2024-2025 2024-2025
LetterfromtheCo-Presidents 2024-2025
Dear Friends,
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors, friends, volunteers, and community partners who continue to stand with us in the mission to end domestic violence. Your steadfast support has made this past year another impactful one for Laurel House.
In 2024, we proudly celebrated 45 years of providing critical services and hope to individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Montgomery County. Your generosity also helped us complete renovations on our Transitional Housing building, a 200-year-old structure that now offers safe, stable housing to six families, including a fully ADA-accessible space.
This year also marked a leadership transition. We bid farewell to our long-time Executive Director, Beth Sturman, and welcomed Stacy Dougherty into the role. Stacy brings over 15 years of experience with Laurel House and a deep, personal commitment to our mission.
As we look ahead to a new fiscal year beginning July 1, we do so with both optimism and caution. Shifts in federal and state funding have brought uncertainty, but our commitment remains unwavering. Our number one priority will always be the safety and well-being of those who turn to Laurel House for help. Guided by our new two-year strategic plan, we remain focused on our vision to end domestic violence in each life, home, and community.
Your continued partnership is essential. Together, we can build a safer, more compassionate world.
With gratitude and hope,
Melissa Pilong & Jason VanBuskirk Co-Presidents of the Board
TheInitialCase
A double homicide in Towamencin Township occurred, where a woman and her 4-year-old daughter lost their lives. Lieutenant Jeff Kratz (Sergeant Jeff Kratz at the time) spearheaded the effort to reach out to neighboring police departments and victim service organizations, including Laurel House, to develop a task force to work towards preventing domestic violence fatalities from happening again in the community.
D.A.R.T.isformed
This group, consisting of local victim service organizations and the Towamencin Township Police, Lansdale Borough Police, Upper Gwynedd Township Police, Montgomery Township Police, North Wales Borough Police and Hatfield Township Police, was ultimately responsible for the creation of Laurel House’s Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), in 2005 The program started with these 6 police departments and one part-time advocate.
D.A.R.T.Today
Today, the DART program has grown to include 50 local police departments, 4 full time staff, 2 interns, 8 volunteers, and countless Emergency Rooms and medical offices throughout Montgomery County. Last year alone, the D.A.R.T. program responded to 754 referrals from law enforcement and medical professionals.
DART20 Anniversary:
Background
Late one morning, a mother of four called 911 in distress, reporting ongoing domestic violence and child abuse in the home. East Norriton Police responded immediately and arrested the offender on-site. Recognizing the severity and complexity of the situation, police activated the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) to provide emergency crisis intervention.
Immediate Response
Upon arrival, a DART advocate provided emotional support and crisis counseling to the survivor, who was visibly shaken and concerned for the safety of her children. With the offender in custody, our team worked swiftly to assist the survivor in navigating urgent next steps.
Legal Protections Secured
The advocate accompanied the survivor to court, where she filed for and was granted a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order. This order granted her temporary custody of her children, evicted the offender from the home, and mandated the relinquishment of over 20 firearms found in the home.
Child Welfare and Safety Measures
A ChildLine report was filed to ensure immediate attention to the suspected child abuse The survivor and her children were provided TracPhones to ensure safe, secure communication. DART arranged for a temporary hotel to keep the family safe until the offender's bail was confirmed and all firearms were confiscated.
Ongoing Safety Planning
To further ensure safety and peace of mind, our team installed security cameras at the residence and helped the family develop a comprehensive safety plan.
LONGTERM SUPPORT
DART remained actively involved: connecting the survivor to a custody attorney, who secured physical custody of the children, arranging for forensic interviews for the children in a traumainformed setting, attending the preliminary hearing to offer legal and emotional support, and linking the family to free domestic violence counseling through Laurel House.
Outcome
Thanks to the coordinated response of law enforcement, the courts, and DART, the survivor and her children are now safe, stable, and thriving The children are engaged in traumainformed counseling, and the survivor continues to receive services and empowerment-based advocacy through our team.
Fiscal2024-2025Report
$1,796,720 $410,147 $210,500 $580,995 $237,840 $870,445 $836,205 $4,942,852
Fiscal2024-2025Report
BoardofDirectors
KeyStaff
StrategicPlan2025-2027
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Develop data collection tools to improve feedback, services and impact
Enhance data collection and analysis from existing client database
Expand survey distribution to include clients and key stakeholders
Increase accessibility and visibility of surveys
Develop a method of sharing survey results and feedback via social media, print materials, and the Laurel House website
Explore the creation and cultivation of a Survivor’s Advisory Committee to solicit insight and feedback on organizational policies, procedures, and functions
Develop new partnership and funding opportunities
Focus on corporate partnerships by enhancing matching gifts and create a corporate partnership package
Pursue EITC funding
Monetize training opportunities
Enhance outreach and engagement with legislative partners
Host an annual legislative event
Improve donor retention and engagement
Engage younger donors
Increase third party events
Host donor appreciation events
Boost staff engagement, satisfaction, and retention by implementing consistent, meaningful appreciation and morale-building activities
Ensure fair and transparent compensation practices
Foster an inclusive organizational culture by recruiting, hiring, and retaining a workforce that reflects the communities that we serve
Enhance staff performance, engagement, and professional growth through structured, role- specific training and development opportunities
Improve the evaluation process and staff accountability by implementing consistent, thorough, and growth-oriented evaluations
Develop an annual marketing plan for Laurel House by identifying targeting populations and tailoring outreach packages accordingly
Highlight October as the kick- off for our annual marketing plan
Develop consistent branding through printed material, website, e-materials, and Laurel House swag to distribute to key stakeholders and supporters
Track and analyze our digital analytics
