THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2014
A note from the board of directors Dear Friends,
board of directors
Domestic and sexual abuse flourishes in silence, but long before the NFL brought to the forefront this issue you were breaking the silence. You were contributing to Women’s Resources of Monroe County and its 36 years of providing shelter and counseling to victims of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Your ongoing support has assured the work being done by Women’s Resources continues.
Sharon Sinkevich President Owner, The Apple Tree Fine Women’s Clothing Boutique Hazel Fisher, Ph.D Vice President Associate Dean, Northampton Community College, Monroe Campus Sharon Griffith Treasurer CRA Officer/Loan Origination Mgr. ESSA Bank & Trust Velma Lubliner Secretary Assistant Director of Advancement Blair Academy Patricia Cassell Manager, Facilities Planning, Sanofi Pasteur Ali Schratt President of Local Flair, Inc. Loren L. Speziale, Esq. Partner Attorney at Gross McGinley, LLP Marcia Welsh, Ph.D. President of East Stroudsburg University
2014 brought transitions and opportunities to expand partnerships for furthering our mission to end abuse. We welcomed a new Executive Director, Lauren Peterson, who is eager to build on our solid foundation while exploring exciting new directions for our organization. The Black and White Gala, 5K race, and Butterfly Release continue to grow, raising money and awareness of the services of Women’s Resources. This year as we embrace the “Power of Partnership,” we recognize that you are our first partner, the foundation of our giving tree. You are the reason Women’s Resources is able to continue to expand educational programs in schools, providing legal aid and shelter for women and children, and offering professional counseling to all who seek safety. In addition your contributions are the link to our ability to promise to be there for rape victims and to answer the 24 hour hotline. Your partnership with us is indeed a powerful one. Please refer to the revenue chart to confirm the importance of fundraising being second to government funding in our budget. We are grateful for your donations of your time, talent and treasure. Please check out our website, wrmonroe.org to follow our community services, event calendar, and how to make a donation or become a volunteer. You are making a difference by being part of our “Power of Partnership.” With gratitude, Sharon Sinkevich President, Board of Directors
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WOMEN’S RESOURCES OF MONROE COUNTY, INC.
A note from our Executive Director Dear Friend of Women’s Resources, As the new Executive Director of Women’s Resources of Monroe County, I am honored to lead such a wonderful and necessary agency. A native of Elverson, PA, I was thrilled to find organizations all over our state with missions similar to Women’s Resources of Monroe County. I knew the importance of victim advocacy groups and heard my call to social work at an early age. My mother helped start a local rape crisis agency in the late 70’s before starting a family, she also worked as a crisis hotline worker and survivor counselor at that same agency. My own passion for helping those hurt by others grew every year after receiving my state certification as a sexual assault counselor. I interned with the Crime Victim Center of Chester County while completing my bachelor’s degree at Immaculata University. I knew this field was my calling and, after graduating, worked for eight years as an advocate and counselor to abuse victims in Montgomery County, PA. I earned my master’s degree while working at this agency. My passion for this work is mirrored by the dedicated and enthusiastic team I’ve joined at Women’s Resources of Monroe County. Women’s Resources accomplishes incredibly important work in Monroe County. For many of us, sympathizing with the brave individuals who are in abusive scenarios is a passive act; we have not experienced such abuse first hand. For a moment consider the obstacle of being a college student, attending classes all semester with the person who sexually assaulted you. Imagine the heartache of fearfully venturing into your home, knowing that the person you care about is also physically violent with you – and they might be home. Imagine being a school-aged child, laying in bed listening your parents verbally and physically spar. Our staff and volunteers provide, on a daily basis, counseling and supportive services for these women, children, and men who are surviving domestic and sexual abuse every day in our area, and nation overall. We can’t do it alone. We depend so heartily on support from you, the community. This year we’re embracing “Power of Partnership.” Law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system overall are a source of strength for our work. Schools and medical professionals are also invaluable partners in fulfilling the mission of Women’s Resources. Our staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors is committed to furthering our outreach to victims and survivors of violence and abuse with the help of these human service agencies and local businesses. We have come so far in our 36 years. The growth of awareness, action, and result is increasing exponentially and can be measured in the lives changed at Women’s Resources. However, there is still so much to do. We strive for a world free of violence and fear. Together, we can achieve this. Together Women’s Resources and our powerful partnerships will bring light to the dark, hope to the despairing. Thank you for your continued support as we all stand up together and say “NO MORE” to domestic and sexual violence. Sincerely, Lauren Peterson, MPA Executive Director
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what our partners are saying “Having a representative from Women’s Resources working directly in our school has given our students direct access to the many services offered in a familiar comfortable environment. Our partnership has truly offered proactive and reactive support to our students.” Michael Catrillo Principal
East Stroudsburg High School South
“The Stroud Area Regional Police Department would like to express sincere appreciation to Women’s Resources of Monroe County for their valued partnership. Each agency has responsibilities and obligations to fulfill in regard to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault that, without this partnership, would be extremely difficult to fulfill. The new Executive Director, Lauren Peterson, has maintained the momentum created by her predecessor and continued to enhance the partnership with our police department. Aside from enhancing the alliance with our agency, she is also the cornerstone of the soon to be opened Child Advocacy Center of Monroe County. The SARPD continues to be excited about this successful and thriving collaboration and looks forward to continuing our truly joint effort in providing services to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault victims in need.” William J. Parrish Chief of Police
Stroud Area Regional Police
“Women’s Resources is like our right hand on all of our sexual assault patients. We know that the patient’s emotional needs are being met while we are working on the forensic component of each case. Each advocate goes out of their way to make each patient comfortable in such a stressful situation and provides them with follow-up after the patient goes home. We are very proud and thankful to work hand in hand with Women’s Resources!” Laura Kimpel, RN SAFE team Coordinator
Pocono Medical Center
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WOMEN’S RESOURCES OF MONROE COUNTY, INC.
our services 24 Hour Hotline
• 24-Hour Crisis Hotline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; staffed by highly trained employees and volunteers. • More than 1,798 calls answered
Safe Emergency Shelter
• 22-bed emergency shelter; a safe place and a home-like atmosphere providing group and individual counseling and information about resources including housing, finances and employment. • 202 adults and children spent over 5,177 nights in our shelter • 15% of those leaving shelter went to permanent housing; 32% went to live with family and friends. 20% went into transitional housing or another shelter. • Relocation assistance was provided for 25 individuals and families leaving the shelter. More than $10,000 in support was given to victims who relocated to ensure their long-term safety.
Counseling
• The Frances Hughes Crisis Counseling Center offers free and confidential crisis counseling to serve as a bridge of strength, understanding and support. • 926 adults and children received support for domestic violence and sexual assault through 7,542 hours of crisis counseling. • As a partner in the county’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), crisis counselors and volunteer advocates provided support and advocacy to 36 victims of sexual assault. • 176 children received over 380 hours of crisis counseling.
Prevention
• Leaders, educators, healthcare professionals and young people have the potential to detect and end violence in our communities. • Our prevention coordinator delivered 91 programs to 3,155 youth, empowering them to be leaders and take a stand in preventing violence. They received classroom training about healthy relationships and safe technology use. • 15 outreach events educated the public about the impact of domestic and sexual violence; 25 community awareness programs educated the public about our free and confidential services • 1,050 community professionals were educated at 10 training programs
Systems Advocacy
• Systems advocacy refers to initiatives that influence positive change for policy and practices that will protect and benefit victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. • Advocacy with various systems including healthcare, law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, child welfare and armed forces. These efforts help create and maintain victim centered protocols for responses to crimes of sexual and domestic violence involving both child and adult victims. • Created of community partnerships to establish a community-based children’s advocacy center • Advocated with school administration to provide effective violence prevention programming
legal Advocacy
• Our legal advocates served assist victims with exploring their options and understanding their legal rights, safety planning and agency referrals. • Legal Advocate serving 199 clients through 650 hours of legal advocacy and support. • 260 hours spent in PFA court (5 hours per week) providing technical assistance to victims pursuing a protection order. • Established a legal fund to help victims with civil/legal costs in FY13-14.
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statement of financial position Women’s Resources of Monroe County, Inc. fiscal year ended June 30, 2014
revenue assets
Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Cash - restricted Grants and contracts receivable Prepaid expenses Total Current Assets
$201,260 5,001 68,719 100 275,080
Fixed Assets: Property and Equipment, net
2,649,656
Total Assets
2,924,736
Government
$646,427
Fundraising
$223,318
Foundations
$161,640
Contributions
$153,756
United Way
liabilities and net assets
$39,004
Other Income
$7,393
Total Income
$1,231,538
* Excludes in-kind contributions.
Current Liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued expenses Deferred income
$35,562 20,844 60,000
Total Current Liabilities
116,406
Net Assets: Temporarily restricted Unrestricted net assets
2,808,330
Total Net Assets
2,808,330
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
2,924,736
expenses
Program
$869,291
Management
$171,447
Fundraising
$78,762
Total Expenses $1,119,500 * Excludes in-kind expenses. 6
WOMEN’S RESOURCES OF MONROE COUNTY, INC.
statement of activities Women’s Resources of Monroe County, Inc. fiscal year ended June 30, 2014
Unrestricted Net Assets:
Revenue, Gains and Other Support: Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Other Government Contracts Contributions Inkind contributions Foundation and corporate support Fund-raising United Way Other income Interest Net assets released from restrictions
$261,563 159,480 81,110 103,232 41,042 66,920 211,938 161,640 223,318 39,004 5,570 1,823 86,836
Total Unrestricted Revenue, Gains and Other Support
1,443,476
Expenses:
Program Management and general Fund-raising *Total Expenses Increase (Decrease) in Unrestricted Net Assets
886,908 171,739 272,791 1,331,438 112,038
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets: Net assets released from restrictions
(86,836)
(86,836)
Decrease in Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets
25,202
Net Assets, Beginning of Year
2,783,128
Net Assets, End of Year
2,808,330
*Total expenses includes $211,938 of in-kind expense
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a light in the darkness “We couldn’t be opening the CAC of Monroe County without Women’s Resources. They have been a critical partner, a crucial player in the work the CAC accomplishes,” says Curtis Rogers, of the Children’s Advocacy Center. Rogers, an assistant district attorney in Monroe County, has worked in his capacity as Project Manager for the CAC with Women’s Resources since 2014. “Well, that’s formally. We’ve been involved for several years before that! The work done at Women’s Resources is so important. They and we really believe in empowering victims of abuse and assuring them that what happened to them isn’t their fault.” The Children’s Advocacy Center is a nationwide presence with roots in Huntsville, Alabama. The non-profit organization took shape in the 1980s when a family of an abuse survivor pointed out to advocacy groups that their child suffered continued trauma by having to be interviewed and examined repeatedly- by four, five, even six different entities. The CAC worked to streamline this investigative process. When allegations of abuse arise, the child is brought to the CAC where ONE interview occurs. Where ONE pediatrician does a thorough examination in a child-friendly, welcoming atmosphere. All of the findings are documented, preserved, and shared with pertinent agencies and the child’s healing process can begin immediately. Now, with over 800 CACs nationwide, the organization continues to grow in large part because of partnerships with established and successful non-profits like Women’s Resources. The CAC of Monroe County is slated for a late spring 2015 opening, becoming one of nearly 30 centers in Pennsylvania. This newest center will be a welcome addition to the crisis work in the Pocono area. “There is a pressing need for a CAC in the Poconos,” explains Rogers. Currently, child victims must travel to the CAC in Scranton for statements and collection of physical evidence. This travel can deter some families from pursuing action and the Scranton CAC is also extremely busy. It is expected that the Monroe County Facility will serve approximately 140 children per year. The partnership is beneficial to all of the individuals that Women’s Resources of Monroe County serves. By having a specialized center for child victims, the CAC and WR can best provide opportunities for victims to become survivors and ultimately advocates. The message of both groups is clear and articulated by Rogers: “There is life beyond this. There is hope. There is strength. There is light beyond the darkness.”
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WOMEN’S RESOURCES OF MONROE COUNTY, INC.
2014 fashion for a cause - SAFE Nurses
Women’s Resources partnered with the Pocono Health Foundation and Pocono Medical Center to hold a Fashion for a Cause event on Oct. 30 to raise the necessary funds for a Secure Digital Forensic Imaging camera for the SAFE nurse program. The SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) nurses at PMC collect evidence from a victim of sexual assault, and with the new camera can reduce patient examination time by 50 percent and provides image resolution that is significantly enhanced. This will help with more successful prosecution of sex crimes. The event featured fall and holiday fashions provided by The Apple Tree, a Stroudsburg’s women’s boutique. Raised: $3,000
2014 butterfly release for peace
Annually, Women’s Resources of Monroe County (WRMC) celebrates life, hope and healing, while remembering victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse with the release of a profusion of Monarch butterflies. This event is designed to raise awareness of the organization’s mission to end domestic and sexual violence for all women, children, and men in our community. Monarch butterflies, seemingly fragile but actually extremely strong, are a perfect representation of our clients. They symbolize change, freedom, and joy. They remind us that in leaving the safety of their cocoon, they discover they can grow, transform, and explore the world in new ways. People come to us frightened and confused, but after experiencing our safe haven, counseling, and educational opportunities, they leave confident, hopeful, and ready to begin a new and independent life. WRMC is deeply grateful to Karl Weiler and Weiler Corporation for continuing to host the butterfly release. Raised: $2,175 THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
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stories of courage maria and her infant daughter received supportive services at Women’s Resources after escaping an abusive relationship. She worked with the Legal Advocate at Women’s Resources get help with a Protection from Abuse order (PFA), and after spending time in our Shelter she was referred to Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH). While at PATH she continued to work on the issues related to her immigration paperwork, and she hopes to gain employment when her documents are approved. We also referred her to the Pregnancy Resource Center who provided her with items because she had nothing for her infant daughter.
dalia and her 4 year old son came to the Women’s Resources Shelter to get
away from years of physical and emotional abuse. She was employed part-time which provided her with some income. During her five weeks in our program she was faced with obstacles including a major car repair. Our staff advocated for assistance with the repair bill from a local church and the car repairs were completed. Additionally, Dalia was unable to locate affordable housing, and our staff learned that an opening in the Salvation Army Family Shelter Program was available. With support from the Women’s Resources staff, she and her son were accepted into this program. She has since obtained full-time employment, and will soon be ready to move into her own apartment.
catherine
is a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse and human trafficking. She came to the Women’s Resources Shelter in April to escape from her abuser. During her time in our Shelter she received legal advocacy and support, and we were able to connect her with law enforcement to discuss filing criminal charges against her abuser. Faced with barriers including the loss of income, housing, and with challenges due to her legal status to remain in the US, our staff worked with other community partners to identify resources to assist her. She became an advocate for herself, and when offered an opportunity to learn a new skill that would provide an income, she was very eager to say yes. The Stand Against Trafficking program (StAT) worked with Women’s Resources staff to locate a residential program in Philadelphia for Catherine. She was accepted into the program in June, and is currently moving forward with her goals of citizenship and gainful employment.
ann came to Women’s Resources and met with our Legal
Advocate to obtain a PFA and retrieval provision order. At the time of her attempt to retrieve her belongings, she discovered that her husband took all of her belongings, including furniture, jewelry, clothing and electronics, EVERY possession she owned. She filed a civil suit in which she prevailed in receiving the full monetary value of her possessions. Her husband quickly appealed. At this point, the matter required an attorney to file the appropriate answer with the courts. Ann could not afford the cost of an attorney, so Women’s Resources was able to help with funds from our Legal Assistance Fund. Using those funds, Ann retained a local attorney, who reduced his fees, filed the paperwork and represented her in the proceedings. Ann continues to work with Women’s Resources and her attorney to achieve monetary justice for herself.
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WOMEN’S RESOURCES OF MONROE COUNTY, INC.
think Nationally, act locally
Newspapers and the evening news scream the horrors: domestic disputes, sexual assault, verbal abuse, human trafficking, rape. As we tune in, we tune out. “That’s not my town.” “That’s a celebrity story. That doesn’t happen in ‘real’ life.” “Big cities have big problems. We don’t have that.” “That could never happen in a neighborhood like this one.” It is a common reactionignore or deny. But the travesties reported on a national level take root in small towns in every state. Domestic and sexual abuse knows no geographic bounds- everyone is affected. To take a stand and join the NO MORE movement, all anyone needs to do is use their voice. Many times, people in abusive situations are using all of their energy just staying alive. They need a partner to speak up and help. This doesn’t happen at a national level- this happens one person at a time in our communities. Last year, in a local emergency room, a patient waited to be seen by a doctor. As the hours ticked by, this person observed a woman that no one else seemed to take notice of. Nurses bustled by, more urgent cases came and went but here she sat, unphased. This unnoticed woman was alone, clearly scared, and clearly not voicing her needs. The concerned citizen approached “Amy” to see if she was okay. Amy was not okay. After talking to Amy briefly, the stranger started making phone calls, looking for someone that could help Amy. She had been left at this medical facility by her family and had nowhere to go. Women’s Resources of Monroe County happily took Amy in to our shelter. Upon arriving at our shelter, it was determined that Amy, age 45, was experiencing physical, emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her stepmother. Amy has developmental disabilities which make everyday activities difficult for her, she also had limited knowledge of her personal history other than her name, date of birth and social security number. Jenn, a Women’s Resources Shelter Counselor, worked extensively with Amy to connect her with resources, including Crossroads Community Services and the Social Security office to stop her family’s access to her income. Amy had very limited social and daily living skills, never having learned to cook, do laundry and other activities most take for granted. A high point of Amy’s time in shelter was learning to make pancakes and grilled cheese – now two of her favorite meals. Due to her needs for more supportive housing Amy spent almost 2 and a half months in Women’s Resources’ Shelter until a placement opened up in a group home through Fitzmaurice Community Services became available. Amy was nervous, yet excited to start the new chapter in her life, now safe from abuse and more cheerful and optimistic about life. One voice reached out to Amy and changed her life. That voice found Women’s Resources and Amy finally had the partner she needed to go from victim to survivor. One voice at a time, one town at a time and we combat a national problem locally.
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our board of directors
Sharon Sinkevich President
Owner, The Apple Tree Fine Women’s Clothing Boutique
Patricia Cassell
Manager, Facilities Planning, Sanofi Pasteur
Hazel Fisher, Ph.D Vice President
Sharon Griffith Treasurer
Velma Lubliner Secretary
Associate Dean, Northampton Community College, Monroe Campus
CRA Officer/Loan Origination Mgr. ESSA Bank & Trush
Assistant Director of Advancement, Blair Academy
Ali Schratt
Loren L. Speziale, Esq.
Marcia Welsh, Ph.D
President, Local Flair, Inc.
Partner Attorney, Gross McGinley, LLP
President, East Stroudsburg University
Main Office
225 J. Wilson Drive, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327 Administrative Office: 570-424-2093 Fax: 570-424-2094 Counseling Appointments: 570-421-4200
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Emergency Hotline 570.421.4200