Help Us Celebrate 20 Years in Orange County by Sharing Your Laura’s House Story
Posted on January 28, 2014
In 2014, Laura’s House is marking an important milestone – 20 years of serving individuals and families within our community who are affected by domestic violence.
Over the past two decades, we have touched lives of thousands of women, men and children, and not just those who have benefited from the programs and services we provide, but also the donors, volunteers and staff members who have generously supported us in our fulfilling our mission!
As part of our 20th Anniversary celebrating, we are looking for clients, volunteers, donors, current and former staff, and members of the community, just like you, to share their story of the impact that Laura’s House has had on their lives. Perhaps you, or someone you know is building a life free of violence with the help of Laura’s House? Or, maybe you’ve experienced the joy of making a difference for those we serve by volunteering, or by making a financial contribution or donating goods and services? Perhaps you are part of a community group or organization that makes an annual commitment to Laura’s House?
Please consider sharing your story with us on our GreatNonprofits page at http://greatnonprofits.org/org/lauras-house, or you can also e-mail the story to amccallister@laurashouse.org.
Thank you and we looking forward to hearing about the difference that Laura’s House has made in your life!
Teens Together To End Dating Violence
Posted on January 25, 2014
In Orange County, one in four high school students (boys and girls) is in a physically abusive relationship. If you need help call: Hotline (866) 498-1511
Join Laura's House to honor Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month at our 4th Annual Vigil:
Friday, February 7th, 2014 5:30-7:00p.m.
OC Sheriff Regional Training Academy 15991 Armstrong Avenue Tustin, CA 92782
In loving memory of Jacque Villagomez and all victims of teen dating violence. Jacque's life tragically ended when she was beaten to death by her boyfriend.
Jacque Villagomez ~ May 8, 1989 ~ September 2, 2008
Laura’s House Receives a $5,000 Grant from Bank of America
Posted on December 17, 2013
Funding to sustain programs for those affected by domestic violence
LADERA RANCH, Calif. Dec. 17, 2013 – Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, today announced that it has received a $5,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.
“The comprehensive range of shelter and support services provided by Laura’s House help survivors of domestic violence in a number of important ways,“ said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Not only do we offer temporary shelter so that survivors can leave their abusers and begin the process of rebuilding their lives in a safe and supportive environment, our program provides support services including counseling, case management, transitional house, legal advocacy and life skills training to help participants become self-sufficient and remain free of violence.”
The $5,000 grant will be used to help fund the following services:
- 24-hour hotline and crisis intervention response to provide immediate safety for families dealing with domestic violence.
- Emergency shelter for abused women and children who would otherwise become homeless.
- Individual and family therapeutic counseling to strengthen crisis management and communication and coping skills for both adults and children.
- Life skills and parenting education to strengthen each client’s ability to live independently.
- Access and referrals to appropriate social and legal services and resources to maximize self-sufficiency, safety, and personal growth.
- Intensive case management services so that clients can achieve personal goals and needs.
- Assistance to participants in locating safe, affordable permanent housing so that there is no longer at risk of homelessness.
“The funds we receive from local businesses, foundations and individual donors are critical to sustaining these programs, and we are grateful to Bank of America for their generosity in supporting our efforts to ‘end the silence’ of domestic violence,” continued Bayston.
Between January 1 and December 31, 2012, Laura’s House served more than 15,000 individuals through its shelter, counseling, legal, prevention and education programs. According to the 2012 Agency Outcomes, these numbers included a 27% rise in the number of women and children served through the Laura’s House Emergency Shelter program, when compared to the number served in 2011. Furthermore, during 2012, Laura’s House experienced 12% year-over-year increase in the number of individuals served through its counseling and legal services, and prevention and education programs.
To meet this growing demand for services, Laura’s House recently expanded its capacity to serve individuals and families that are impacted by domestic violence through its Emergency Shelter Rebuild project that was completed in December 2011, and the new transitional housing facility which opened in February 2012.
“Bank of America supports local nonprofits that address the most immediate critical needs, such as the shelter and counseling resources provided by Laura’s House,” said Eric Chamberlain, senior vice president at Bank of America. “Laura’s House is a model for Orange County programs that address both the immediate short-term need for domestic violence shelters and counseling services, while providing long-term benefits to the community through the education programs that enable its clients to rebuild vibrant, productive lives that are free of violence.”
In addition to the grant, Bank of America also supports Laura’s House through leadership and employee volunteerism. This support is part of the company’s intensified philanthropic focus on three core issues vital to the economic health of communities: housing, jobs and hunger and represents an important component of Bank of America’s lending, investing and giving activities to help advance local economies.
About Laura’s House
For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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Laura’s House to host 4th Annual Candlelight Vigil for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Posted on December 10, 2013
On Friday, Feb. 7, more than 250 people are expected to gather at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Center in Tustin to honor Jacque Villagomez and all victims of teen dating abuse
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Dec. 10, 2013 – To bring local focus to Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, held annually during the month of February, Laura’s House will host its 4th Annual Candlelight Vigil in honor of Jacque Villagomez, a graduate of El Toro High School in Lake Forest, who died at the hands of her abuser in September 2008, and all those whose lives have been cut short as a result of teen dating abuse. More than 250 attendees are expected to gather for the event that will take place on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Center, located at 15991 Armstrong Avenue in Tustin, Calif.
“Today, one in four high school students are affected by dating abuse,” said Marissa Presley, Bilingual Prevention Education Specialist, Laura’s House. “This number is much too high, and sadly many parents, teachers and even friends of the abuse victims don’t even know it is happening. With the prevention and education programs we offer through Laura’s House, as well as our annual Candlelight Vigil that remembers the victims while celebrating those who have survived teen dating abuse, our goal is to get people talking and thinking about this important issue, and to also develop strategies for reducing dating violence fatalities.”
The 4th Annual Candlelight Vigil will feature art, music and tributes to those whose lives have been impacted by teen dating abuse, both here in Southern California and across the nation. Guest speakers will include Dr. Jill Murray, a nationally-recognized expert on dating abuse and author of But He Never Hit Me: The Devastating Cost of Non-Physical Abuse to Girls and Women (iUniverse, 2007) and But I Love Him: Protecting Your Teen Daughter from Controlling, Abusive Dating Relationships (Harper Perennial, 2001). Kayla, a survivor of adolescent dating abuse will also share her testimony on how it has affected her life.
During the 4th Annual Candlelight Vigil, Laura’s House will also recognize Girl Scouts of Orange County with an Award of Recognition for their efforts to shine a light on teen dating abuse. In 2012, Girl Scouts of Orange County Troop 2411 was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for hosting a Healthy Relationships workshop co-sponsored by Laura’s House, and each year, several troops volunteer for the Candlelight Vigil, facilitating the flag salute as part of their community service projects.
Laura’s House will also be presenting Sharon Spiers, Health Education Teacher and San Juan Hills High School’s 2012“Teacher of the Year,” with the “Teachers Together to End Dating Abuse” award. Since 2008, Ms. Spiers has invited Laura’s House to San Juan Hills High School to present its Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships (H.E.A.R.T.) program to its students. “We are grateful to Sharon and San Juan Hills High School for providing us with an opportunity to educate their students on healthy relationships,” continued Presley. “She is a shining example of what educators can do to help ensure that students are aware of dating abuse, and have the appropriate coping and conflict resolution skills to deal with it, before it is too late.”
During the 4th Annual Candlelight Vigil, Laura’s House will provide attendees with the opportunity to “take a stand” against dating abuse, by signing dating abuse “pledge cards.” In January 2013, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department began distributing these cards as part of the “Is Your Teen At Risk” program.
“We would like to thank Rancho Santiago Community College and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for partnering with Laura’s House in the education and prevention of teen dating violence here in our community, and excited to have them as part of our program again this year,” continued Presley. “We are especially grateful to the college, for permitting us to hold the vigil at the Regional Training Center in Tustin.”
The public is encouraged to attend the Candlelight Vigil, particularly families with teens and pre-teens, who are interested in learning more about how to prevent dating violence. Members of several H.E.A.R.T. clubs that have been established at local high schools will be selling purple ribbons and hosting bake sales to raise funds to support the Laura’s House H.E.A.R.T. program. Laura’s House will also have information and resources available for teens and their families that are interested in learning more about dating abuse and the H.E.A.R.T. program.
Annually, Laura’s House provides the H.E.A.R.T. program to more than 3,000 Orange County teens at local middle schools, high schools, junior colleges and other youth facilities. The program helps teens become educated on healthy relationships and appropriate conflict resolution skills. Laura's House also has a website designed to assist teens who are seeking information on healthy relationships.
The Laura’s House Teen Website, which was made possible by funding from a Verizon Wireless HopeLine® grant, can be viewed at www.laurashouse.org/lhteen. The colorful and dynamic site offers a number of interactive features designed to reach today’s tech-savvy teen populations. These features include digital postcards that address dating abuse and provide tips and encouragement to teens that find themselves in an abusive relationship; online pledge cards that enable teens to take a “virtual” stand against dating abuse; a quiz feature that lets teens assess whether they are being abused by their dating partner, or if they are the abuser; music, news and current events; podcasts, and other informative resources that can help teens become educated about dating abuse.
Schools and organizations that are interested in learning more about the H.E.A.R.T. program, or would like to schedule a presentation should contact Marissa Presley at mpresley@laurashouse.org.
More information on the programs and services offered by Laura’s House is available at www.laurashouse.org or by calling the Counseling and Resource Center at (949) 361-3775. Victims of domestic abuse can get immediate help by calling the Laura’s House 24-hour hotline at 949-498-1511 or toll-free at 866-498-1511.
About Laura’s House
For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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Laura’s House Invites the Community to Embrace the “Spirit of Empowerment” this Holiday Season
Posted on December 4, 2013
Gift card donations help Laura’s House shelter residents, alumni and their children regain dignity and self-esteem; donations of unused or unwanted vehicles help sustain programs for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, all year long
LADERA RANCH, Calif. Nov. 25, 2013 – Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, today announced the launch of its 2013 “Spirit of Empowerment” holiday giving program.
“The holidays are particularly difficult for individuals and families affected by domestic violence,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Because they are in transition, the joy of the season is overshadowed by the need to survive from one day to the next. At Laura’s House, we embrace the philosophy of empowerment in everything we do, and the goal of our holiday giving program is to both share the magic of the holiday season, and to help restore the dignity and self-esteem that these women and children lost when they were living in abusive homes.”
2013 “Spirit of Empowerment” Holiday Giving Program
This year, there are several ways that the community can contribute to the Laura’s House “Spirit of Empowerment” Holiday Giving Program:
- Gift Card Donations
Help our clients regain their dignity and self-esteem by providing directly to their individual needs with Gift Cards to Barnes & Noble; Costco; Rite Aid; CVS Pharmacy; Kohl’s; local grocery Stores including Ralphs, Stater Bros. and Vons; gas cards, bus passes and phone cards; Old Navy; Payless Shoes; Target; Wal-Mart; Toys ‘r’ Us; and, local restaurants including Denny’s; Panera; Corner Bakery; Wahoo’s; Chipotle; Chick-fil-a; Jack-in-the-Box; McDonalds; Taco Bell; TOGO’S; Subway; Bagel Shack and Starbucks Coffee.
- Holiday Gift Wish List
Laura’s House is also accepting donations of new toys, books, board games, art supplies, music and movies; bath and body, jewelry and beauty products; gift wrap, storage bins, and more. During holiday parties to be held during the month of December, current Laura’s House clients, graduates, and their children will get into the holiday spirit with Santa and his Christmas elves, food, music and arts and crafts. For more information on specific needs, view the Laura’s House “Holiday Gift Wish List” online at http://bit.ly/HQwGaa.
End of Year Car Donations
For vehicle donations, Laura’s House partners with the Center for Car Donations, a national organization whose mission is to assist charities nationwide by providing them with a means to accept donated vehicles.
With the end of the 2013 tax year just around the corner, there is still time to an unused or unwanted vehicle before the end of the year, and receive a 2013 tax receipt for the donation.
“100 percent of the proceeds that we receive from the sale of used vehicles through the Center for Car Donations is used to sustain our counseling and shelter programs, legal programs, and prevention and education programs, all year long,” continued Bayston. “Since we began partnering with the Center for Car Donations in 2006, we have raised more then $67,000 from vehicle donations. We are grateful to Jacquie Elliott at Center for Car Donations for helping us raise the much-needed funds that enable the families we serve to build lives that are free of violence.”
Individuals wishing to donate an unused or unwanted vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks or RVs, can call 877-411-DONATE to set up a convenient pick-up time for the vehicle. Same day and weekend appointment may be available. The donor can then designate that the proceeds from the sale of the vehicle be allocated toward Laura’s House. Upon the sale of the vehicle, donors will receive a receipt for the sale amount.
To qualify for a tax deduction during the 2013 tax year, all vehicles must be picked up by the Center for Car Donations by Dec. 31, 2013. Vehicles do not have to pass a smog test, be operational or registered. However, the donor must be the legal titleholder of the vehicle, and must show clear title. Additionally, all donated vehicles must have an engine and be towable.
The IRS allows the taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of :
- The value of the vehicle up to $500 or
- If the vehicle sells for more than $500, donors are notified by mail with the exact amount for which it sold, and which is the value that can be stated for tax purposes.
For additional information, the IRS provides A Donor's Guide to Car Donations at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/pub4303.pdf. Donors are also encouraged to check with their tax professional to determine the exact benefit of their donation.
About Laura’s House
For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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