Laura’s House Gets a “Helping Hand” During Deloitte IMPACT Day 2013
Posted on June 24, 2013
On Friday, June 7, 20 employees from Deloitte’s Orange County practice gathered at the Laura’s House Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing facility to complete small repair and beautification projects
LADERA RANCH, Calif., June 24, 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 place in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, is pleased to announce that it was a beneficiary of the 2013 Deloitte IMPACT Day, held on Friday, June 7, 2013.
Deloitte IMPACT is a celebration of Deloitte’s longstanding commitment to its communities, where its 50,000+ people nationwide make nonprofits their top clients for the day by setting aside their work and contributing their time and talent. This year, approximately one third of IMPACT Day projects call upon the professional skills of Deloitte’s people through events that address a range of social issues. These events are designed to help nonprofit leaders address business and organizational challenges, help students succeed from high school to college, help veterans transition from military to civilian life and enhance leadership development for nonprofit executives.
“At Deloitte, we pride ourselves on providing high-value quality services to our clients and the capital markets, and we apply this same approach to service within our communities. As we’ve seen lately, when the private and public sectors collaborate, we can make a real and lasting impact,” said Joe Echevarria, chief executive officer, Deloitte LLP. “Our annual IMPACT Day is just one way our commitment to service extends beyond business and into the community. At its core, IMPACT Day is about making our communities, and our country stronger.”
As part of the 2013 Deloitte IMPACT Day project for Laura’s House, 20 employees from Deloitte's Orange County practice helped Laura's House with a number of small repair and beautification projects. At the Emergency Shelter, shelving was installed in the Children’s Center closet and in the alternative meal cabinet; door stops were installed behind each bedroom door; floors were deep cleaned; drywall and locks were repaired; paint was touched up; toilet paper holders and towel racks were replaced; and new pillows for the living room couch were donated and installed.
At the Laura’s House Transitional Housing facility, Deloitte employees installed privacy covering on the shower windows; painted the back fence, and a light blue accent in the therapeutic room; completed gardening and landscaping projects including trimming trees and large bushes, weeding and trimming shrubs and grasses; removed a broken dresser and lamps, and donated and installed a new dresser and three lamps; assembled a children’s play kitchen; fixed door locks and a smoke alarm; and donated a new BBQ and hauled the old one away.
“Community involvement is good for business and great for the community. When businesses strengthen their role as corporate citizens, they can produce tangible results for the community, which then creates a positive corporate culture and pride among their employees – all good for business,” said Frank Friedman, chief financial officer, Deloitte LLP.
“Laura’s House is grateful to Deloitte Orange County employees for including us in Deloitte IMPACT Day again this year,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Deloitte is a shining example of how businesses here in our community can accelerate social change by tapping into the skills and innovative thinking of their people. We would like to thank them for the time and talent they contributed to Laura’s House in 2013, and for shining a light on the important work of local nonprofit organizations, through this annual event.”
More information on the programs and services offered by Laura’s House is available at www.laurashouse.org.
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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On Wednesday, April 24, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company sales associates and their clients gathered at AnQi By Crustacean for a luncheon and fashion show presented by Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza, and featuring Laura’s House the designated charity partner
LADERA RANCH, Calif., May 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 effected by abuse, is pleased to have been selected as the designated charity partner for a luncheon hosted by Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, on Wednesday, April 24 at AnQi by Crustacean at South Coast Plaza.
The luncheon drew more than 100 attendees, most of whom were women, and included The Ritz-Carlton sales associates and their clients from the travel services, meeting and event planning industries in Orange County. During the event, guests dined on a selection of AnQi’s lighter luncheon fare including a Duet of Chicken Meatball with Sweet and Spicy Kochujang and Shrimp Ocean Roll with Zucchini, Eggplant, Wakame and Quinzoa; a choice of Tuna Tataki Salad with English Cucumber, Bean Sprout and “Matsuhisu Style” Dressing or Roasted Chicken Salad with Five Spiced Game Hen, Cashew, Black Radish and Coconut Dressing; and, a Duet of Mixed Fruit and Jasmine Sorbet for dessert. Guests also enjoyed a fashion show featuring designs from Hugo by Hugo Boss, Robert Graham, Maje, Karen Millen, Reiss, Sandro and Elie Tahari.
During the event, Laura’s House was recognized for its efforts to “end the silence” of domestic violence. Former Laura’s House board chair and long-time supporter, Laura Khouri, presented attendees with an overview of the shelter, counseling, education and community outreach services provided by Laura’s House to the local community.
“We are delighted to partner with Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza and Laura’s House in ‘shining a light’ on domestic violence,” said Karen Sheldon, Corporate Director of Global Sales Organization, West Coast for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “Domestic violence is an issue that effects 1 in 4 women, yet it still remains one that many people are afraid to talk about. Through this luncheon, we are pleased to have both fostered the conversation surrounding domestic violence, and educated attendees on its prevalence here in our community.” At The Ritz-Carlton, we believe our global company should be aligned with the issues that are important to the communities where we operate and always strive to make a difference.
In addition to featuring Laura’s House as the charity partner for the luncheon, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company donated $5,000 in hotel stays to be auctioned off by Laura’s House at upcoming fundraising events. Laura’s House also benefited from a portion of the proceeds from purchases made at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza by luncheon attendees from April 24 through April 26.
“We would like to thank Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, for helping us build greater awareness for the programs and services we provide to the individuals and families in our community who are effected by domestic violence,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Events like these are instrumental in helping us share our message with audiences, such as the travel services industry, that we might not otherwise have access to, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to broaden our community outreach efforts among this delightful and influential group of individuals.”
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 Nets $12,000 at 2nd Annual “Wine & Dine” Benefit
Posted on May 9, 2013
Overlooking the Golf Course at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach, 125 guests were treated to culinary delights and tastings of more than 30 wines from California, Argentina, France, Italy and New Zealand
Ladera Ranch, Calif., May 8, 2012 – Laura’s House, a nonprofit 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 raised $12,000 at its 2nd Annual Wine & Dine event, held on Friday, May 3 at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach.
During the 2nd Annual Wine & Dine event, guests who began arriving at the event at 6:00 p.m. dressed in “spring chic” attire including colorful cocktail dresses and casual suits, were treated to an array of gourmet delights as they mingled with other guests, perused the silent auction Wine Wall featuring more than 100 bottles of wine, tasted wine selections from more than 30 wineries from California, Argentina, France, Italy and New Zealand, and enjoyed a selection of Chocolates by Next Organics. Big Canyon Country Club Master Sommelier Steve Poe was on-hand to provide expert advice in choosing wines. Guitarist Jerry McFarland provided the evening’s entertainment.
Special guests at the Wine & Dine event included a Laura’s House survivor who spoke about her experiences with domestic violence, what brought her to Laura’s House, and how through the programs and services she received, she has built a life that is free of violence for herself and her children.
“We are delighted that more than 125 guests chose to join us for our 2nd annual ‘Wine & Dine’ event at Big Canyon Country Club, and we would like to thank the participating wineries for donating their wines for this event, as well as our pourers who volunteered their time to help make this event such a great success,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Proceeds from the event will be used to support our counseling, emergency shelter and outreach programs for families who are impacted by domestic violence. Events like our annual ‘Wine & Dine’ help us to both raise much needed funds for our organization, while shining a light on an issue that affects one in four women, and one in three adolescents.”
Some of the wineries that were featured at the 2nd Annual “Wine & Dine” event include August West, Central Coast; Augey, France; Beringer Vineyards, Napa Valley; Big Basin Vineyards, Central Coast; Boson Wines, Napa Valley; Campesino Cellars, Napa Valley; Clos Pepe Estate, Central Coast; Colores del Sol Wines, Argentina; Cowboy Canyon Winery, Silverado Canyon; DUNSTAN Wines, Sonoma Coast; Etude Estate Wines, Napa Valley; Giracci Vineyards and Farms, Silverado Canyon; Jean Edwards Cellars, Napa Valley; Le Pich, Napa Valley; Le P’tit Paysan, Central Coast; Levendi Winery, Napa Valley; Loring Wine Company, Paso Robles; Matua Wines, New Zealand; Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery; Purlieu Wines, Napa Valley; Risata, Italy; Saxon Brown Wines, Napa Valley; Sbragia Family Vineyards, Napa Valley; Sojourn Cellars, Sonoma; Tercero Wines, Central Valley and Santa Barbara; and, Zotovich Cellars, Central Coast.
Among the items featured on the gourmet stationed menu for the 2nd Annual Wine & Dine event were an imported and domestic cheese display with charcuteries; a selection of Pulled Pork Sliders, Angus Beef Sliders with Blue Cheese, and Shrimp Po’boy Sliders; and, delicious salads including a Mediterranean Salad and Butter Lettuce Chef Salad.
About Laura’s House
For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to more than 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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Addressing the unique legal challenges faced by individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, pro bono attorneys represent clients during restraining order hearings, helping them to obtain protective relief from the courts
LADERA RANCH, Calif., April 25, 2013 –Laura’s House, a non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive range of services for victims of domestic violence, is building upon its efforts to provide access to legal counsel and assistance for its clients by partnering with some of Orange County’s largest and most distinguished law firms. In collaboration with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Latham & Watkins; and Rutan & Tucker, Laura’s House is striving to make pro bono representation available to victims of domestic violence who are seeking restraining order protection.
“Even after our clients are provided safety, food, clothing and shelter, group and individual counseling, legal advocacy and transportation to the courthouse for their restraining order hearing, they must still face the judge, their abuser and, in some cases, opposing counsel alone – a daunting task for anyone, much less someone who is fleeing a violent situation,” said Adam Dodge, a legal advocate for Laura’s House. “As a result, Laura’s House has prioritized pro bono attorney representation for clients as an area of critical need for our agency.”
The aforementioned law firms have recognized and responded to this need in a major way by pledging their time, resources and expertise to assist this victim community. Attorneys, who receive training specific to restraining order litigation, are encouraged to take pro bono cases by their respective firms. Laura’s House legal advocates refer clients for consideration to these firms and, if a client is accepted, legal representation is provided at no cost and is limited to domestic violence restraining order matters only.
“Partnering with Laura’s House has provided our firm a profound opportunity to lend our support and expertise to individuals in what is often the most vulnerable and difficult period of their lives,” says attorney Doug Levin of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, who regularly represents Laura’s House clients. “Our goal, in addition to providing comprehensive legal representation, is to empower victims in a way that benefits them long after their case has concluded. We stand beside them each step of the way.”
Pro bono clients are afforded the consideration and commitment one would expect with a top tier law firm. Attorneys who regularly work on multi-million dollar matters and represent Fortune 500 clients make up the pro bono team assigned to each case. It is an experience that instills clients with the confidence and resolve to move forward. “My restraining order case was the hardest experience I had ever gone through,” explains one Laura’s House client, “but my attorneys were with me every step of the way and gave me hope for justice.”
Of the utmost importance, however, is the impact pro bono counsel can have on the case itself, both in and outside of the courtroom. For example, attorney representation relieves the client of the burden of eliciting testimony from witnesses or making objections, allowing them to focus squarely on providing their own testimony. “The majority of our pro bono cases involve clients who are in extremely fragile states and unfamiliar with litigation”, explains Paul Konovalov, counsel with Latham & Watkins and chairman of the firm’s pro bono committee. “We undertake thorough preparation with each client to lower their anxiety level during the hearing, which often leads to more effective testimony.” Outside the courtroom, the presence of counsel creates a safer environment for the client and offers opportunities for negotiation and settlement, which are normally not pursued by self-represented parties. Regardless of the outcome, the efforts of pro bono attorneys vastly improve the intimidating litigation experience for victims of domestic violence.
In 2012, law firms and their attorneys provided over 1,600 hours of pro bono legal services to Laura’s House clients. More information on the Laura’s House Legal Department is available at www.laurashouse.org/legal-services.html or by calling the Counseling and Resource Center at (949) 361-3775.
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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