Celebrating Our Next Chapter
This is what your gifts make possible. For over 40 years, Raphael House of Portland has proudly offered life-saving and life-changing services to domestic violence survivors and their families. As our programs evolve and grow, we continue to provide the same important resources that our community relies on. Your gifts make these and all our vital services possible – thank you! *Impact during 2018
of families served are currently in safe housing
of the survivors in our programs are youth
Who DO WE SERVE? Raphael House proudly serves anyone impacted by domestic violence regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, immigration status, primary language, or sexuality. Multigenerational families with kids (and adults) of all ages are supported, and we welcome companion animals.
This has been a year of great change for Raphael House of Portland. We’ve forged innovative new community partnerships and launched five new grant-funded programs (which you’ll read more about in the following pages). And now I’m honored to introduce myself as our new Executive Director!
81% 575+ 64%
Dear Friends,
217
food boxes were distributed
3 4 out of
survivors served identified as people of color
Programs and Services and am excited to continue supporting our amazing team of advocates and the survivors we’re so proud to serve. It’s an honor to lead us into this next chapter, and I am more motivated than ever to help create lasting change and continue building a safer future for everyone. The strength of
4,917
adults and children received ongoing support in our Advocacy Center
I have spent the past decade of my career here as Director of
students and adults participated in prevention education workshops
62
groups and activities were offered in Spanish
our community is inspiring, and I thank you wholeheartedly for sharing our commitment to empowering survivors and families on their path to safety and stability! I look forward to all the progress we will make together and hope you will continue to support our life-saving work by making a gift today. Your donation has the power to change lives and end the cycle of violence. Warmly,
Emmy Ritter, Executive Director
Shelter to stability and S.w.a.g
Updates from our innovative new programs
systemic change
We know that housing stability is impacted by all aspects in a person’s life. That’s why our Shelter to Stability program focuses on debt reduction, sharing life skills, and providing a supportive community. Each family has access to the individualized assistance of a Family Services Advocate and can take part in weekly survivor-led groups via our S.W.A.G. (Survivors are Worthy, Awesome & Gutsy) Mentor Program. Together these are successfully helping survivors connect with critical resources and create action plans for their long-term independence. We’re proud to share that 83% of these families are still housed after six months.
Confidential Advocacy in Healthcare
Domestic violence recovery mentors
Healthcare visits offer a vital opportunity to safely reach survivors and provide them with resources and support.
Helping survivors across Portland overcome addiction and thrive after abuse.
Domestic violence advocacy within the healthcare system is new territory, and we’re proud to be partnering in this critical expansion with VOA Oregon Home Free and OHSU Family Medicine at Richmond Clinic. During the initial six months, our advocates’ time has been split between directly supporting survivors and training 100+ medical staff in how to identify and refer those in need. We’re working together to create an environment where patients feel safe enough to ask for help, and where they can access it immediately (or when they’re ready) at their doctor’s office.
Launching this program last spring, we knew there was an immense need for survivorfocused recovery support in the community. But we never anticipated how staggering that need would be, filling our caseloads in under a year. The power of advocates who are both in recovery and survivors of domestic violence themselves has helped participants make unprecedented progress toward goals of sobriety, safety, and stability. Last month alone, one of our Recovery Mentors provided more than 500 instances of individualized support.
survivor-led advocacy
Last spring we were excited to announce the launch of five new and expanded programs. Watching them progress over the past year has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to share these updates! All of us at Raphael House are proud to be creating lasting change for more survivors than ever, and to be bringing specialized support and services to parts of the community we’ve never been able to reach before. Thank you for helping make this possible!
Providing survivors with the tools and community they need to stay housed, employed, and safe.
confidential advocacy in high schools
collaboration and innovation
Working one-on-one with students to support in the wake of dating and sexual violence, and to help them develop healthy relationships.
Through our work in schools over the past 12 years, we know that many students are experiencing dating violence, but they may be afraid to ask for help. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with VOA Oregon Home Free and Portland Public Schools to offer confidential advocacy at Cleveland and Franklin High Schools. Unlike school staff, our Advocates are not mandatory reporters, providing another safe layer of support for youth on campus. This collaboration has already been so successful that we expanded to Lincoln High School in January!
trafficking prevention education Working with New Avenues for Youth and Call to Safety to serve youth at risk of or already experiencing sex trafficking.
In the first six months of the New Day collaborative, our Prevention Education Specialist developed a specialized curriculum for sex trafficking prevention that integrates seamlessly with our existing healthy relationships programming in local schools. Already they have reached 237 high school students and 60 staff and administrators, and are booked through the end of this school year!
Take Action There are many ways you can help survivors at Raphael House find the safety, hope, and healing they deserve.
Donate
Request a match
volunteer
Make a contribution to support our lifesaving services for families fleeing abuse. Financial gifts are our most critical need at all times.
Ask if your employer offers a company match! This can make your donation go even further for survivors.
Our amazing volunteers and interns contribute more than 4,200 hours each year! Find our application, upcoming training dates, and FAQs online.
host
Give Items
plan
Host a house party, work fundraiser, or collect donations in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts. We can provide resources and even help you create a personalized online giving page.
Help us provide essential supplies for families. Find a list of needed items and monthly donation drop-off details on our website.
Your estate plan can be a powerful tool to create lasting change for survivors. Giving through a Donor Advised Fund is also a tax-efficient and effective way to support us! Speak with your financial or legal advisor today.
join us
follow
Celebrate and support life-changing transformation at our annual Gala on Thursday, October 17! Purchase tickets at raphaelhouse.com.
Sign up for email updates and join our social media community on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected!
Learn more at www.raphaelhouse.com
Questions about how to help? Contact Amanda Ives at (503) 243-5116 or aives@raphaelhouse.com
Mark Your Calendar 4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd. #503 Portland, OR 97214 503-222-6507 www.raphaelhouse.com
wednesday, may 15
Sunday, june 23
Dine out and support our work to end violence! Visit raphaelhouse.com for a complete list of 40+ participating eateries in Portland and beyond.
Join us as boutiques and shops across the city donate a portion of their day’s proceeds to aid survivors! Treat yourself, stock up on gifts, and make a difference.
Restaurants for Raphael House
Shop for Raphael House
Monday, september 2 from 10Am - 4pm
Dropbox Derby hosted by Lovett Deconstruction Bring family and friends to Portland’s only design-build challenge benefitting Raphael House. 30 competing teams, 20+ flea market booths, food, drinks, music, and free fun!