Located in Ladera Ranch at the Laura’s House Counseling and Resource Center, the Legal Clinic pairs volunteer attorneys with agency clients who are in need of legal assistance stemming from their family law and domestic violence cases
LADERA RANCH, Calif., January 22, 2013 – In an effort to promote access to legal counsel and assistance for its clients, 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, partners with the Orange County Bar Association in hosting a monthly Legal Clinic at its Counseling and Resource Center in Ladera Ranch.
Legal clinic attorneys, who volunteer their time on a pro-bono basis, meet with clients by appointment and provide assistance in navigating the complex family law legal system. In some cases, Laura’s House clients are still residing in an abusive home and are in need of a legal road map to find their way out. Others may have recently obtained a restraining order and need help addressing issues of custody and support. In all cases, these legal issues are complicated by domestic violence.
While the type of legal assistance needed does vary, the most common issues pertain to dissolution, paternity, custody and visitation, support or restraining order protection. Volunteer attorneys Courtney Winzeler Smith and Robert Clemons of Prenovost, Normandin, Bergh & Dawe come across unique and challenging situations every month. “We are consistently amazed at what these self represented victims are able to accomplish on their own,” says Winzeler Smith. “However, the benefits of meeting with an attorney to help fill in the gaps, strategize or to simply receive reassurance are critical to their legal process and confidence.”
Most importantly, the Legal Clinics fulfill a need for access to family law expertise that supplements the legal services offered by the Laura’s House Legal Department. The department is staffed by two full-time legal advocates who provide a broad offering of services and assistance to victims of domestic violence. However, these services are limited in scope to domestic violence restraining orders only and legal advocates do not provide legal advice, making the Legal Clinic a critical component to the agency’s legal services platform. “The Laura’s House Legal Clinic program is a vital asset not only for our clients, but also to our Legal Department,” said Lia Chacon, a legal advocate with Laura’s House. “With the aid of the Legal Clinic, we are able to more completely serve the legal needs of our client base.”
The majority of volunteer attorneys from the Orange County Bar Association have some level of family law experience. “On any given night, attorneys will often meet with up to four clients on a variety of complex legal issues from modifying custody to starting a divorce,” said Attorney Rebecca Rainwater of Rainwater Family Law. “By volunteering for just a few hours per month, legal clinic volunteers quickly make a meaningful impact in the lives of several victims and their children, which is extremely rewarding.”
From the client’s perspective, the Laura’s House Legal Clinic strives to emulate the experience of visiting a law office. Clients of Laura’s House are seen by appointment only and meet in a professional office setting. Meetings are held one on one with clients in private offices. A volunteer attorney’s commitment is limited to these 30-minute appointments only and does not extend beyond the clinic. This formula has been a huge success for clients of Laura’s House. “Due to barriers of cost and accessibility, the opportunity to consult with an attorney is not a viable option for many of our clients,” said Adam Dodge, a legal advocate for Laura’s House. “We are extremely grateful to the Orange County Bar Association and its attorney members for partnering with Laura’s House in providing much needed legal counsel and assistance to our clients.”
In addition to the Legal Clinic, the Laura’s House Legal Department also conducts intake interviews and assists with safety planning; education on victim’s rights; registration for the State of California’s Safe at Home program; the preparation and filing of domestic violence restraining orders; collection of evidence, including the photographing of injuries; court transportation; court accompaniment; court direction; and referrals to community resources, emergency shelters and pro bono attorneys.
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
Over the past eighteen years, 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 3rd Annual Candlelight Vigil for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Posted on January 16, 2013
On Friday, Feb. 1, more than 150 people are expected to gather in Lake Forest to honor victims of teen dating abuse and learn more about prevention and education efforts that are currently underway by Laura’s House and its community partners
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Jan. 14, 2013 – Across the United States, February is recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. To bring local focus to this national event, and demonstrate the impact that teen dating abuse has on our community, Laura’s House, will host its Annual Candlelight Vigil in honor of all teens whose lives have been taken as a result of teen dating abuse. The event will take place on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Laura’s House Resale Store, located at 23635 El Toro Road, Suite F in Lake Forest.
Now in its third year, the Annual Candlelight Vigil will honor Jacque Villagomez, a graduate of El Toro High School in Lake Forest, who died at the hands of her abuser in September 2008. “When she was killed by her boyfriend, Jacque was only 19 years old,” said Marissa Presley, Bilingual Prevention Education Specialist, Laura’s House. “Unfortunately, Jacque’s story is not unique. Each and every day thousands of teens across the country are dealing with dating abuse. Recent studies have found that one in four high school students report being in a physically abusive relationship. Furthermore, nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser.”
The Candlelight Vigil is part of the Laura’s House Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.) program. This year, more than 150 attendees are expected to gather for an evening of art, music and tributes remembering Villagomez and all victims of teen dating abuse. Guest speakers will include Deputy Rebecca Reger from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and Claudia Bremser from Verizon Wireless, who will speak about the importance of educating teens on dating abuse, and how their respective organizations are supporting Laura’s House in this effort. Several survivors of teen dating abuse will also share their testimony.
For the first time this year, the event will also debut a music video, “Didn’t Mean It,” a song written and performed by teen recording artist, Jasmine Villegas, after she experienced teen dating abuse. Jasmine’s fan base currently includes more than 1.5 million Twitter followers and over 75 million views of her YouTube videos. She is the 8th most powerful artist on Twitter, ranks as the 6th most powerful woman on Twitter, and has the 6th most powerful Twitter account in Los Angeles. Last year, she opened for Justin Bieber’s “My World” Tour, performing in more than 40 cities, and became the new face of Sephora/tokidoki Beauty for 2012.
During the event, Laura’s House will encourage survivors of teen dating abuse to light a communal candle and will provide the opportunity for attendees to “take a stand” against dating abuse, by signing dating abuse “pledge cards.” Beginning in January, these pledge cards are also being distributed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as part of the “Is Your Teen At Risk” program.
“We are grateful to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Verizon Wireless 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 this year,” continued Presley. “We would also like to thank the City of Lake Forest, for permitting us to hold the vigil at the Laura’s House Resale Store.”
The Annual Candlelight Vigil will also feature an installation of artwork called “Take a Walk in My Shoes.” As part of this project, Laura’s House clients and survivors of domestic violence created pieces of artwork using shoes to express their feelings about surviving domestic violence, and help others understand how it feels to “walk in their shoes.” This moving display is modeled after similar projects that have been put on display by domestic violence and sexual assault awareness organizations across the United States.
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 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.
Recently, Laura’s House launched a new teen Website with funding from a Verizon Wireless HopeLine® grant. The colorful and dynamic teen Website, which can be viewed at www.laurashouse.org/lhteen, 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
Over the past eighteen years, Laura’s House has provided shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 battered women and children, 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. More information on the programs and services offered by Laura’s House is available at www.laurashouse.org.
Laura’s House Introduces its 2013 Board of Directors
Posted on January 16, 2013
Led by Chair, Wayne Pinnell, Managing Partner with Haskell & White, LLP, the Board is comprised of 15 members of the Orange County business community
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Jan. 15, 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 the introduction of its 2013 Board of Directors.
Comprised of 15 members of the Orange County Business Community, the 2013 Board of Directors is led by Wayne Pinnell, Managing Partner with Haskell & White, LLP, who returns as Chair after serving as the Chair of the recently completed Cornerstone Capital Campaign, a $4.5 million fundraising campaign that enabled Laura’s House to successfully fund the re-build of its Emergency Shelter and expand its Transitional Housing facility for shelter graduates.
“We are delighted to begin the New Year with an energetic board of directors, who through their continued involvement with Laura’s House, both as board members and volunteers, have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building awareness for our organization and its mission throughout the Orange County community,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “I’m especially pleased to have Wayne Pinnell return as our Chair this year. Over the years, he has been a tremendous advocate for our organization, and I’m looking forward to all that the board will accomplish this year under his leadership.”
“It is a great honor to be able to return to the Laura’s House Board of Directors, as Chair in 2013,” said Pinnell. “The organization has an excellent reputation throughout the Orange County and beyond for its commitment and dedication to providing a comprehensive suite of services, including shelter, counseling, legal and community outreach. These services have helped thousands of individuals and families build lives that are free of violence, and I’m looking forward to joining our board in helping Laura’s House through the next year as we move beyond the Shelter re-build project and focus on other initiatives such as the expansion of our legal advocacy programs.”
The 2013 Laura’s House Board of Directors also includes Casey Wolin, Vice President, Wolin Design Group, who serves as Vice Chair; Kurt Ross, Senior Vice President/Team Leader, Sunwest Bank who serves as Secretary; and, Brenda Zalke, Consultant, Cordis & Company, who serves as Treasurer. Board members are Brent Chase, Owner, Focus360; Jennifer Hannigan, Principal/Founder, Alliance Resource Group; Sandy Jacobson, Partner, Allen Matkins; Jay Jaffin, Vice President, Marketing and Sales Operations, Verizon Wireless; Linda Kearns, Proprietor, Giracci Vineyards & Farms; Rick Lutzky, President, Lutzky Associates Development; Garett Sleichter, Partner, Rutan & Tucker, LLP; Helen Timpe, Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley, The Timpe Group; Barry Villines, Director, Deloitte & Touche, LLP; Dan Weeks, Vice President, Community Banking District Manager, Wells Fargo’s Pacific Coast District; and, Matt West, Senior Vice President, 1st Enterprise Bank.
About Laura’s House
Over the past eighteen years, 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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Orange, Calif., Jan. 7, 2012 – In celebration of the 2012 holiday season, associates in the Orange County office of AmerisourceBergen chose Laura’s House as their charity of choice, donating 192 items including toys and games, electronic accessories, jewelry, linens, health and beauty aids, cooking utensils and more. The company’s associates also donated gift cards to Target, Old Navy, Kohl’s and local quick service restaurants, along with movie tickets and cash.
Michael Varma delivered the donation to Laura’s House in late December. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support Laura’s House, and bring some comfort and joy during the holiday season to the families that they serve,” said Varma, one of the committee members for the charitable group at the company. “We chose to support Laura’s House in 2012 due to the wonderful reputation it has within the Orange County community for offering high-quality and impactful programs that are both changing the attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while providing a safe place in which to empower individuals and families to build lives that are free of violence.”
Annually, AmerisourceBergen’s Orange County office selects a local charity to support during the holiday season.
“We would like to thank AmerisourceBergen for their donation to Laura’s House this holiday season,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “This outpouring of generosity is incredibly inspiring, and we are grateful on behalf of the individuals and families whose holidays and New Year will be a bit brighter, as a result of this donation.”
About AmerisourceBergen
AmerisourceBergen is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical services companies serving the United States, Canada and selected global markets. Servicing both healthcare providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the pharmaceutical supply channel, the Company provides drug distribution and related services designed to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. AmerisourceBergen's service solutions range from niche premium logistics and pharmaceutical packaging to reimbursement and pharmaceutical consulting services. With nearly $80 billion in annual revenue, AmerisourceBergen is headquartered in Valley Forge, PA, and employs approximately 13,000 people. AmerisourceBergen is ranked #29 on the Fortune 500 list. For more information, go to http://www.amerisourcebergen.com.
About Laura’s House
Over the past eighteen years, 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 Ladies’ Guild Spreads Holiday Cheer to Survivors of Domestic Violence
Posted on December 17, 2012
During its annual Alumni Holiday Party, Guild members presented wrapped gifts and gift cards from local retailers, restaurants and grocers that had been collected for women and children who have graduated from the Laura’s House Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing programs
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Dec. 17, 2012 – This month, the Laura’s House Ladies’ Guild, a group of women from Ladera Ranch and surrounding areas who provide community support and volunteer service to Laura’s House, hosted its annual Holiday Party for Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing alumni.
The annual Alumni Holiday party drew nearly 100 women and children, who were treated to a visit from Santa and his Christmas elves, live music, entertainment, and arts & crafts. Imagine Beyond Productions of Lake Forest donated a delicious lunch of salad, pasta, and Italian specialties, and two dance teams from Cal Elite Kids, based in Rancho Santa Margarita performed several routines for the children. In preparation for the festivities, the Ladies’ Guild collected gift cards and toys for the children, and made special gift bags to pamper the moms during the holiday season. During the party, the families also had the opportunity to take their pictures with Santa, and the moms got some much-needed pampering during a “pop-up” spa experience.
“We are grateful to the Ladies’ Guild for continuing to serve as community ambassadors for Laura’s House,” said Andrea McCallister, Director of Development & Communications for Laura’s House. “Our annual Alumni Holiday Party has become one of the highlights of the holiday season for the women and children whom we serve, and we thank the Guild for their help in spreading holiday cheer during a time of year that can be difficult for families that have experienced domestic violence.”
Following the holiday party, one of the graduates of the Laura’s House Emergency Shelter Program shared her thoughts on what the event meant to her. “I just wanted to say thank you for the food, amazing gifts and giving us a chance to catch up with all of our house roommates. I want to thank all the volunteers and staff at Laura’s House for the wonderful time my children and I had. It meant a lot to us. You guys really go a long way to help and I just wanted to let you know from the bottom of my heart I am really grateful for it. Merry Christmas!”
Founded in 2010, the Laura’s House Ladies’ Guild is comprised of more than a dozen women who support the mission of Laura’s House 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. During 2012, the Ladies’ Guild hosted several events for shelter residents, including a Mother’s Day “Day of Beauty” with Salon Platinum in Aliso Viejo, and collecting clothing and school supplies for the Laura’s House Back-to-School drive.
Coto de Caza resident, Jena Schuster, heads up the Ladies’ Guild. “We are delighted to have the opportunity spread the joy of the season to families that have survived domestic violence, through this annual event,” said Schuster. “Working with Laura’s House, and seeing first-hand the positive impact our events and fundraising efforts have had on the lives of the women and children that they serve, has been an enormously gratifying experience. We are looking forward to what can be accomplished in the coming year as our group continues to grow and become an even stronger voice for Laura’s House in the community.”
The next Ladies’ Guild event, a "Tea and Fashion" fundraiser to be held in Ladera Ranch on Saturday, April 20, 2013, will be open to the general public. In the coming months, more details about this event, and an opportunity to purchase tickets will be available at the Laura’s House website.
For more information on how to become involved with the Laura’s House Ladies’ Guild, please call (949) 361-3775. In early 2012, a schedule of Ladies’ Guild events will be posted on the Laura’s House Website at www.laurashouse.org/events.
About Laura’s House
Over the past eighteen years, 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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