Laura's House Celebrates 25 Years of Service, Assisting victims of domestic violence.
Featured Story Margaret R. Bayston
CEO/Executive Director
Celebrating 25 Years of Milestones
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1994
Led by Sandy Condello and Helen Kendall, a group of concerned citizens gather together to create Laura's House - in honor of Laura who died at age 38 at the hands of her abuser. Laura's House Walk-In Center opens in San Clemente, offering resources, referrals and support groups to victims of domestic violence.
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1995
Laura's House Emergency Shelter opened at an undisclosed location in South Orange County. There was tremendous community support from organizations like South Orange County Community Services, San Clemente Junior Women's Club as well as many other local civic service groups.
Laura's House of Treasures Thrift Store opens in San Clemente, CA to help raise much needed funds to support the programs and services that Laura's House provides.
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1997
Laura's House began legal restraining order services including a monthly legal clinic in collaboration with the OC Bar Association.
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1999
PEP (Personal Empowerment Program) workshop for clients created in partnership with the other 3 domestic violence shelters in Orange County and was copyrighted the very next year.
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2001
Margaret Bayston takes the role of CEO/Executive Director of the agency.
Purchased the property next door to the shelter and began 'Step Ahead' offering up to 3 months residential services for graduating clients of the emergency shelter.
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2005
Laura's House launches the H.E.A.R.T. program, (Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships Today) conducting education and prevention workshops at local high schools.
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2007
Laura's House Corporate Offices and Counseling & Resource Center moves to 999 Corporate Drive, Ste 225, Ladera Ranch.
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2008
Laura's House launches a Community Engagement program to strategically provide outreach, resources and information to influencers in the community. A Speakers Bureau was formed to assist with various presentations and speaking opportunities.
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2009
Laura's House was gifted $2 million in seed funding from The Douglas Trust to begin the Cornerstone Capital Campaign.
Laura's House Resale Store moves to Lake Forest and opens on El Toro Rd.
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2010
Laura's House launches the Cornerstone Capital Campaign to raise $4.5 million to rebuild the Emergency Shelter and establish a Transitional Facility Program.
Laura's House launches Social Media sites, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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2011
The newly rebuilt Emergency Shelter opens in December and is a 10 bedroom residence able to house up to 55 women and children. The Cornerstone Capital Campaign is a great success.
A newly revamped, Laura's House website was launched (available in Spanish, as well), creating a comprehensive resource for victims of domestic violence as well as the general public offering resources, information and offering the community ways to get involved, attend special events and volunteer, www.laurashouse.org
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2012
The Laura's House Transitional Program opens in March serving up to 25 individuals at a time.
Laura's House hosts its inaugural Teens Together to End Dating Violence Candlelight Vigil in honor of Jacquie Villagomez, at El Toro High school with over 100 people in attendance.
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2013
The Laura's House Teen Website was launched and funded by Verizon, offering an interactive and contemporary platform for teens, parents and teachers to learn about healthy dating relationships, red flags and dating abuse, offered in both English and Spanish, www.laurashouse.org/lhteen
With the leadership of a dedicated agency Volunteer Coordinator, volunteers totaled a record 11,420 Hours & 501 individuals.
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2014
Laura's House celebrates our 20th Anniversary, serving over 45,000 individuals since our inception through our 24 Hour Hotline, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Counseling & Resource Center and Legal Advocacy.
Laura's House legal advocates expand the reach of the legal program by conducting intakes with new clients at the courthouse one day per week. In just one month, this new program doubled the number of new legal clients seen and service units provided to legal clients increased by 169%.
Laura's House joins Instagram and LinkedIn to complete the expansion of our Social Media networking.
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2015
Laura's House appears on the Dr. Phil Show, with a visit from Robin McGraw and a tour of our Emergency Shelter facility, See Tour here.
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2016
Laura's House opens the 'Domestic Violence Advocacy Center' in Garden Grove, our first north Orange County office within walking distance to the Lamoreaux Justice Center.
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2017
Margaret R. Bayston, CEO/Executive Director receives the prestigious Stevie Award for her leadership of the agency.
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2018
Laura’s House hosts its 1st Annual Teen Summit in partnership with Tilly’s Life Center, Festival of the Hearts at Saddleback College, drawing over 350 attendees to spend the day learning about healthy relationships and enjoying music and interactive activities.
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2019
Laura’s House celebrates our 25th year serving individuals affected by domestic violence, providing shelter with support services to more than 5,400 abused men, women and their children and non-residential direct services including 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, life skills education and legal advocacy to over 59,000 persons.
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2020
Laura's House Corporate Offices and Counseling & Resource Center moves to 33 Journey, Ste 150, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.
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25th Anniversary Gala Celebration – Saturday, September 7, 2019
We hosted our 25th Anniversary Gala, '25 Years of Silver Linings' on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach. This extraordinary evening featured a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner and live entertainment.We were excited to be able to honor a very special couple, Laura Khouri & Michael K. Hayde, with our Crystal Heart Award this year. They have demonstrated unparalleled commitment to our mission, and vision, with their generous support of the programs and services Laura's House provides. They have been, and continue to be, an integral part of the growth and expansion of Laura's House. Nearly 400 people were in attendance and the event raised $865,000.