Laura’s House Celebrates 20 Years of Serving Families Affected by Domestic Violence
Posted on February 17, 2014
Over the last two decades, the agency has provided shelter, counseling, 24-hour crisis hotline, legal services and community outreach to more than 50,000 women, men and children, and continues to be the only State-approved domestic violence facility in South Orange County
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Feb. 18, 2014 – In 2014, 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 place in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, is celebrating 20 years of serving families affected by domestic violence.
Click to Tweet: Join @Lauras_House in commemorating 20 years of serving those whose lives have been touched by #domesticviolence.
Founded in 1994 by The South Orange County Domestic Violence Action Committee, Laura’s House is named after a local woman named Laura, a wife and mother, whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 38, due to the injuries she sustained from her abuser.
“The founders of Laura’s House had a vision of providing vital shelter services that would enable women like Laura to find safe refuge before it is too late, along with the counseling and support services that would help them build lives free of violence,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Two decades later, we continue to execute upon this vision through our state-of-the-art Emergency Shelter and transitional living programs, and through the use of leading-edge therapies and community education programs that reach all cross-sections of the population including women, men, children, teens, young adults, and the elderly.”
Laura’s House will commemorate its 20th Anniversary with various celebrations to be held throughout the year. The largest event will be the Annual Gala, which take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. Honorary Co-chairs for the Annual Gala will be local philanthropists Donna and Dick Pickup. Laura’s House Board of Directors Vice President, and President of Irvine-headquartered Western National Property Management, Laura Khouri, will chair the gala. Other special events will include the Laura’s House Birthday Party in June, which will celebrate the date of inception with a birthday cake, entertainment and a fun-filled afternoon at the Laura’s House Corporate Headquarters in Ladera Ranch. During the month of October, there will also be various events and promotions marking both the 20th Anniversary and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
In honor of the 20th Anniversary, members of the community are also invited to participate in several giving opportunities throughout the year. By joining the Laura’s House 20th Anniversary Giving Club, a special Circle of Friends giving club, with a one-time donation of $20, donors can help provide shelter and counseling services to women and children. Through the Give 20 Major Gifts Campaign, donors who gift $20,000 or more to sustain the future of Laura’s House will have the opportunity to earmark these funds for specific programs such as the 24-hour hotline, Emergency Shelter, legal programs, the Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.) program, or other programs and services.
During 2014, members of the community can also participate in the Paver Project at the Laura’s House Transitional Living Facility, by purchasing a paver stone and having a personal message inscribed to inspire and foster healing for women and children as they experience a new beginning, self-sufficiency and independence.
“Over the course of the year, Laura’s House looks forward to celebrating our 20th Anniversary alongside our donors, volunteers, staff members and clients,” said Wayne Pinnell, Board Chair, Laura’s House. “We are tremendously grateful to those who have so generously supported our mission over the last two decades, and for our diverse and tremendously talented board members whose contributions over the years have helped to ensure that Laura’s House maintains a legacy of excellence in serving those whose lives have been touched by domestic violence.”
Connect with Laura’s House on social media to learn more about programs, services, upcoming events and more. You can reach us at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurasHouseOC Twitter: www.twitter.com/Lauras_House Instagram: www.instagram.com/LaurasHouseOC
About Laura’s House
Since 1994, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 4,000 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 50,000 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.
# # #