The Advocates Impact Report, 2020 - 2021

3 O YEARS OF

HOPE CHANGE TRANSFORMATION TRUST POWER FL ENCOURAGEMENT LISTENING STRENGTH SAFETY CARE COMMUNITY HEALING SURVIVAL TRUST FRIENDSHIP SAFETY INDEPENDENCE SUPPORT COMPASSION RESOURCES UNDERSTANDING CARE HELP OPTIONS SHELTER ADVOCACY TOGETHER HOPE CHANGE TRANSFORMATION TRU POWER ENCOURAGEMENT STRENGTH HOPE LISTENIN ENCOURAGEMENT CARE COMMUNITY HEALING SUPPOR SURVIVAL FLIGHT RESOURCES FRIENDSHIP INDEPENDE SUPPORT COMPASSION TRUST SHELTER HELP INDEPENDENCE STRENGTH CHANGE TRANSFORMATION SAFETY TAKING FLIGHT HOPE 2020 -2021 I M PACT RE PO RT

30 YEARS OF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IMPACT

PresidentJulie Stanek

Vice PresidentKrista AndersonCopperman

SecretaryStephanie Reed

DEAR FRIENDS, Our impact report this year is the culmination of thirty years of your generosity.

Over the last three decades, The Advocates evolved from providing basic crisis support into an organization that gives people in-depth services to improve their socio-economic status and overall well-being.

Once we ensure that survivors of abuse and their children have their basic needs met – shelter, food, clothing – we give them the opportunity to improve their lives, leaving abuse, instability and financial insecurity behind. Lives are changed via job skills training, financial education, matched savings, stable housing, improved self-confidence and emotional fortitude, and learning how to successfully navigate systems.

TreasurerDiane Banta

I love to compare what we do with your support to a murmuration—a massive flock of starlings that fly in unison swooping dramatically every which way seemingly effortlessly in the sky. The analogy speaks to the power of collective action, what we are capable of when we work together.

You are helping people you know. One in three women, one in four men, and one in five children experience relationship or sexual abuse in their lifetime. Violence thrives in silence. Survivors thrive when they have support. Thank you for ending abuse and creating a happy, healthy community for all.

In Gratitude­­—

Bill Boeger Dayna Buxton Dan Chapin Berenice Crowder Quin Curran Meghan Flanz Tommy Green Rebecca Neeley Laura Rose-Lewis Anna Parker Kathryn Schneider, MD Hillary Whipple, DMD

The Advocates envisions a compassionate community, free from emotional and physical abuse. To reach our goal, we teach people of all ages how to build and maintain healthy, positive relationships with peers and partners. We accomplish this through education, shelter, resources and support. All of our services are free and confidential. Call us today to get help or get involved. Together we are saving lives and changing futures.

WE VALUE Well supported staff.

Compassionate and confidential services.

Empowerment of clients.

Community collaboration.

Tricia Swartling, CEO

Social change.

Activism that supports individual dignity, freedom and systemic equity.

THE NEED IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR Abuse happens in our Valley every day. The Advocates is here to help build a more compassionate community, free from sexual abuse and relationship violence.

LAST YEAR...

59

635

62

19,112

requests for assistance were answered by trained Advocates EVERY DAY

people sought safety and support

sexual assault survivors in our community received services

safe nights of housing were provided

You never think it’s going to happen to you. This town feels so safe—until it isn’t.

- SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR

In 2020, Blaine County mourned a domestic violence homicide.

I would have died if it hadn’t been for The Advocates. The staff was there for me during my darkest times. For the first time, my kids and I feel safe.

- TANYA

IN MY OWN WORDS I was so nervous walking into The Advocates. But the fear was nothing compared to twenty years of emotional and physical abuse, and twenty years of being told I was worthless and couldn’t make it without him.

I left before—seven times to be exact. Every time he would talk me into coming back by crying and promising to change.

When that didn’t work, he would threaten suicide or threaten to take the kids away. That worked. I would forgive him, try harder, and nothing would change.

With The Advocates’ help, it was different.

They gave me and my children a home and unconditional support. They gave us clothes, food, and paid for a divorce lawyer to make sure my kids were safe.

The Advocates is a blessing, and transitional housing was exactly what I needed to get myself back on track. Now I have a great job, an affordable condo, and I am ready to make a positive difference in my community. I don’t dare imagine my life if The Advocates wasn’t here and able to help me. They truly saved my life.

- TANYA, SHELTER & TRANSITIONAL HOUSING CLIENT

30 YEARS OF

BUILDING TRUST IN 1990, A LOCAL TEEN SUFFERING FROM ABUSE, SHOT HER OFFENDER. Recognizing that the violence could have been prevented if help was available, five women: Julie Caldwell, Eve Heart, Cally Huttar, Char Roth and Vicky Starr began the process of founding The Advocates.

1995 1991 THE START The Advocates is founded offering free, confidential support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

1992 24-HOUR HELPLINE Staffed by 20 volunteers, our 24-Hour Helpline is open.

THE CHANGE MAKER First full-time staff member is hired, and it is...Tricia Swartling, current CEO!

1996 EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS Violence Prevention Program is developed and the first healthy relationships training is offered in local schools.

1999 THE SHELTER IS OPEN

The Shelter opens its doors, providing victims of abuse and their children a safe place to live.

2001 THE TEAM Terri Beck (current Shelter Manager) begins work as a weekend shelter manger and Raquel Galvin (current Director of Client Services) launches her career as a Victim Advocate—the beginning of 20 years of dedication and advocacy in our community.

2019 2009

2002 PETS WELCOME The Shelter expands to include “The Cottage.” This pet-friendly safe housing option is the first shelter in Idaho to accept pets.

EMPOWERMENT + EDUCATION

2003 THE ATTIC OPENS To diversify funding, The Advocates’ Attic opens for business, providing on average 20% of the yearly financial support for The Advocates.

Skills for Success Program launches to provide an opportunity for survivors to gain financial independence and expand their career opportunities. This program combines with the Smart About Money Economic Empowerment Course and Matched Savings Accounts.

2012 EVERY TEEN COUNTS (ETC) Bystander Intervention Program launched, and the first ETC Youth Activist Interns hired.

2015

ALL ARE WELCOME

100% OCCUPANCY

Transitional Housing 4-Plex purchased as a pilot program. From the start, it has 100% occupancy and a waitlist, confirming the need for more housing.

Safe Housing First and Client Service Center open, increasing Transitional Housing from 4 to 18 units and creating a more accessible access point for the public.

2021 TRANSITIONAL HOUSING COMPLETE! Final phase of Transitional Housing is completed. The campus includes 22 apartments, a playground and vegetable garden.

When the women’s movement started, there was not even a term called domestic violence. It was just called life.

- GLORIA STEINEM

YOU HELPED US COME SO FAR Over the last 30 years, your support empowered us to be an essential resource as well as a pillar of hope and strength for survivors. However, there is still work to be done. With your help, The Advocates will keep working until everyone in our community is safe in their home and offenders are held accountable. Every day we respond to critical situations, one person at a time, to make real change.

Leaving an abusive situation is the first step. The Advocates is here for the whole journey.

Our comprehensive services include life-changing programs addressing employment, physical and mental health needs, affordable housing, food instability, long-term safety, and changing behaviors to end abuse before it starts. You make this possible and we are thankful for all that you do to help make our community more compassionate.

2003 Advocates Fundraiser: “Imagine all the people living life in peace.”

30 YEARS OF

SHOWING UP THE FOUR PILLARS THAT GUIDE OUR WORK

EMPOWERMENT LIFE SKILLS, PROGRAMS & SUPPORT

SMART ABOUT MONEY ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

Financial literacy course SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

Jobs and life skills course COOKING CLASSES

FREEDOM

CRISIS SERVICES, SHELTER & 24-HOUR SUPPORT DAY OR NIGHT WE ARE HERE TO HELP CRISIS SHELTER

Safe housing for adults, children and pets 24-HOUR HELPLINE

Online, over the phone, or in-person support offered in English and Spanish CLIENT ADVOCACY

Housing, food, employment, systems navigation and support SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES

Support, hospital response, legal assistance and guidance for recovery SUPPORT GROUPS & COUNSELING

Helping survivors with the healing process

Learn a new skill while expanding your social circle LEGAL SERVICES AND ADVOCACY

Professional services to navigate complex systems ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES

Weekly language classes to encourage independence IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE

Eligibility and application assistance for VAWA and U Visa applications

TRANSFORMATION TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM: 22 rent-subsidized apartments for survivors of abuse and their children and pets

• Last year 34 adults and 41 children spent 16,967 safe nights in The Advocates’ Transitional Housing • The average length of stay is 9 months • Clients pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent • Average monthly rent is $250

ACTION

PREVENTION & EDUCATION EVERY TEEN COUNTS (ETCs)

Peer Educators leading the movement against emotional and physical abuse in schools BYSTANDER INTERVENTION

Students learn safe strategies to intervene when they witness violence, bullying, and abuse FREE PREVENTION PROGRAMMING

Healthy Relationship training offered to all local students yearly in grades 5-12

Being an ETC has truly impacted my view on safe relationships. Before I started, I knew what an unhealthy relationship was. However, I didn’t have the COURAGE to act. I’ve learned that it is important to act no matter the social consequences - JAMES

2020-2021

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Clients who participated in Smart About Money Economic Empowerment Course collectively

saved $190,000 this year.

92% of Skills for Success graduates obtained better paying jobs.

2,291 local students attended violence prevention presentations

from The Advocates last year. Topics covered everything from anti-bullying, healthy relationships, consent, and active bystander intervention.

100% of clients report increased financial security, safety, stability, and reduced use of community resources after living in transitional housing.

PREVENTION IS POSSIBLE A cornerstone of The Advocates’ mission is preventing violence before it starts. We do so by providing education and outreach programs in our Valley with the goal of giving local youth the tools they need to build and maintain healthy relationships.

HOW WE MAKE IT HAPPEN Over the last year, we offered virtual and in-person workshops to local students in both private and public schools, grades 6-12. At the request of local teens, we created an online library full of videos, articles, podcasts, and more to support youth and their relationships.

The Advocates Every Teen Counts interns (ETCs) delivered over 100 “healthy relationship” gift boxes to local students and adults, hosted a virtual screening of Roll Red Roll with a discussion about sexual assault, and created bullying prevention PSAs for all the elementary and middle schools in our Valley. Over the last year, the ETCs dedicated 2,000 hours of planning, teaching, and organizing to stop violence before it starts.

Beyond the classroom, we engage community organizations on a variety of levels to support prevention. We provide awareness trainings for local non-profits, collaborate with local law enforcement to strengthen domestic violence safety for our community, and partner with 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance and The Idaho Youth for Change Summit.

TOGETHER WE ARE SAVING LIVES AND CHANGING FUTURES.

THIS IS

HOW WE OPERATE PROGRAM REVENUE 2020-2021 Foundation Grants Government Grants Advocates’ Attic Net Contributions Fund Raising Net Program Income Endowment Income

PROGRAM EXPENSES 2020-2021

$203,429 $622,829 $192,888 $168,377 $423,432 $45,002 $40,285

TOTAL: $1,696,242

Skills for Success Shelter and Healing Transition & Support Education & Prevention

$140,540 $506,889 $742,178 $189,492

TOTAL: $1,579,099

SHOP THE ATTIC. SUPPORT THE ADVOCATES. When people leave abusive relationships, they are often forced to leave many things behind, including clothes, dishes, furniture, and more. The Attic is filled with items donated by community members and is a critical resource for those in need. This past year, 665 vouchers were given to individuals allowing them to shop for free for essential items. Additionally, The Attic’s proceeds provided 12% of The Advocates’ total revenue.

Your Support Saves Lives & Changes Futures.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY. Help us sustain the critical services we provide. It is needed and makes a difference. Your donation is an investment in keeping your neighbors and our community safe. Every gift builds a compassionate community free from emotional and physical abuse and provides Freedom, Empowerment, Action, Transformation and most all HOPE to survivors.

Thank you for giving generously.

Return the self-addressed gift envelope or visit theadvocatesorg.org to make a donation and to see a complete list of our donors.

We accept cash donations as well as securities, real estate, and are now accepting donations of cryptocurrency. If you have ideas of your own, please call us. We’re here to help your gift make its biggest impact.

Our Tax ID is #94-3162848

PO Box 3216, Hailey, Idaho 83333 208.788.4191 theadvocatesorg.org Program Support Staff Melissa Ayres, Finance Manager Colleen Clark, MPH, Human Resource Coordinator Shannon Nichols, Director of Development Tricia Swartling, CEO, MPH Shelter & Program Staff Suzi Ayers, Victim Advocate Teri Beck, Shelter Manager Callie Bourgette, Intern, Idaho Youth for Change Collective Debbie Conover, Shelter Weekend Advocate Susan Fierman, Skills for Success Director Raquel Galvin, M.A., Client Programs Director Sandi Garcia, Shelter Weekend Advocate Darrel Harris, Director of Social Change Jackie Hennessy, Transitional Housing Manager Doris Lopez, Bilingual Victim Advocate Elva Magana, Bilingual Victim Advocate Ginette Mosquera, Bilingual Victim Advocate Cleo Mueller, Transitional Housing Coordinator Rosa Quispe, Shelter Weekend Advocate Monica Reyna, M.A.,Violence Prevention Coordinator The Advocates’ Attic Staff McKenna Allen, Sales Associate Michelle Baird, Sales Associate

Elizabeth Cashin, Sales Associate Kim Cortez, Sales Associate Jake Shellow, Sales Associate Kelly Siemon, Sales Associate Lindy Stark, Store Manager Carmen Vera Haro, Sales Associate ETC Youth Interns Maeve Coffelt Marcella Fisher Ethan Hunt Noelle LaFleur Joseph Melgar-Egoavil Priscilla Meza Diana Munoz Finn Rust Jasmine Santacruz Charlotte Stone