heart shelter