AWUM 2011 Annual Report

2011 Annual Report 2011 Annual Report

MISSION MISSION

Asian Women United of Minnesota (AWUM) will end domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships within the Asian-Pacific Islander community.

VISION VISION

We are the leader in eliminating violence in the Asian-Pacific Islander community, and share the expertise of our best practices with others. Using the strengths of the API community, AWUM will uphold an environment free of violence, promote self-sufficiency for women, and foster nurtured and healthy children and families.

Leadership

2011 Board of Directors

Kris Arneson

Judge Regina Chu, Secretary

Sue Cook, Treasurer

Gloria Fressia

Dr. Ruby Nguyen

Val Wurster, President

2011 Lead Staff

Sipra Jha, Shelter Director

Lucas (Louie) Munn, Facilities Supervisor

Melissa Siri-outhay, CAP Lead

Claudia R. Waring, Executive Director

Nancy Wong, Communications Manager

Board President & Executive Director Letter

Dear Supporters and Friends:

FY 2011 (July 1, 2011– June 30, 2012) was an exciting and challenging year for Asian Women United of Minnesota (AWUM). In our commitment to providing culturally specific shelter and advocacy services to the Asian community, we have worked tirelessly to keep pace with changing demographics resulting from rapid growth in refugee and immigrant populations.

We are honored to provide support to some of Minnesota’s newest residents, including the rapidly growing Karen refugee community in St. Paul and the robust south Asian population in the western suburbs. In both cases, we work in concert with other community-based organizations to reach women who live in relative isolation and are at higher risk for domestic violence. Working with these new groups has given us the opportunity to become more creative in how we share our mission and reach people in a meaningful way.

Last year we told you that we were forging connections with sister organizations. The work we have done to reach Karen and south Asian women is enhanced by our strong relationships with other culturally specific agencies in the Twin Cities. Increasingly, small mission-driven organizations are coming together to complement each other’s services.

The women and children we serve in shelter and throughout the community are the reason for our existence, and their successes are rooted in phenomenal courage and perseverance. AWUM provides safe haven, experienced advocacy, and technical assistance, but the survivors and their children are what gives us purpose and inspiration.

We hope that you enjoy learning more about AWUM’s work in this annual report. 2012-13 promises to be another year of growth and new partnerships as we continue to work toward ending domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships within the Asian-Pacific Islander community.

Sincerely,

Valerie F. Wurster Claudia R. Waring Board Chair Executive Director

2011 Accomplishments 2011 Accomplishments

Participants Totals:

House of Peace

167 shelter residents (71 women & 96 children)

Crisis calls: 878 callers

Resources calls: 483 referrals

Support groups: 120 attendees

Volunteers/interns: 51 volunteers & 1 intern (589 hours total)

Community Advocacy Program

s s s

1,570 advocacy participants (1,328 women, 1 child & 241 men)

Health fairs/booths: 462 visitors

Trainings/presentations/groups: 742 attendees

Participant Testimonials Participant Testimonials

“I appreciate everything. My advocate help me with everything through my hard times.”

“While I stayed at the House of Peace shelter I have been able to learn ways to enhance my safety. I learned to take the bus and train first time in my life. I learned to work my way out of all my stress and learned to communicate better and resolve conflicts. I like the shelter and the staff. I am working my way out of all my stress. I learned about resources that could really help me when I have a hard time in my life.”

“I like that I make a lot of friends and play outside and share.”

“Me, my mom, and sisters were residents at AWUM. What I like about here was that it was welcoming, fun, the people were nice and the staff were generous. They helped us with making ourselves comfortable and organize transportation for me and my sisters to go to school. Being at the House of Peace shelter also introduced me to new foods that I’ve never tried before. I enjoyed Hmong hot sauce with chili peppers.”

Financial Information Financial Information

Grants, Contracts, Foundations:

City of Minneapolis: GTEAP (Grants to Encourage Arrest and Enforce Protection Orders: Office of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice)

FR Bigelow Foundation

Hennepin County - Domestic Abuse Service

Center (DASC)

HRK Foundation

Hennepin County Bar Foundation

Otto Bremer Foundation

Saint Paul Foundation

State of Minnesota Office of Justice Programs

U.S. Department of Justice (Office of Violence Against Women)

WCA Foundation

Income: Government $899,122

Contributed (foundations and individuals) $112,716

Other income (various sources) $4,906

TOTAL: $1,016,744

Government

Contributed

Other income

Expense: Program services* $918,022 Management and Support $146,293

TOTAL: $1,064,315

*Non direct service expenses: 13.7% (goal is under 15%)

Program services*

Management and Support

Net assets: $49,958

Net liabilities: $162,703

Total Liabilities and Net Assets: $212,661

2011 Volunteer Testimonials 2011 Volunteer Testimonials

Ms. Xay Yang, Volunteer

“Volunteering at the House of Peace (HOP) has been one of the most life-changing moments in my life. It amazes me how committed the staff are and how they stay motivated day-after-day. Doing this work can feel emotionally draining, especially when you hear the stories first-hand from the women and children. My time at HOP continues to be a learning experience and I take that with me into my personal and professional life. I am able to have conversations with people about domestic violence and healthy relationships. I stay open to listening to the women’s life stories and advice, as well as reflect on myself as a woman, a partner, a sister, a daughter, and above all, a person. It takes a lot to really look at myself and see what areas in my life have positive reinforcements and healthy relationships, and which parts need work. I have grown so much as a person and my life has definitely changed for the better through being a part of the HOP family. No words can truly reflect the richness of my experience at AWUM.”

Mr. Dan Freborg, Volunteer

“One of the most fascinating aspects of volunteering at AWUM has been witnessing the interactions of the children. Though they sometimes squabble about things that seem inconsequential to adults, I feel like adults can learn a lot from kids when it comes to handling conflict. The children at AWUM are quick to forgive and forget, and they don’t hold grudges. Postconflict, they strive to return their interactions to the “happy” mode as soon as possible. Adults could stand to take a note from kids’ ability to do this! I really respect what AWUM does for families in crisis. They do a great job in creating stability for families working through extremely difficult life situations.”

Ms. Vi-Anh Ngo, Volunteer

“I am in my second year of medical school. My involvement with anti-violence work began in San Francisco with volunteering for a crisis line followed by domestic violence (DV) shelter work. When I moved back to Minnesota in 2011, I was looking to continue learning about DV. Specifically, I wanted to understand the intricacies of its impact in the Southeast Asian communities and how to leverage medicine as a tool to strengthen and support survivors. HOP is a warm environment with a communal family feeling that lends itself to the healing process. I am certain that AWUM participants, staff, and volunteers benefit from such a supportive space. The diversity in cultures, educational and class differences challenge us to create group sessions that meet all of these needs, and also highlight the wealth of knowledge we gain from one another. It is a step away from direct service under a ‘savior’ complex framework towards a mutual partnership that yields growth for everyone. I am proud to continue as an AWUM volunteer.”

Ms. Madison Vue, Volunteer

“Volunteering with AWUM throughout the year was a great eye-opening experience. It gave me a different insight on domestic violence. Seeing the children and mothers so happy and full of life at HOP was an extremely moving experience because I did not expect such behaviors from victims who had experienced great pain and fear. The women and children I interacted with at HOP are such great, strong-willed individuals. Every time I volunteer at HOP I can see how bright these individuals shine. They may not know it, but I have a tremendous respect for what they are doing. Not only do these individuals find strength in themselves, but in the wonderful staff who dedicate themselves everyday for these women and children. The AWUM staff are passionate about what they do and they genuinely care about each and every victim. My time spent at AWUM was definitely fulfilling and life-changing. It has given me a lot to think about as I come to a close with my undergraduate career. Volunteering at AWUM definitely was a great experience and I would recommend this organization for everyone!”

2011 Highlights 2011 Highlights

On April 20, 2012

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie recognized AWUM for providing outstanding service to the community and for making exceptional contributions to the development and promotion of Safe at Home. Safe at Home is a statewide address confidentiality program that provides a substitute mailing address and mail-forwarding

service for people who fear for their safety, such as victims of stalking or domestic violence, so that they can to go about their daily lives without fear that an abuser may discover their actual address. “Safe at Home helps Minnesota families who have been victims of violence feel safe and secure,” said Secretary Ritchie. “I thank AWUM for protecting those who feel that their safety is threatened. Their efforts allow program participants to enjoy a brighter future.”

Halloween Party for the House of Peace - Oct. 23, 2011 - Organized by the U of MN’s Asian Sorority Interest Group (ASIG). AWUM Staff & Volunteers in a group photo with ASIG. Many thanks to ASIG!!!!

AWUM Services AWUM Services

House of Peace (HOP) s

Temporary emergency shelter

Women’s support group & ELL (English Language Learner) classes

Assistance in obtaining an Order for Protection (OFP) or Harassment Restraining Order (HRO)

Assistance in filing for financial assistance

Legal referrals for family and immigration law

24-hour multi-lingual crisis line

Safety planning

Children’s group activities

Community Advocacy Program (CAP)

Legal (criminal & civil court) advocacy

Sexual assault advocacy

Assistance with immigration services

On-going follow-up services

V iolence prevention & outreach in the API community Support groups in schools

Training for service providers

Community dialogues & education on domestic violence within the API communities