Inspiring Hope · Empowering Change

Laura’s House
We Are


Our inception was inspired by a true story about a woman called Laura who was a victim of domestic violence.

Unfortunately, the end of her particular story is a very tragic one… her life was cut short with her untimely death at age 38. In 1991, a few local women formed the South Orange County Domestic Violence Action Committee with the dream of building a shelter for battered women in South County. After being contacted by Laura’s mother and hearing that Laura had nowhere to turn to for resources to help her, the women were committed to making their dreams become a reality. In 1994, local residents, including co-founders, Sandy Condello and Helen Kendall, called a town meeting and asked for the community to embrace their vision of Laura’s House. There was an overwhelming response from the community with support and funding. It was then decided that the agency would be named in memory of Laura.

Laura’s House provides shelter and supportive services to women, men and children. Counseling, life skills, education, legal advocacy and resources are also provided. Laura’s House operates on the philosophy that domestic violence is a multi-dimensional and often cyclical in nature, and must be addressed through a range of interventions. Our goal is to provide supportive services that will prepare our clients and their children to live independent and violence-free lives with an emphasis on education and prevention for future generations.

Today Laura’s House continues to be the only state-approved comprehensive domestic violence agency in South Orange County. Annually, Laura’s House provides residential shelter services, transitional housing, counseling and workshops, and legal services to thousands of individuals. Over 3000 crisis calls come in each year on our 24/7 Crisis Hotline.

Our Mission

Changing social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

Our Vision

We serve individuals, families, and others who are affected by domestic violence. Laura’s House strives to be a nationally recognized and leading authority for resources and education for the prevention and response to domestic violence issues.


Our Values

Client/Mission Focused
We live it by continually assessing the client’s needs and formulating programs and services to empower them for success.
Communication
We live it by building open and honest interactions based on trust and respect to foster understanding and a healthy environment.
Respect
We live it by understanding that it takes people with different ideas, strengths, interests and diverse backgrounds to create a unified and inclusive culture. We encourage healthy discussion and differences of opinion.
Compassion
We live it by having the vision to see and encourage others in an understanding and empathetic manner.
Collaboration
We live it by working together to achieve a common goal while utilizing the collective strength from all stakeholders.
Innovation
We live it by striving to redefine the standard of excellence in everything we do. We are open to ideas that challenge the conventional view and create the opportunity for change.


Power of Our Work in 2023

THE NEED IS REAL…

 

5,343 survivors received services

 

15,388 were served by our prevention/education team

 

4,725 hotline callers were assisted.


Since 1994, Laura’s House has continued to grow

& provide vital support

Lauraā€™s House
History

1994

Laura’s House is Created

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, offering resources, referrals and support groups to victims of domestic violence.

1995

Laura’s House Emergency Shelter Opens

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.

1997

Restraining Order Services

Laura’s House began legal restraining order services including a monthly legal clinic in collaboration with the OC Bar Association.

1999

Personal Empowerment Program

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.

2001

Margaret Bayston Becomes CEO

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.

2005

H.E.A.R.T

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.

2007

Corporate Offices Move

Laura’s House Corporate Offices and Counseling & Resource Center moves to 999 Corporate Drive, Suite 225, Ladera Ranch.

2008

Community Engagement Program

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 presentations and speaking opportunities.

2009

$2 Million In Seed Funding

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 on El Toro Rd.

2010

Cornerstone Capital Campaign

Laura’s House launches the Cornerstone Capital Campaign to raise $4.5 million to rebuild the Emergency Shelter and establish a Transitional Facility Program and launches Social Media sites, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

2011

Rebuilt Emergency Shelter Opens

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.

2012

The Laura’s House Transitional Program Opens

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.

2013

The Laura’s House Teen Website Launches

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.

2014

Our 20th Anniversary

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.

2015

Celebrity Recognition

Laura’s House appears on the Dr. Phil Show. Robin McGraw visits and a tour our Emergency Shelter facility.

2016

Domestic Violency Advocacy Center Opens

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. 2017 Margaret R. Bayston, CEO/Executive.

2017

The Stevie Award

Margaret R. Bayston, CEO receives the prestigious Stevie Award for her leadership of the agency.

2018

1st Annual Teen Summit

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 learn about healthy relationships and enjoying music and interactive activities.

2019

Celebrating 25 Years

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.

2020

The Man.Kind Project

Laura’s House launches Man.Kind OC Program to empower young men to have relationships free of violence and support positive character development. Launch of H.E.A.R.T. Portal facilitators training to expand prevention education and make Laura’s House H.E.A.R.T. workshop curriculum available to facilitators globally.

2021

Open House & Ribbon cutting for the Domestic Violence Resource Center

In partnership with the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce, Laura’s House hosts the official Open House & Ribbon cutting for the Domestic Violence Resource Center and Laura’s House headquarters at 33 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA. Laura’s House launched the first annual “Move to End Domestic Violence Fitness Challenge”.

2022

H.O.P.E.

Laura’s House launches the newly transformed Education and Outreach Department – H.O.P.E., an acronym that signifies Healing, Outreach, Prevention & Education. H.O.P.E. is now integrated with our existing Community Education and Prevention Education divisions, formerly known as the Prevention Education Department. This innovative approach aims to broaden our collaborative capabilities and reinforces our commitment to creating opportunities for positive change.

2023

Laura’s House Hosts a Highly Successful Summit

Laura’s House hosts a highly successful summit centered around the critical subject of Sextortion and Online Safety. The primary emphasis was on protecting our children from online predators and equipping parents with the tools to effectively communicate the potential risks associated with social media and online gaming. More than 160 peer organizations join us for the event with a 100% satisfaction rating in our evaluations.


How You

Can Help
Ways to Donate
Help Laura’s House achieve its goals for current and future generations through a variety of options.
Volunteer
Join us and be part of this impactful movement. Together, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of survivors and their families. Volunteer today and help us create a brighter, safer future for all!
Corporate Sponsorship / Partnership
Join us in making a difference in our community! With your support, we can amplify our impact and create positive change together. Whether it’s lending your time, skills, or financial contribution, your involvement can help us in our mission. Let’s team up to make a meaningful difference!
Shop
Visit our resale store locations for designer and brand name clothing for men, women and children. Jewelry, handbags, shoes, artwork, home furnishings, books, etc. ALL at unbeatable prices. In addition to receiving high quality merchandise at great prices, the proceeds from our stores support our programs which help families affected by domestic violence. You can now shop some of our HOTTEST items online 24/7 on our Poshmark page from the comforts of your own home!
Employment
Join a team of people who takes pride in serving and empowering our clients which makes a tremendous impact in our community.


Meet Our

Board & Leadership

Margaret

, Bayston

CEO/Executive Director

Theresa

, Black

Chief Program Officer

Laura

, Kelly

Chief Operating Officer

Lisa

, Ammann

Chief Financial Officer

Coming Soon

,

Chief Development Officer

Wayne

, Pinnell

Board Chair

Don

, Barnes

Board Member

Laura’s House

Christina

, Robbins

Board Member

Patricia

, Bucklen

Board Member

Bruce

, Seder

Board Member

Mike

, James

Board Member

Dan

, Weeks

Board Treasurer

Bill

, Eldien

Board Vice Chair

Barry

, Villines

Board Treasurer

Aleksander

, Henka

Board Secretary

Michele

, Sabo Assayag

Board Member

Richard

, Lutzky

Board Member

Kerri

, Strunk

Board Member

Kellie

, Kremer

Board Member

Jim

, Murray

Board Member

Patricia

, Cyr

Board Member

Laura

, Khouri

Board Vice Chair


Top Individual and Foundation Donors

A Little Help Foundation A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation A. Setya Dental Group Alpha Chi Omega Argyros Family Foundation Bagne Family Foundation Borchardt Giving fund CA Foundation for Stronger Communities Carl E. Wynn Foundation Crean Foundation Crevier Family Foundation of OCCF Day Family Foundation Trust Devto Support Foundation Dhont Family Foundation F. Comerford G. & D. Stillwell Charitable Trust G. & J. Anderson Family G. Hoag Family Foundation Glass Family Green Foundation Hermann Foundation I-Rise Foundation J. MacPherson Foundation J. Murray Jerome Foundation K Inman K. Lester L Lafreniere L. Khouri & M. Hayde M. & E. Barcelo M. Hoeffliger M. Oser Fund McDonald Family Foundation Movement Church N. & G. Stack Norman & Sadie Lee Foundation OC Bar Association OCUW — Womens Philanthropic Fund S Martin Sharon Mae Fund of OCCF Shelly Family Foundation Smiles for Life Foundation — Hales Parker Dentistry Sue J. Gross Foundation Swayne Family Foundation T. Savage The Sunshine Fund Ueberroth Family Foundation Visionary Women Womens Foundation of California Zeller Family Zonta Club of Newport Harbor

Top Corporate Donors

Allstate Applied Medical Bob’s Discount Furniture Capital Group CC Calhoun Inc. Chapman University Citibank Creative Package McKahan Inc. Dermody Properties Foundation Dito Devcar Foundation Edwards Lifesciences Farmers & Merchants Bank Fluidmaster Impac Foundation In-N-Out Foundation KFC Foundation Laloo Vision Inc. Morgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation Ms. Molly Foundation National Colloid Newport Dunes Nossaman LLP O.L. Halsell Foundation Pacific Life Foundation Performance Cleanroom Services, Inc. R.D. Olson Development Rainbow Sandals RiteAid Robert Half Smart & Final Starbucks Stater Brothers The Rosendin Foundation The TJX Foundation US Bank


Our Financials

Thanks to the continued support of our generous individual, foundation, and corporate donors, we were able to spend almost $5m (82% of revenue) on direct program services to benefit our clients by providing shelter, counseling, and legal support services.

  • 24-Hour Hotline and Crisis Intervention: Immediate safety for families in crisis.
  • Emergency Shelter: 45 days of safe housing for abused men, women, and children.
  • Transitional Housing: Six to twelve months of support following emergency shelter to help residents achieve independence.
  • Therapeutic Counseling: Individual, group, and family therapy to promote healing and strengthen coping skills.
  • Life Skills and Parenting Education: Training to empower clients to live free from dependence on abusers and other unhealthy relationships.
  • Legal Advocacy Services: Assistance with restraining orders, custody orders, court accompaniment, and attorney referrals.
  • Intensive Case Management: One-to-one support to help clients set and achieve goals, as well as access education, employment, and medical care.
  • On-Site Childcare and Educational Activities: Loving supervision for children, supporting healthy childhood development and family relationships.
  • Housing Assistance: Resources to help clients find safe, affordable permanent housing.
  • Prevention and Education Outreach: Programs targeting youth and adults, including teen dating violence prevention (H.E.A.R.T.), character development for young men (Man.Kind OC), and various educational workshops and webinars.

Annually, we undergo a financial audit by an independent audit firm.
Singer Lewak LLP, Accountants and Consultants

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