WCA 2018 Annual Report

2018

ANNUAL REPORT

Growing, Serving, & Moving Forward

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FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES Thank you for taking a moment to read my message and review our first Annual Report. We had an eventful year and are excited to showcase it here.

I am so proud to work for this organization that has such a critical mission of serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking and creating a safe community.

This year came with great change. Our new home in the Blackstone District has been impactful. Completing this $10.7 million project on time, on budget, and on mission was no small feat. As a result, we have seen record-breaking numbers in our direct services, clients served, hotline calls, and visitors to our new website.

It is with great gratitude to our dedicated staff, generous funders, committed volunteers, steadfast partnering agencies, and supportive Board of Directors that the WCA serves victims with the expertise, compassion, and respect that they deserve. Together, we are saving lives and making a difference.

I hope more will champion our cause and join us to support our mission to care for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking while making Omaha a place where everyone can stay safe and grow strong.

Amy Richardson President & CEO

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OUR MISSION

Assisting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking and their children to achieve safety and empowering them to lead self-determined lives.

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Domestic violence and sexual assault affects 1 in 3 women and 1

ABOUT For over 100 years, we have been the experts, the listening ear, the safe place for survivors and their children.

in 7 men.

The WCA received more than 10,800 hotline calls in 2018.

The WCA is the designated direct service provider for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking in Douglas County. We are dedicated to helping clients stay safe and grow strong by addressing both their immediate safety needs and their long-term self-sufficiency.

For more than a century, the WCA has led Omaha in serving the critical needs of victims. The WCA’s multi-faceted approach provides vital services including, but not limited to, the Omaha Metropolitan area’s domestic violence and sexual assault crisis hotline, advocacy, individualized case management, pro bono legal services, therapy, peer-led support groups, self-sufficiency, and career programs.

Domestic violence is the 3rd leading

cause of death

for women, after cancer.

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SERVICES VICTIM SERVICES 24/7 Hotline Counseling Family Law/Immigration Attorneys Support Groups Indigo Program – Human Trafficking Safety Planning Financial Training Career Services Immigration Legal Specialists Career Clothing Boutique Medical Clinic Self-Sufficiency Coaching

PREVENTION/EDUCATION Girl’s Leadership Academy School Education Support Business HR Support Human Trafficking Education

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS In April of 2018, the WCA moved into our new building at 3801 Harney Street. The building was a $10.7 million project that was completed on time, on budget, and on mission.

For nearly 40 years, the WCA supported and worked alongside survivors from the building located at 222 S 29th Street. In 2016, it became clear that the need was outgrowing the space – quickly.

A building committee of community leaders was formed to find the right space for our unique work and found the space in the Blackstone District. The building was purchased in the summer of 2016 and construction began the following spring.

Through countless focus groups for staff, volunteers, board members, and clients, a clear vision of what was needed emerged: a space that was filled with natural light, yet completely confidential, with state of the art technology and that maintained accessibility for all; a space that was sensitive to the trauma that clients have experienced, but hopeful for their future; a space that was welcoming and not intimidating.

When finished, the building boasted four floors of state-of-the-art office space that was crossfunctional and adaptable for future growth, along with more than 40 pieces of artwork by women in Nebraska. The WCA put together an extensive communication plan to inform clients and the public of the move that invited them to be part of the process through construction updates, closing ceremonies, story-telling, and grand openings. The end result was magic. More survivors are being served than before, more volunteers are engaging in our work, and more organizations are reaching out to support the WCA.

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Above: WCA’s front lobby is welcoming for clients.

Top right: Our private waiting area is a calming space for those needing services.

Right: Clients are invited to choose clothing at no cost in our Career Clothing Boutique.

Below: A survivor wall lines the hallways of the client area.

150 People Served Every. Single. Day.

In Gratitude to Our Friends

On average, 150 people are supported by the WCA

Gary Lebens – Chair

daily. They are now coming to a facility that says “we

Sabrina Ahern

Dianne Seeman – Co-Chair

care for you, we believe you, and there is hope.”

Jane Alseth

Kristin Williams – Co-Chair

Rick Anderson

Jane Dinsdale Rogers

We can’t change what brings them to us, but we

Brandon Burns

Gary Lebens

can definitely impact their lives with our care. We

Jane Dinsdale Rogers

Susan Lebens

don’t have to hide in the shadows. This building

Susan Lebens

Tahnee Markussen

stands tall and is a beautiful testament to how

Sandy Parker

Sandy Parker

much this community cares.

Regina Toman

Regina Toman

BUILDING COMMITTEE

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS No matter where survivors are in their journey, the WCA has caring experts here to listen to and help survivors. We’ve expanded our programs in our new space to serve their needs every day.

Indigo Indigo is a program of the Women’s Center for Advancement.

Every month, 900 individuals are advertised for sex, often multiple times, in Nebraska *

Indigo focuses on building awareness, educating our community, and providing direct services to victims of sex trafficking in the Omaha area. Indigo is run in collaboration with Youth Emergency Services for ages 17–24. Beginning in 2017, the program has seen a tremendous amount of growth and support. Because of the generous support of the program, the Indigo team was able to grow by hiring more Case Managers and Clinical Advocates, as well as a Staff Attorney.

Since passing in 2018, LB1132 allows trafficking survivors to come forward and have convictions for crimes they were forced to commit set aside and the public record sealed. Our Indigo Client Attorney was able to successfully win the first felony

* Women’s Fund of Omaha. (2017). Nebraska’s Commercial Sex Market. Retrieved from https://www.omahawomensfund.org/ wp-content/uploads/Nebraskas-Commercial Sex-Market-Report-FINAL.pdf

set-aside case in the state of Nebraska.

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LISTENING TO SURVIVORS WCA Opens Medical Clinic, Tami & Marsha’s Room of Resiliance We were thrilled to begin using our medical room in the fall of 2018. Survivors indicated a need for medical care related to violence.

By contracting the services of Omaha Integrative Care, we provide our clients an opportunity to be seen by specially trained medical staff. This team understands the trauma survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking experience on a regular basis. The medical exam room was generously donated by Dr. Joann Schaefer and Philip Haines.

Above: The WCA’s medical clinic offers clients an opportunity to be seen by trauma-informed medical staff at no cost.

Below: Wellness and support group areas provide clients a safe space to share and discuss.

Expansion of Groups & Classes After hearing from survivors and adding space,

Some of the new groups we’ve been able to add are:

we’ve been able to increase the amount of

• Teen Support Group

support groups and classes the WCA provides

• Pain Release Workshop: Myofascial Stretching

to clients. With the intent of whole-wellness and

• Survivor Studio: Healing Through Creative Outlets

allowing survivors to bond in safe, yet social

• PRISM: LGBTQIA+ Support Group

settings, groups are a critical piece to our service.

The WCA served more than 1,500 clients through various support groups in 2018.

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CLIENT STORIES Jessica I now rely on myself, my strength, and my skills because the WCA helped me when I needed it most.

Trish is an overnight WCA Advocate. One night, she responded to a hospital call. Before entering the room, the hospital staff let her know that the patient was a victim of domestic violence and was badly bruised and swollen. Trish introduced herself to the patient, Jessica, and let her know that she was a WCA advocate. She would help answer any questions and provide any support Jessica may need presently and going forward.

Jessica told Trish that her son, James, was staying with her sister but her sister’s house was already full. Jessica wasn’t sure where she could go, other than back to her partner. Jessica mentioned a desire to press charges and to file for divorce from her abusive husband. Trish found Jessica temporary housing and worked with WCA’s self-sufficiency team to apply for SNAP benefits and a long-term housing plan. Trish helped Jessica file a protection order and referred her to the WCA legal department to assist with her divorce.

After assessing Jessica’s situation, the WCA legal department recommended that Jessica attend the monthly legal clinic to start her divorce paperwork. Through the legal clinic, Jessica was able to represent herself in divorce proceedings. For six months, Jessica attended the legal clinic to make sure she filed paperwork correctly and that she was on track to represent herself when the trial date came. Jessica successfully represented herself and won her divorce case. She did it all on her own with the legal guidance from the WCA and with emotional support from Trish, who was right behind her when the judge announced his decision.

Jessica never thought she’d ever leave her husband or that she could afford a lawyer, let alone successfully represent herself in her divorce.

She had never felt so empowered. After so many years without a voice, she finally found hers again. Jessica has continued working with Trish and the WCA to file custody paperwork. She plans to represent herself again with the help of WCA and her WCA Advocate, Trish.

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Hannah

Hannah was nervous to tell her boyfriend she was pregnant because it was hard to predict his moods.

When he found out, he showered her with love. It reminded her of when they first started dating.

As her pregnancy progressed, he changed. He belittled Hannah, telling her she would never be a good mother and questioned paternity. Hannah told her friend, Julie, about her fears of being an inadequate mother.

Julie recognized the signs of abuse as a survivor herself who still attended a support group at WCA. She invited Hannah to come to the WCA with her for help. Hannah was nervous, but agreed.

When Hannah met with Gina, a WCA Advocate, they created a safety plan in case anything escalated before Hannah could end the relationship. Hannah had mixed feelings about leaving her boyfriend. She was only a week away from her due date, had no place to go, and wasn’t working so she didn’t have enough financial support for herself.

The next day, Hannah reminded her boyfriend that he promised to get a car seat. He insisted that the baby was not his and began throwing things. Hannah followed her safety plan, ran to the bathroom, called the police, and then called Gina. Her boyfriend left before police arrived. Gina got Hannah a cab to the WCA and they worked to get Hannah safe housing.

When everything was falling apart, the WCA helped me put things back together, one piece at a time.

Through generous donations, the WCA provided Hannah with a car seat, stroller, and diapers to last the first few weeks. Hannah delivered a healthy baby girl and continues to work with the WCA legal team for custody. Reflecting on her experience, Hannah tells others that they don’t have to stay in harmful relationships; there are safe options. She wrote us a note saying, “I don’t know where we’d be without the WCA. Everyday I feel stronger and thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me find my worth again. I know I’ll need it as I continue navigating the legal system and get back in to the workforce.”

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2018 Tribute to Women Honorees Front row: Nancy Williams, Melissa Graves, Dulce Magdalena Sherman, Susan Ann Koenig, Sharon Robino-West Back row: Karen Goracke, Leslie R. Andersen, Laura F. Alley, Dr. Shireen S. Rajaram, Dr. Karen Falconer-Al Hindi

EVENTS The WCA has two fabulous, fun events each year that celebrate women leaders and support our programs.

Tribute to Women Each year, the WCA honors 10 outstanding women in the community for their commitment to serving, bettering, and uplifting others. Each woman is honored in June at the annual Tribute to Women Luncheon. With more than 30 years of tradition, this award has become one of the most prestigious awards women in Omaha can receive. Join us Thursday, June 13th to honor the 2019 Tribute to Women Honorees. For more information about this event, including purchasing tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit wcaomaha.org/events.

Left to right: The WCA CEO Amy Richardson, Greg Rhoades, 2018 Keynote Speaker Freddie Gray, and Martha Rhoades

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Attendees enjoying fun & games at the 2018 tgif! event.

TGIF! The Goal is Fun! For nearly ten years the WCA Partner’s Guild has hosted this evening fundraiser that includes a cocktail hour, silent auction, games, dinner, and live auction – all with a fun countrywestern twist. This casual event is a great way for guests to support and learn about the critical work the WCA is doing in Omaha. Join us this year on Friday, October 4th. For more event information please visit wcaomaha.org/events.

Partners Guild The Partners Guild supports the WCA through event planning, volunteerism, and friend-raising.

It’s a monthly group where women come together to support other women in the community.

The Partners Guild main activities include: • Raising awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April • Collecting items for the WCA Boutique • Recognizing and celebrating WCA staff • Raising awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October • Hosting the “tgif!” fundraising event in October

2019 WCA Guild Executive Board President: Jill McClure Guild Advisor: Christina Groteluschen President-elect : Katie McDonnell VP Fundraising: Morgan Thomsen, Shalene Oropeza, Breezy Parker VP Programs: Ashley Sutera VP Guild Development and Education: MJ Nielsen Membership: Katy Joyce Treasurer: Brenda Henzel Secretary: Gina Halbom For more information or to join the guild please contact wcapartnersguild@gmail.com.

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DEMOGRAPHICS The WCA faces the trauma caused by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking head-on because it impacts people from every gender, race, age, and socio-economic status. We will walk beside anyone impacted to help them and their children heal.

3% Male

3%

<1%

3Male%

4%

<1%

Male

Other

% 10-12

213-18%

60+

Other

3%

<1 GENDER Other %

% 10-12

4%

% 2% 43 AGE 13-18 35-59

% Male 96% <1%43 96% GENDER 35-59 Female Female

213-18%

60+

% 16 19-24

AGE 2% 13-18

16% 19-24

<1

Native American/ Native Alaskan Two or More Races

2%

3%

%

<1

Pacific Islander

4

Native %American/ Other Native Alaskan Two or More Races

2%

3% 24 African

%

%

18%

Hispanic/ Latino

RACE 47 %

Caucasian/White

$35,000 – $49,999

3%

16

Caucasian/White %27%

2 6

$35,000% – $49,999 $75,000+

25-34

16% $15,000 – – $74,999 <1% $50,000

Caucasian/White

REVENUE BY47 PERCENTAGE % REVENUE

BY PERCENTAGE 9%

1

9%

47 %

Under $15,000

Caucasian/White 16 %27%

40%% 16

33%

Under $15,000

40% Government Grants

Foundation Grants REVENUE BY REVENUE PERCENTAGE Contributions Contributions

BY PERCENTAGE

2% 6 %

Special Events Special Events % Midlands United Way27 of the 16 %of the 40% United Way Midlands % % 6% 9 16 % 27% 2 Program Fees and Contracted Services Program Fees and Contracted Services

9%

EXPENSES BYEXPENSES PERCENTAGE

BY PERCENTAGE 28%

AGE

% <1% $50,000 – $74,999 39% % $24,999% $75,000+ 39 3INCOME % $0 1 – $49,999 3INCOME $35,000 1% $75,000+ $0 7 1 RANGE % RANGE $25,000 – $34,999 7 24%Asian African American % 16American 16% $15,000 – $15,000 – $24,999 39% $24,999 39% % % $0 INCOME 33 33 $0 INCOME 1% % Under 1%$15,000RANGEUnder $15,000RANGE 47 RACE Asian Asian

33%

2% 6 %

35-59 < % $50,000 – $74,999

% 16 19-24 % 34 25-34

<1% $50,000 – $74,999 % 3 % 1% $75,000+ 1 %34 $25,000 – $34,999 7 % $25,000 – $34,999 % 34% 7 25-34 24

4% Other

African American American % Native Hawaiian/ Native Hawaiian/ < % Pacific % Islander $15,000 – % < Pacific Islander $24,999 Hispanic/ %American/ $35,000 – $49,999 % Native Other % %% Other Latino Native Alaskan $25,000 – $34,999 %% %

18%

Hispanic/ Latino

AGE 43%

Pacific Islander

1 18 1 Native American/ Hispanic/ 4 Native Latino Alaskan 2 2 14 Two or RACE % 24 RACE Two or More Races 3 Asian % African More Races 3 18%

% 34 25-34

96 43 96% 35-59 Female GENDER Native Hawaiian/ % Native Hawaiian/ % Female

GENDER

% 16 19-24

% 10-12

460+%

60+

Other

% 10-12

4%

% % 1528 14% Contributions

40%

Government Grants Foundation Grants % % % % % % 6 15 10 14 206 Foundation 107%% Grants20% Contributions

Special Events Special Events United Way of the Midlands United Way of the Midlands Program Fees and Contracted Services Program Fees and Contracted Services

Government Grants

Foundation Grants

Government Grants 7%

Fund Raising Fund Raising Management, General andManagement, Building General and Building

15 |

FINANCIALS REVENUE AND SUPPORT Program Fees United Way of the Midlands

YTD Actual 42,522 216,200

Contributions

1,263,842

Special Events

318,500

Government Grants

1,486,896

Non Government Grants

530,114

Contracted Services Revenue

29,963

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets Rental Income Investment Income

(60,734) 5,352 (179,935)

TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT

$3,652,720

EXPENSES

YTD Actual

Advocacy Counseling

1,345,501 737,938

Legal

663,085

Education, Prevention & Outreach

235,468

Non Violence Program Self-Sufficiency

63,126 503,440

Supporting Services Management and General

987,397

Fundraising Supporting Services

324,780

TOTAL EXPENSES 2018 financials are unaudited at the time of publication.

$4,860,735

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Annette Devine, Chair

Wayne Hudson

Amy Richardson

WoodmenLife

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Anne Morgan, Vice Chair Valmont Industries

Susan Joslin, Ph.D.

Women’s Center for Advancement

Ellen Houston, Treasurer

Delette Marengo

Omaha OB-Gyn Associates, PC

Tenaska & Affiliates

Tanya Shapiro

Shannon Hite, Secretary

Jill McClure

Mutual of Omaha

American National Bank

Cushman & Wakefield/ The Lund Company

Rick Anderson

Esther Mejia

Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger, L.L.C.

E Creative

Leigh Bertholf

Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop

CHI Health

College of Saint Mary

Michael Rogers Gilmore & Bell

Mary Jane Tritsch First National Bank of Omaha

Gretchen Twohig

Melany O’Brien

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska

Linda Brandl

Shireen Rajaram, Ph.D.

Union Pacific

University of Nebraska Medical Center

EXECUTIVE TEAM Amy Richardson

Amy Holmes

Matt Hoppe

President & CEO

Program Administrator

Development Director

Pamela Phillippe

Johanna Jones

Esther Carrillo

Chief Financial Officer

Grants & Compliance Officer

Executive Coordinator

CONTACT THE WCA Wherever you are on your journey, we’re here to walk with you.

24/7 Bilingual Crisis Hotline: 402-345-7273 Office Hours: M-F, 8 am-5 pm 3801 Harney Street Omaha, NE 68131 O: 402-345-6555 E: info@wcaomaha.org wcaomaha.org omahawca wca3801

@wcaomaha