Hundreds Gather for Annual Candlelight Vigil to Memorialize Lives Lost
Posted on February 11, 2015
TUSTIN, Calif., Feb. 11, 2015 – The statistics say it all – and they’re not only staggering, but climbing. One out of every three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse at the hands of a dating partner. Laura’s House, a nonprofit devoted to ending the cycle of domestic violence for everyone, including teens, held its fifth annual Teen Vigil on Feb. 6 at the OC Sheriff Regional Training Academy in Tustin to help kick off National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The Vigil honors teens killed by their abusers and all those affected by teen dating abuse.
AP Guerrero was only 18 when he suffered verbal, emotional, physiological and financial abuse inflicted by his girlfriend. She monitored and criticized him incessantly. She played cruel mind games. She willfully and maliciously tricked him. Fortunately, after months of psychological abuse, he was able to flee his abusive relationship. But, as many others still find themselves trapped in a cycle of abuse, Guerrero shared his story alongside his mother, teen survivors and nearly 650 event supporters to celebrate survivors of teen dating violence – and remember those who lost their lives.
The Vigil opened with remarks from Margaret Bayston, executive director of Laura’s House and Marissa C. Presley, the organization’s prevention and education specialist who unveiled new service components to the nonprofit’s H.E.A.R.T. (Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens) program. The new elements, which advance the nonprofit’s commitment to preventing teen dating violence across the nation, include:
- Heart Chat: provides support to those currently in abuse relationships by connecting them to experienced domestic violence advocates who can answer questions, provide safety planning tips, and connect tens with a professional therapist, if necessary.
- Heart Health Line: provides teens with convenient counseling and education services through a live video stream or by phone. Teens can email heartchat@laurashouse.org for information.
“It is remarkable to see how much our Candlelight Vigil has grown over the years,” said Presley. “Our goal is to encourage continued conversations year-round between families and the community because prevention and education are keys to healthy teen relationships.”
Event speakers included:
- Laura’s House Board Member Dr. Jill Murray, a nationally recognized expert, sought-after speaker, and best-selling author on teen dating abuse. Murray spoke about her dedication to ending the cycle of violence, and commended the nonprofit for its pioneering work to prevent, and end, teen dating abuse.
- Orange County Deputy Sheriff Rebecca Reger, who discussed the importance of educating teens on dating violence and shared a success story from the nonprofit’s collaboration with the Sheriff Department’s Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership (GRIP).
During the Candlelight Vigil, Laura’s House presented Wet Seal with a Corporate Supporter Award for its efforts to raise awareness about teen dating abuse and elevate the nonprofit’s brand nationwide by raising more than $15,000 for Laura’s House. Lisa Gaspar from San Clemente High School was honored with a “Teachers Together to End Dating Abuse” award for her vital role in educating youth, and helping connect them to the emergency hotline for resources and help.
The event concluded with teens declaring their survivorship and all attendees lighting candles to memorialize Jacque Villagomez, a teen who lost her life to dating violence in 2008 and serves as the inspiration behind the event.
Event attendees were encouraged to “take a stand” against dating abuse by taking the pledge to be advocates for Laura’s House. The nonprofit also launched a campaign to collect donations to support its H.E.A.R.T. program. To help the nonprofit exceed its $5,000 fundraising goal, visit http://laurashouse-1844.wedid.it/ throughout February. For information about Laura’s House and its teen prevention program, visit http://www.laurashouse.org/lhteen/.
About Laura’s House
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 to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
For more than 20 years, Laura’s House has served those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. Over the past two decades, Laura’s House has provided shelter and support services to more than 4,000 battered women and children and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to nearly 50,000 people. Connect with Laura’s House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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Domestic violence organization to host February teen vigil event, unveil major program aimed at reducing teen dating violence
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Jan. 06, 2015 – Laura’s House, a nonprofit devoted to ending the cycle of domestic violence, will observe National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with its annual Candlelight Vigil on Friday, Feb. 6, at 5:30 p.m. Hundreds are expected at the OC Sheriff Regional Training Academy in Tustin to honor teens who died at the hands of their abusers. The event also will include an emotional program with survivor testimonials and information about the nonprofit’s H.E.A.R.T. (Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens) program, including new service components to end teen dating violence in Orange County and across the nation.
“Teen dating violence is extremely common but rarely discussed, so our Candlelight Vigil, while recognizing a tragic event, also gives us the opportunity to speak to the community, especially teens, about an important issue and educate them on red flags that often are overlooked,” said Marissa C. Presley, prevention education specialist for Laura’s House. “In fact, educating teens about dating violence is the first step in preventing domestic violence cases in adults and should be taught at all schools.”
In addition to February’s Candlelight Vigil, Laura’s House will launch two new aspects of its H.E.A.R.T. program. Heart Chat is an online service that provides teens with easy-to-access information, resources and referrals in an effort to encourage healthy relationships. The service will offer support to those currently in abusive relationships and will connect them to experienced domestic violence advocates who can answer questions and provide advice. Advocates also will offer safety planning tips and connect Heart Chat users with a professional therapist, as necessary.
Laura’s House also will add a new element called Heart Health Line to provide teens with convenient counseling and education services through a live video stream or by phone. A major challenge Laura’s House has faced in its crusade against teen dating violence has been an inability to easily connect with teens that need help, but lack access to a counseling center. The launch of Heart Health will allow teens to get the support they need — anytime, anywhere.
“It can be difficult to communicate with teens about dating violence in an easy, confidential and safe setting,” said Presley. “We have improved our H.E.A.R.T. program to add new ways to educate teens on what healthy relationships look like so they are aware of red flags.”
The Candlelight Vigil is free and open to the general public. For more information visit: http://www.laurashouse.org/lhteen/.
About Laura’s House
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 to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
For more than 20 years, Laura’s House has served those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. Over the past two decades, Laura’s House has provided shelter and support services to more than 4,000 battered women and children and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 45,000 people. Connect with Laura’s House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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Year End Appeal – 2015
Posted on December 2, 2014
Laura’s House wishes you and your family Joy, Peace and Hope this holiday season.
As this year comes to a close, it is only the beginning for many of the families we serve, starting anew on a path of healing and a journey of independence and growth, learning how to break the cycle of violence once and for all and gaining the tools to form happy and healthy relationships.
We hope that you will consider contributing to Laura’s House this year end, giving families' we serve the ability to overcome the violence present in their lives and the ability to become Joyful, Peaceful and Hopeful all year long.
Over 250,000 individuals in Orange County are affected by domestic violence. Help us to continue to expand our programs and services to meet this overwhelming need - right here in our own backyard.
Please take a moment to read Marie's Story - A Message from one of our recent graduates, who would like to share with you her experience, just one short year ago.
- Immediate safety and security
- Help with the legal processes
- Emotional and therapeutic support
- Education about domestic abuse
- Personal empowerment through individual and group therapy sessions
- Assistance getting any and every resource that we needed such as financial assistance, schooling for the children, immediate medical and dental care
- Daily support from my case manager
- Help and guidance for the future
- Practical workshops on anything from managing finances to car maintenance
- Continued therapy for my children and myself
- Time to heal emotionally and get on my feet in every way
- Guidance in getting set up in my own apartment
Laura’s House Honors Exceptional Volunteers at 2014 Appreciation Event
Posted on November 19, 2014
Nine local residents recognized for support of Orange County nonprofit
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Nov. 18, 2014 – Laura’s House, a nonprofit devoted to ending the cycle of domestic violence, recognized nine remarkable volunteers for their dedication to the organization at its 2014 Volunteer Appreciation event on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Laura’s House Resale Store in San Juan Capistrano. More than 50 supporters were on hand to honor the standout individuals who worked year-round to support Laura’s House initiatives – from its Resale Store, counseling and resource center, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, events and more.
Through Oct. 2014, more than 400 volunteers have provided Laura’s House with nearly 9,200 hours of unpaid service – leading into the nonprofit’s busiest time for volunteers – and a 6.4 percent increase from 2013. Volunteers served in various critical positions, including administrative, H.E.A.R.T. program advocates, legal services, hotline support, childcare, case management, house coordinator, resale store customer service and product preparation, events, promotions and as board members. The Laura’s House volunteer program is currently in the certification process through OneOC and Points of Light to become a Service Enterprise in early 2015.
“Our hundreds of volunteers contribute their wealth of knowledge, invaluable resources and unwavering commitment each year,” said Margaret Bayston, executive director of Laura’s House. “They should be proud of their many contributions to our organization, and we’re so grateful to have them as part of our team, especially those whose efforts we recognize today.”
Awards were presented to the following:
- Case Manager: Karen Marley, Dana Point – Marley was recognized for her motivation and commitment to the case management department since 2013. She actively worked to create – and update a system of Laura’s House’s resources – by contacting transitional and housing programs to assist Laura’s House shelter graduates. Recently, Marley worked with job assistant programs in Orange County to support Laura’s House clients, meeting with them individually to assist in resume development and job searches.
- House Coordinator: Kalley Hartman, Aliso Viejo – Hartman was recognized for her initiative and ability to complete a multitude of shelter maintenance duties. She assists by organizing the shelter garage, including incoming donations. The kind, compassionate help Hartman provided has been beyond outstanding.
- Fund Development: Natalie Bonhall, Rancho Santa Margarita – A volunteer with Laura’s House for more than two years, Bonhall has helped at various events and recently assumed a larger role with the organization’s fund development department. She provides data entry support and consistently volunteers two days a week in any way possible.
- Fund Development: Alex and Cyndi Lee, Laguna Niguel – This mother-daughter duo was recognized for compassionately and willingly helping at nearly every Laura’s House event in 2014. Alex has participated in both summer and holiday internships for many years and stops by after school to help. Both are members of Laura’s House partner, National Charity League - Capistrano Coast Chapter, of which Cyndi is the philanthropy liaison. They have gone above and beyond – taking projects home to complete for the fund development department.
- H.E.A.R.T.: Ronda Terrell, Ladera Ranch – Terrell was honored for her work with the Healthy Emotions & Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.) program. Last year, she entered nearly 4,000 H.E.A.R.T. pre-post tests, which gauge how well the message of healthy relationships for teens is being received by students the nonprofit works with. As a result, Laura’s House provided timely reports to its funders. She also volunteers for the 40-hour domestic violence advocate training program three times a year, at the Resale Store and for the emergency hotline.
- Resale Store: Laura Feld, Ladera Ranch – Feld, a volunteer at the Lake Forest and San Juan Capistrano Resale Stores, was recognized for the countless hours she spent making improvements to increase book sales. She is an asset to the team and is continually developing ideas to grow business at both resale stores.
- Resale Store: Kathleen McRivette, Rancho Santa Margarita – Now acting as volunteer captain for the Lake Forest Resale Store, McRivette was recognized for going above and beyond her role to ensure the store runs efficiently. She also helps to process and price all jewelry and refurbish broken pieces for sale. As a result of her dedication, the resale store volunteer program and jewelry section have grown since McRivette joined the team.
- Hotline: Cheri Starr, Irvine – Starr was honored for her positive attitude and consistent dedication to the Laura’s House crisis hotline. She shows compassion to every caller with which she interacts. Starr is always prepared and accepts every task with a smile.
The evening included a fashion challenge on a purple runway, mingling with Laura’s House staff, family and friends and desserts, prizes and awards. For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.laurashouse.org/volunteer-opportunities.html or contact Melanie Galloway at 949-364-3775 or mgalloway@laurashouse.org.
About Laura’s House
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 to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
In 2014, Laura’s House celebrates its 20th anniversary serving those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. For the past two decades, Laura’s House has provided shelter and support services to more than 4,000 battered women and children and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 45,000 people. Connect with Laura’s House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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