AWUM 2022 Annual Report

ASIAN WOMEN UNITED OF MINNESOTA

“AWUM is a wonderful agency. AWUM took all my sadness and worries into their hands, with help and support. AWUM helped me when I am depressed. They have services to help me cope with my depression that brightens me. AWUM taught me how to be a better person, gave me a better idea of how important education is for my future. AWUM does not choose if you are poor or rich to help. Once they help you, they give all their heart to what they can to help you.”

“I have been more open with my situation to others and asking others for their help and opinion. I feel that I am not alone. Everyone at HOP (House of Peace) is very caring.”

“My plan for safety has improved from before I came to HOP. My community knowledge has increased. My conflicts are resolved by advocates which are very helpful for me. I like everything about HOP. Resolving my conflicts and getting knowledge about community resources was the most challenging part of my life. HOP services are good. They need not change anything according to me. I was fully satisfied with my stay over there. My advocate provided me with emotional support, someone to help with legal advocacy, and other needed resources.”

“HOP is a very safe and confidential place and helped me with financial relief. HOP is so good for providing services and always gives us a feeling like home.”

“The staff treated me and my children very well. I felt very good about my stay at HOP. Every staff member supported me and helped me to get housing. I usually meet my advocate many times a week. My goals were accomplished. Me and my children met our needs. I received resources, emotional support, and legal advocacy help. Staff assisted me to achieve everything. My safety plans have increased from before I came to HOP. I feel glad that we have an Asian Shelter to live and get help from there in our domestic violence situations. I have more awareness of my surroundings. Talking to staff always gives me relief from my stress.”

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Supporters and Friends:

Focusing on AWUM’s mission to end domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships in the Asian community and beyond sustained us during a busy year as the world gradually moved toward a post-pandemic environment.

In the aftermath of the height of the pandemic, AWUM has discovered how resilient and strong our community partnerships are. In a time of global unrest and economic tension, communitybased organizations are drawn together to create solutions.

Last year, AWUM worked closely with sister agencies, our coalition to end relationship abuse, and the philanthropic community to create easier access to affordable housing for victims of domestic violence. While this endeavor is an uphill climb, it is clear that a concerted collaborative effort is what is needed. The community’s awareness of homelessness has been heightened since the onset of COVID-19, and the additional barriers confronting domestic violence and sexual assault victims are becoming better acknowledged and recognized as victim service providers are invited to share participant stories and perspectives.

AWUM’s engagement in community solutions originates from our work with individuals and families and is based in real life experiences. It is always an honor to carry forth the voices of our participants to influence policy and community development. We are eager to share our work and hear your ideas on ways we can work together to make our world safer and more welcoming to all.

As always, we thank you for your interest in AWUM’s work, which would not be possible without your support.

Sincerely,

Claudia R. Waring Executive Director

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

MISSION MISSION MIS

VISION 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.

MIS VISION

AWUM SERVICES

HOUSE OF PEACE (HOP) COMMUNITY ADVOCACY PROGRAM (CAP)

Temporary emergency shelter

MIS

Women’s support group and children’s groups

Assistance in obtaining Orders for Protection (OFP)

Assistance with Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO)

Assistance in filing for financial assistance & reparations claims

Legal referrals for family and immigration law

24-hour multi-lingual crisis line

Safety planning

Legal (criminal & civil court) advocacy

Sexual assault advocacy

Assistance in obtaining Orders for Protection (OFP)

Assistance with Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO)

Assistance with immigration services

On-going follow-up services

Violence prevention & outreach in the API community

Community education on domestic violence

Training for service providers

OMEN’SLISTENING ANDHEALIN

S I A N W

A

MARCH 16, 2022

As requested by participants of the 2021 Asian Women’s Listening and Healing Circles, AWUM collaborated with local non-profits to organize another online gathering in 2022 for Asian women (cis and trans), as well as non-binary folks who are comfortable in a space that is womencentered experiences, to share, feel, take in, listen, offer, heal, support and remember the lives of Asian women who were killed in the 2021 Atlanta shootings and Asian women during the

G C I R C L E

course of that year who were killed by either intimate partners or random unknown persons. Local musician Alicia Thao performed, providing a balm to our broken hearts via her voice and music. Approximately 40 people joined the circle in 2022.

Co-sponsors: Coalition of Asian American Leaders, NAPAWF-St. Cloud Chapter, Reviving Sisterhood, and Transforming Generations.

AWUM LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

JULY 2021

After 10 years, AWUM revamped its website and officially launched its new site in July 2021. In addition to freshening up our online presence, one major new feature is the translation tool. Inserting the Google Translate button allows users to view www.awum.org in over 100 languages, enabling many of those from the diverse API community to access our information more easily, especially if English is not their primary language.

DONATIONS TO AWUM

During the fiscal year from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, we welcomed donations to support families seeking refuge. Here are some of the highlights. We thank each and every donor for their thoughtful and generous gifts.

Organic Oneness – Minneapolis Food Pantry

For over two years during the coronavirus pandemic, AWUM received food and essential items from the Organic Oneness – Minneapolis Food Pantry. Each month, two to three times, AWUM women and children benefited from the pantry. This wonderful resource in the community helped our emergency shelter tremendously. Thank you, Organic Oneness, and sincere appreciation to all the volunteers at the pantry!

(https://www.organiconeness.org)

Girl Up Club at The Blake School

Anisa Thompson and Amelia Bush of the Girl Up Club at the Blake School worked together with their school to collect and donate 20 bags of school supplies for the children at the House of Peace, and 20 care packages of bath and body products for the women at the shelter. You girls are amazing! Thank you!

(https://girlup.org)

Nikhil Korman, Target Store Operations Staff

This young AWUM supporter joined the children of Target Store Operations staff to stamp & prepare 127 goodie bags to gift to youngsters at our House of Peace. Thank you so much, Nikhil & the children with Target Store Operations for the holiday donation!

Amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, AWUM virtually premiered its 10th annual gala AWUM from the Heart on October 7, 2021.

AWUM FROM THE HEART 2021

OCTOBER 2021

Highlights included keynote speaker Veena Iyer, (Executive Director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota), a powerful testimonial from a former participant, musical presentations by Minnesota-based, globally recognized musicians Pagnia Xiong and Alicia Thao.

Acknowledgement also goes to the following contributors of the gala: Sipra Jha, Hao Nguyen, Claudia Waring, Hlee Lee-Kron, Jim Lee, and

Yeng Yang. And, to our donors: without your generous and heartfelt support, AWUM cannot serve the families who come to us for help. Your gifts in total surpassed our event goal, raising over $12K for the gala! Thank you so much.

To view the 2021 gala program, please go to: youtu.be/kW1qTOoX1s4

GIVE TO THE MAX DAY

NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Give to the Max Day is a Minnesota-based, one-day initiative started by GiveMN in 2009 to help raise money for participating nonprofit organizations and schools. The annual event is held on a Thursday each November and in 2021, November 18 on Give to the Max Day, donors gave $4,530 to AWUM, surpassing our goal of $1,500! Thank you so much for contributing to this campaign!

VOLUNTEERS + INTERNS

Volunteers & Interns strengthen AWUM’s programs when community members offer their time in service. They bring with them unique talents and interests, helping us provide the best service possible for each woman and child who come to us for support. During July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, AWUM had 18 volunteers and 2 interns offering a total of 612 hours of service. We express profound thanks to these amazing souls. Here are testimonials from a few of them!

ERIN FERNANDEZ, AWUM INTERN

“My experience volunteering at the House of Peace has been life changing. The environment at the House of Peace is one that fosters growth.

I’ve learned a lot about what it means to both be a member of a community and the effort that goes into serving that community. One of the experiences I appreciate the most has been working with the children at the shelter. I have come to understand on a deeper level what it means to be a supportive adult who encourages the potential of the next generation. When volunteering, I found myself surrounded by a team of people all working towards a better future, and that has helped me better understand my own potential to impact the lives of others in a positive and meaningful manner. As I continue to navigate the world and pursue my dreams, I will take with me what I learned while working with AWUM. I really cherish the people I’ve gotten to meet and the memories I have made so far. This experience is one that I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life.”

HOUACI LOR, AWUM VOLUNTEER

“Being a volunteer has welcomed me to a series of unconditional love, safe spaces, and support from the community. Interconnecting with the women and children has shed light on the face of adversity and has gifted me the experience to anticipate ways of healing through storytelling, play, and art (as well as dancing!)”

M.P., AWUM YOUTH VOLUNTEER

On occasion, AWUM partners with high school students to work on special projects. During the 2022 fiscal year, our Communications Office brought on one youth volunteer to assist with its social media work. M.P. produced digital assets to promote AWUM’s mission, and learned about the signs of abuse, the cycle of violence, where to get help, and how to support friends who are experiencing unhealthy behaviors in a relationship. We proudly share examples of M.P.’s work for AWUM along with a testimonial: “It was very fun and quick to learn. I enjoyed how easy it was to create digital content. The organization is so important.”

PARTICIPANT STATISTICS

82 shelter residents (35 adults & 47 children)

400 crisis calls

157 calls requesting resources

84 calls for OFP/HRO (Orders for Protection/ Harassment Restraining Orders)

284 women’s group participants

217 children’s group participants

307 advocacy participants (218 women, 45 men, 3 unreported genders, and 41 children)

HOP CAP

708 attendees at 19 community trainings/presentations

2022 FISCAL YEAR Board of Directors

Hao Nguyen, Chair

Ramsey County Attorney’s Office

Rebecca Chaffee, Secretary Best & Flanagan, LLP

Melissa Chiodo, Treasurer

Inver Grove Heights Police Department

Miski Abdulle, Member Pillsbury United Communities

William Vang, Member

Chlamydomonas Resource Center

Sophia Vuelo, Member

Ramsey County Second Judicial District

2022 FISCAL YEAR Leadership Team

Claudia R. Waring, Executive Director

Sipra Jha, Shelter Director

Shoua Kong, CAP Lead

Lucas (Louie) Munn, Facilities Supervisor

Nancy Wong, Communications Manager

2022 Fiscal Year

Year Financials

GRANTSCONTRACTS FOUNDATIONS &

Alice M. O’Brien Foundation

Butler Foundation

FR Bigelow Foundation

Heading Home Minnesota Collaborative

Hennepin County

HRK Foundation

Land O’Lakes Foundation

Mardag Foundation

Minneapolis Foundation

Minnesota Department of Human Services

Minnesota Office of Justice Programs

Monroe, Charlotte & Barbara Shine

Family Fund

Otto Bremer Trust

Pohlad Family Foundation

Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation

Women’s Foundation of Minnesota

2022 Fiscal Year Cash + In-Kind Donations

Abbott Laboratories, EGC

Abha Ghildayal

Afagh Mohajeri

Aimee Ladin

Alexis Walstad

Alpha Phi Gamma

Andrea Jachman

Andrew Grossman

Angela Jones Flanaghan

Anjuli Mishra Cameron

Ann Henderson

Ann Sullivan

Anna Street

Anne & Michael Waring

Anne Applebaum

Anne Hines Brabec

Annie Le

Ben Schwanke

Benevity Community Impact Fund

Best Buy

Bhagwati Karki

Bill Schwietz

Bills Garden Restaurant

Blackbaud Giving Fund

Boondi Iyer

Brandon Fabel

Brenda Shores

Brindha P. Sargunam

Cafe Latte

Cake Box Bakery

Carol K. Arthur

Charities Aid Foundation of America

Charlene Sun

Chaya Garg

Cherrelle Phon

Cheryl L. Jensen

Cheryl Vang

Christine Howard

Christopher Kreader

Claudia Waring

Connie M. Korman

Costco – Eagan

Costco – Minneapolis

CROSS Services

Cydi Yang

Dan Henry

Dana Gillespie

David Ingham

David Milazzo

Dawn Wing

Dearest Baker

Deborah Link

Deborah Tung & Daniel Wentworth

Deupree Family Foundation

Diana Fitzwater

Diane Seep

Dolkar Tenzin

Dominos

Duraikkannan

Sundarackannan

Dustin Ryswyk

Dzung Thai

Eckberg Lammers, P.C.

Elin Kambuga

Elissa Schloesser

Elizabeth Sauer

Erik Johannes

F.N.C.A. Community Resource Center

Gail Chang Bohr

Gaochong Lee

Gautham Iyer

Gemini Incorporated

Gerald J. Stahl

Girl Up Club at The Blake School

Grace & Paul Wong

Greater Horizons

Helen Ingham

Imran Ali

James Church

James Street

JAMF Nation Global Foundation

Janet & Hartono Halim

Janet Christine Walsh

Jason Dawson

Jeanette Everson

Jenna R. Ray

Jennifer Lee

Jessica Lerbs

Joan Linck

Joseph Stahl & Lida Etemad

Kamala Puram

Kao Moua

Karen R. Steiner

Katherine Jones

Katherine P. Sheldrick

Kathleen Fluegel

Kian & Eddie Glenn

Kris Solz

Krissandra Anfinson

Kristi Lahti-Johnson

Laura Austrian

Lauren Haun

Layli Phillips

Lee Reinhardt

Loi Tran

Lucas Munn

Luhai Yang

Lydia Geiszler

Lyle Lindberg

Lynn Hu

MK Racine

Mai Her

Maia Johnson

Marcee Harris Schwartz

Mary Johnson

May Her

Maychee Mua

McDonald’s

Medtronic

Melissa Chiodo

Merjent, Inc.

Milton Lucy

Molly Schwartz

Monika Joshi

Morgan Tomsche

Mortenson

MyLy Fung

Nancy Wong

Nathan Riggs

Nayana Jha

Neelam & Arun Singh

Nhu Tran

Organic Oneness

Pader Xiong

Pafoua Xiong

Pajci Ly

Pamela Zeller

Panda Express

Panu Her

Paul Dvorak

Paul H. Jachman

Peggy Flaig

Pheng Thao

Rebecca Chaffee

Rebecca K. Hawthorne

Rebecca McLane

Regina (Chu) Moore

Robyn Tabibi & Dain Meyer

Rohit Sharma

Royal Canadian International Circus

Ruby Nguyen

Sabrina Yates

Samira Missaghi

Sandra Vang

Sarah Vanasse

Saraswati Singh

Savita & Ramesh Harjani

Sayali Amarapurkar

Selina Jue Sun

Shannon Thao

Sharmistha Patnaik

Shelley Johnson Cline

Sheng Khang

Shoua Kong

Stacy Miller

Susan Maddux

Taco Bell

Tanni & Bhabani Misra

Target Store – Lake Street

Target Store – University Ave.

Target Store Operations Staff

Taste of India

TC Food Justice

Terra Shockman

The Blake School

The Body Shop

The Hartford

Theresa Hyska

Thrivent

Timothy D. Savaloja

Timothy Gray

Trisha Brandes

UnitedHealth Group

Veena Iyer

Vinny Vue

Vivian Williams

Willard W. & Jeanne Nelson

William Vang

Xinxin Zhang

Yamini Jha-Korman, Dan & Nikhil Korman

Yasmin Mehrotra

Yen Nguyen

Yeng Yang

Youa Yang

Yuemin Xu

Yvonne Olsen