2011 Annual Report - Houston Area Women`s Center

Looking Back.
Leading Forward.
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
1977-2012 HOUSTON AREA WOMEN’S CENTER
“We got started with nine active volunteers crammed
into a dimly lit office answering old, donated
phones. Given our humble beginnings, it is still
amazing to us that we not only managed to survive,
but we managed to thrive.”
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Our Mission
LOOKING BACK
“To further the particular goal of equality between the sexes, and the general goal of human
rights, and to provide direct services to women in crisis and to provide organization and
educational opportunities for all women.”
Original Mission Statement of the Houston Area Women’s Center
LEADING FORWARD
“The Houston Area Women’s Center helps individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence
in their efforts to move their lives forward. We provide shelter, counseling and advocacy to
support them in building lives free from the effects of violence. We seek social change to end
domestic and sexual violence through community awareness and education. Our services are
confidential and available to everyone.”
Current Mission Statement of the Houston Area Women’s Center adopted in 2009
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From Our Leaders
What a difference a few decades makes! This year, the Houston
Area Women’s Center celebrates its 35th anniversary and we could
not be prouder. Looking back on all of the accomplishments that
the agency has achieved over the years has been nothing short
of inspirational.
Given our humble beginnings – we got started with nine active volunteers crammed into a dimly lit office
answering old, donated phones – it is still amazing to us that we not only managed to survive, but we
managed to thrive. We now have 115 paid staff, two buildings – full of well lit offices! – a state-of-the-art
call center, over 1,000 active volunteers each year and a host of dynamic programs and services that we offer
to clients. Yet, after all of the growth and changes we have seen throughout the years, our core focus has
remained the same – assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We stand strong in this mission and we
continue to believe that we can and will eventually end domestic and sexual violence once and for all.
Top: Nikki Van Hightower accepts a van donation
in 1985.
Bottom: Annise Parker (current Mayor of Houston), a
long-time advocate of our mission, with supporters in
the early ‘90s.
Right: Diana Hudson, 2012 Chair, Board of Directors
(left) and Rebecca White, President and CEO (right).
Our 35th anniversary theme is “Looking Back, Leading Forward” and it is a perfect description of what we
have been doing this year. Throughout these pages, you will find wonderful photos and short articles that
both highlight our past and shine a spotlight on our present. We hope that you learn a few interesting facts
about our history and have a good laugh at the big hairstyles and the outrageous 70s and 80s fashion! And,
Photo courtesy of Michael Hart Photography
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“Just as fundamental to our mission, is our tradition of
being vocal advocates of social change.”
“After all of the growth and changes that we have seen
throughout the years, our core focus has remained the
same – assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence.”
while we are absolutely proud of our past, we are also extremely excited about our present and our future. We
We hope that you enjoy this special 35th anniversary edition of our annual report. From the staff and the
have come a long way. Our inaugural service – the Women’s Information & Referral Service (WIRES) – has since
board of the Houston Area Women’s Center, we offer our sincerest “Thank You” for your continuing support
expanded to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week hotline that takes more than 43,000 calls each
and generosity over the years. Together, we have built an organization that has faced and overcome many
year. Our first eight-bed shelter has given way to our current 120-bed facility, which provides a temporary safe
storms – including two severe economic downturns, several moves and the usual growing pains that come
home to women and their children fleeing abuse and a host of support services to prepare them for a future
with 35 years in the often fluctuating human services business. We truly could not be where we are today
free from the effects of violence. We are still seeing exponential growth in our counseling programs. Our
without the collaboration and commitment of our community partners and leaders, sister agencies, staff,
innovative education and training programs continue to build skill sets and focus on changing common beliefs,
volunteers and board members.
behaviors and attitudes that promote domestic and sexual violence through cutting edge, in-depth curricula.
Here’s to another 35 years of service to the Houston community and to moving ever closer to the day when
While building programs and providing top-notch services for our clients has always been at the core of what
we do, what has been just as fundamental to our mission, is our tradition of being vocal advocates of social
change. Along with our state partners, we persist in actively championing legislation and policy changes that
would assist victims of domestic and sexual abuse in their efforts to move their lives forward. As far back as
1984, we, along with other community activists, supported a policy shift that enhanced systems for processing
rape evidence kits. Seventeen years later, rape kit testing is again front page news and we are asked to
represent the interest of victims as a member of the Houston Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Taskforce. Houston is
one of two cities in the nation awarded a federal grant from the National Institute of Justice to produce a clear
understanding of the problem of untested rape kits and design feasible and sustainable response strategies
using an action research model.
Top from left: Caroline Vetterling and Sherry Merfish
with Ellen Cohen, former Women’s Center CEO.
Cohen, now a member of Houston City Council,
remains a vocal advocate for survivors of domestic
and sexual abuse.
Top: Our current Women’s Center CEO Rebecca White
with high school senior Sebastian Gupta, creator of
the “Saab Project.” Gupta restored an older model
Saab, auctioned it and donated the proceeds to the
Women’s Center. His story can be found on YouTube.
Bottom: Current Board Chair Diana Hudson (second
from left) and Board member Melanie Gray (far right)
with husbands Lee Kaplan and Mark Wawro at our
2011 Gala.
Bottom: Support from our community has taken many
forms, and always brings smiles to our faces.
violence is a part of our history and not a part of our everyday reality.
Regards,
Rebecca White
Diana Hudson
President and Chief Executive Officer
2012 Chair, Board of Directors
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Crisis Intervention Hotlines
1977
The Women’s Information and Referral Exchange Service (WIRES) was founded by Women’s
Center pioneer and Women in Action leader, Adelyn Bernstein, to provide telephone assistance to
LEADING FORWARD
women seeking a safe haven from violent homes. Once established, hundreds of calls poured into
A $100,000 grant from Humana in 2011 allowed us to
upgrade our aging phone system and revolutionize the
way we interact with callers seeking help through our
24-hour Crisis Intervention Hotlines.
the Service.
2011
The Houston Area Women’s Center is the proud recipient of a $100,000 charitable grant from the
Humana Communities Benefit program in Houston to upgrade its 24–hour, 7 days a week hotline/
call center. The call center is the largest hotline of its kind in Texas. Staff and trained volunteers
answered 40,190 calls from women and men in crisis in 2011.
LOOKING BACK
Through the decades, dedicated volunteers have
worked side by side with staff members to operate
the Center’s 24-hour hotlines and provide supportive
crisis counseling to survivors, their families
and friends.
1977
THE HOUSTON AREA
WOMEN’S CENTER ("THE
CENTER") IS INCORPORATED.
Photo courtesy of Michael Hart Photography
WOMEN'S INFORMATION &
REFERRAL EXCHANGE SERVICE
(WIRES) STARTED BY WOMEN
IN ACTION.
The new state-of-the-art call center includes an updated phone system, as well as new computers,
headsets, updated software and other equipment. In addition to new equipment, the upgraded
system is capable of tracking every call that comes in through an electronic information screen,
greatly enhancing our ability to ensure that clients are getting the life-changing services that
they seek.
1978 THE CENTER OPENS
FIRST SHELTER WITH 8 BEDS.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL
OF PUBLIC HEALTH LOANS
CENTER A ONE ROOM OFFICE.
WIRES BECOMES A PROGRAM OF
THE CENTER.
1979
THE CENTER EXPANDS
SHELTER TO ACCOMMODATE 19
WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
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Sexual Assault Accompaniment
1983
Houston Area Women’s Center established the Sexual Assault Hospital Accompaniment Advocacy
program whereby advocates go to the hospital with sexual assault survivors to advocate on
their behalf with hospital staff, provide emotional support, offer crisis counseling and work
LOOKING BACK
with survivors to get them the resources that they need to move their lives forward after the
Women’s Center executive and nationally-recognized
sexual assault expert Cassandra Thomas (second from
right) chats with 20/20 host Barbara Walters after filming
an episode in 1991.
devastating effects of sexual assault.
2011
The Sexual Assault Accompaniment program undergoes major changes. With a focus on
establishing better coordination among sexual assault service providers and area hospitals, our
Hospital Accompaniment program grows by leaps and bounds. Now, when a survivor arrives at
the hospital, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) on duty calls our hotline right away and
an advocate is immediately dispatched. The client no longer has to wait at the hospital for an
advocate to arrive. Because of these changes in 2011, the program helped more than 100 survivors
of sexual assault take the first step in a long, difficult journey to healing.
1980
THE HOUSTON RAPE
CRISIS COALITION BECOMES THE
CENTER’S OFFICIAL RAPE
CRISIS PROGRAM.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND INCEST
SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS
ARE OFFERED.
1981
THE CENTER BECOMES
A UNITED WAY AGENCY.
LEADING FORWARD
We supported the Texas Association Against Sexual
Assault’s “Speak Up. Speak Out.” campaign, which
raised awareness about a topic that needs to be
discussed openly.
THE CENTER MOVES TO 4
CHELSEA PLACE.
1982
THE HILDA &
REUBEN ASKANASE LIBRARY
AT THE CENTER OPENS WITH
LITERATURE ON DOMESTIC AND
SEXUAL VIOLENCE.
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Emergency Shelter
1978
The Houston Area Women’s Center opened its first shelter with 8 beds. In 1979, the Center
purchased a new shelter that accommodates 30 women and children. In 1984, the Center
remodeled the shelter facility to accommodated 45 women and children. In 2002, the Houston
LEADING FORWARD
Area Women’s Center built a 120-bed shelter – one of the largest shelters for domestic and sexual
In addition to safety and security, our on-site Shelter
services include career counseling, daycare, children’s
enrichment programs and an HISD elementary school.
violence survivors in the nation.
2011
The Houston Area Women’s Center’s shelter provides safety, support and temporary housing to
1,198 women and 1,006 children in 2011.
LOOKING BACK
Top: Balloons soar at the festive grand opening of
the new Women’s Center shelter and administrative
offices at 4 Chelsea Place in 1981.
Bottom: The Women’s Center’s first 8-bed shelter.
THE SEXUAL ASSAULT
HOSPITAL ACCOMPANIMENT
PROGRAM BEGINS.
THE CENTER PARTICIPATES IN
A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERHAULING
STATE’S SEXUAL ASSAULT STATUTES.
HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCES A NEW POLICY
CALLING FOR ARRESTS IN CASES
OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
1984 THE CENTER REMODELS
THE SHELTER TO ACCOMMODATE
45 WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
THE CENTER OPENS THE NONRESIDENTIAL COUNSELING AND
OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR
WOMEN NOT NEEDING SHELTER.
THE RAPE CRISIS PROGRAM
ESTABLISHES SATELLITE
OFFICE TO ASSIST FORT BEND
COUNTY CITIZENS AGAINST
SEXUAL ASSAULT.
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Fun & Fundraising
1991
The Women’s Center hosted its first “Funny Women” fundraising gala featuring Phyllis Diller and
gets outstanding reviews. In future years, the Center hosts many more “Funny Women”-themed
LOOKING BACK
fundraisers with comediennes such as Paula Poundstone and Lily Tomlin. Tomlin performed in
Staff and supporters welcome the multi-talented Lily
Tomlin to Houston for a 1995 live performance benefitting
the Women’s Center. Tomlin would perform again for us
in 2009.
1995 and again in 2009.
2011
Television personality, comedian, and actress Joan Rivers headlines the Houston Area Women’s
Center’s annual Spring Gala titled “Glamour, Glitz & Grins." Through the generosity of donors and
supporters, the event grosses a record-breaking $756,000 for the Center, including $55,000 raised
during a mission-driven Paddles Up.
LEADING FORWARD
Top: The always-elegant annual Houston Astros Wives
Gala, benefitting the Houston Area Women’s Center,
has played a vital role in our history and growth for
the past 23 years.
Bottom: Guests arriving at our 2011 "Glamour, Glitz
& Grins" Gala received the red carpet treatment.
1985
THE CENTER OPENS
TREASURE CHEST THRIFT SHOP
(LATER RENAMED SECOND TO
NONE RESALE STORE).
UNITED WAY INVITES THE
CENTER TO OPEN A DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE PROGRAM IN
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
RAPE CRISIS PROGRAM
ESTABLISHES SATELLITE OFFICE
IN NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY.
THE CENTER OPENS A SATELLITE
OFFICE IN THE UNITED WAY
BUILDING LOCATED IN
SOUTHEAST HOUSTON.
1987
THE CENTER'S 10TH
ANNIVERSARY
THE CENTER’S FAMILY VIOLENCE
OUTREACH BECOMES THE
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
WOMEN'S CENTER.
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Our Race Against Violence
1998
The Women’s Hospital teamed up with the Houston Area Women’s Center for the first
annual 5K run to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence, and to help support
LOOKING BACK
agency programs.
2011
For over 20 years, the Women’s Center has benefited from
the support of energetic community members as they race,
walk and stroll across the finish line at our annual Race
Against Violence.
The Race Against Violence (RAV) continues to grow. With a change in route and a full-blown
effort to reach out to the substantial Houston running community, the 2011 RAV boasted 1,816
registered runners. The race raised nearly $213,000 in support of our mission.
In 2012, we also strengthen our partnership with the Houston running community by being
named an official charity beneficiary of the Houston Marathon’s “Run for a Reason.”
LEADING FORWARD
A shower of rain didn’t slow down our enthusiastic
2011 Race Against Violence participants as they
helped raise awareness, along with over $213,000.
MARITAL RAPE LEGISLATION
PASSES IN TEXAS.
1988
THE CENTER DESIGNS
MULTI-CULTURAL OUTREACH
PROGRAM WITH 12 CABLE
TELEVISION PROGRAMS.
THE CENTER PARTICIPATES IN
TEXAS STATE TASK FORCE TO
DEVELOP TEXAS EVIDENCE
PROTOCOL WHICH BECOMES A
BLUEPRINT FOR OTHER STATES.
1989
THE CENTER HOLDS
IN-SERVICE FOR LAWYERS
ON THE LEGAL NEEDS OF
BATTERED WOMEN.
1990
THE CENTER MOVES
COUNSELING, ADMINISTRATION
AND EDUCATION OFFICES TO
3101 RICHMOND.
Photo courtesy of R. Clayton McKee
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Legal Support
1990
2011
Communications
Agency held an in-service training for lawyers on the legal needs of battered women.
ELLEN COHEN
The agency joins in a partnership with pro-bono attorneys from ExxonMobil, Fulbright & Jaworski
Houston Area Women's Center President & CEO
from 1990-2007
L.L.P. and the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program to offer shelter clients free legal advice and
representation. The legal clinic is offered monthly and eligible shelter clients receive free advice on
issues including legal orders of protection, divorce, child custody and other family law matters.
RAPE CRISIS PROGRAM BEGINS
PEER COUNSELING SERVICES
TO SURVIVORS.
1991
THE CENTER ASSISTS
WITH CREATION OF DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE UNIT WITHIN
HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.
THE CENTER HIRES DISABILITIES
SPECIALIST FOR THE RAPE
CRISIS PROGRAM.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
PROGRAM BEGINS OUTREACH
EDUCATION IN SPANISH.
1999
The Association for Women in Communications presented the agency with the Vanguard Award
for its Catalyst newsletter.
2011
Ellen Cohen led the Houston Area Women’s Center
for 18 years and presided over a period of growth
that included both the purchase of our Counseling
and Education building on Waugh and the
construction of our current shelter.
The agency redesigns its website and updates its marketing materials. The new website is
designed to be more user-friendly, easily accessible and simple to navigate. The agency’s printed
materials are reworked to complement the new website. Additionally, the Catalyst e-newsletter
reaches more than 8,000 online supporters and friends each month by 2011. The agency’s social
media campaign, launched in 2010, gains a following with nearly 2,000 Facebook “friends” and
Twitter followers.
Ellen believes that our growth would not have been
possible without support from both male and female
members of our community. “Over the years, people
began to realize that domestic violence and sexual
assault are not women’s issues – they are human
issues. Men began to step up and contribute when
they recognized violence as a community problem.”
Top: Our Communications Team kicks off its
innovative “I Believe” awareness and prevention
campaign where community leaders and supporters
shared their vision of a violence-free community and
posted them on Facebook.
Our current 120-bed shelter is another highlight of
Ellen’s tenure with us. "Our five-year strategic plan
didn’t include a new shelter, but we did it because
the need was there. Our little shelter was always full.
It was our dream to build something that honors
women, so they don’t feel like they are hidden away
in a corner – that’s why it is built around an atrium,
so there is a lot of light. That first person who
walked through the door in 2002 is no different than
the one who walks through today. They anticipate
some dark and dismal place, and instead, the sense
of empowerment is overwhelming.”
1992
Bottom: Jeans 4 Justice display at the Women's Center
courtyard in support of a group that empowers sexual
assault survivors by driving social change.
SAFE HARBOUR
PROGRAM BEGINS, PROVIDING
EMERGENCY SAFE SHELTER IN
LOCAL HOTELS.
FAMILY VIOLENCE NONRESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
ESTABLISHES SATELLITE OFFICES
IN SOUTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY
AND SPRING BRANCH.
SEXUAL ASSAULT OUTREACH
PROGRAM IN HISPANIC
COMMUNITY IS LAUNCHED.
1993
THE CENTER
ESTABLISHES THE CHILDREN'S
PROGRAM AS PART OF THE RAPE
CRISIS PROGRAM TO ASSIST
CHILD SURVIVORS OF NONFAMILIAL SEXUAL ASSAULT.
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Human Resources
1981
Transitional Housing
In 1981, 13 full-time and five part-time staff carried the agency’s mission forward with the
JANET STEWART
help of 250 volunteers.
Manager, Accounting
1995
The agency launched a short-term rental assistance program. The program expanded in 1998 and
again in 2006 when additional funding for the program allowed it to offer up to one year of rental
and utility assistance to clients seeking more permanent housing solutions.
2011
Janet is the Women’s Center’s longest-tenured
employee – she has been with us 33 years and
counting! We asked her how the agency has
changed over the last 35 years.
Great strides are made to ensure that our turnover rate is low and that our staff of 115 continue to
build valuable skills. To these ends, the Human Resources Department launches a Staff Satisfaction
Survey to solicit feedback from employees on matters such as organizational structure, overall
participate and respond that the Women’s Center is a great place to work!
The Leadership Certification Program developed in 2010 is enhanced for our next wave of leaders.
The Women’s Center has grown from one part-time
employee in 1977 to 115 talented staff members
in 2011.
The Volunteer Program also sees major upgrades, with staff and veteran volunteer leaders working
side by side to redesign the agency’s volunteer recruitment policies and processes. As a result,
the new Volunteer Information Sessions are created. Now, volunteers can learn about volunteer
opportunities, meet with staff and long-term volunteers and mix and mingle with one another.
Last year, nearly 1,400 trained volunteers helped us carry our mission forward.
1994
THE CENTER LAUNCHES
A $2 MILLION DOLLAR CAPITAL
CAMPAIGN FOR NEW COUNSELING
AND EDUCATION OFFICES.
AFRICAN AMERICAN OUTREACH
BEGINS THROUGH A FAMILY
VIOLENCE PROGRAM.
THE CENTER SUPPORTS PASSAGE
OF THE NATIONAL VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA).
The Transitional Housing Program helps 806 participants obtain permanent or semi-permanent
housing supported by ongoing case management and provides them with information on
affordable and safe housing options.
satisfaction with the agency and their positions, and areas for improvement. 90% of employees
THE CENTER CREATES ASIAN
OUTREACH COMMITTEE.
2011
1995
THE CENTER
PURCHASES AND RENOVATES
NEW COUNSELING AND
EDUCATION BUILDING AT 1010
WAUGH DRIVE.
ASIAN OUTREACH EXPANDS TO
INCLUDE CHINESE COMMUNITY.
“When I first started, domestic violence wasn’t
something that most people recognized as a
real issue – even I was naïve about it. But when
I started working here and realized that abuse
was so pervasive, I got angry. I was willing to do
whatever I could to help. And, I did a lot. I’ve held
positions in almost every department – I was in HR,
Operations, Hotline, Shelter. I was even the first
Executive Assistant for Nikki Van Hightower.
Back then, there were only two employees – I was
one of them – and several advocate volunteers
crammed in a tiny room answering phones and
giving out information. At the time, I never
imagined that we would be going strong 35 years
later. To think, we now have a 120-bed shelter,
over 100 employees and countless dedicated
volunteers is unbelievable. I’m happy that I’ve
been a part of this wonderful organization all
these years and that we’ve been able to make such
an impact in the community.”
THE CENTER BEGINS A SHORT
TERM RENTAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM FOR CLIENTS.
1996
THE CENTER
ESTABLISHES SUPPORT
GROUP FOR MALE SURVIVORS
OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND
BATTERED WOMEN IN LESBIAN
RELATIONSHIPS.
1997
THE CENTER'S 20TH
ANNIVERSARY
THE CENTER ESTABLISHES
SUPPORT GROUP FOR FRIENDS
AND FAMILY OF DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE SURVIVORS.
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Children’s Court Services
1981
The Children’s Court Services Program found a home at the Houston Area Women’s Center
and was added to the Center’s core programs and services to assist survivors of non-familial
sexual assault.
2011
LEADING FORWARD
Child victims and witnesses learn court procedure through
age appropriate coloring books donated to our Children’s
Court Services program.
Our unique Children’s Court Services (CCS) program assists child victims of crime and/or witnesses
to crime, and their families, as they participate in the criminal justice system. Children who are
crime victims of or witnesses to acts of violence have special needs, especially in coping with the
effects of the traumatic experiences on their lives. They require assistance in order to understand
and participate in the criminal justice system without being further traumatized by its oftenconfusing language and procedures. Parents/guardians often need support to help their child
LOOKING BACK
recover from the trauma and the legal process. In 2011, 2,968 caregivers and children had the
Top: Helping a child become comfortable with the
courtroom environment is just one way we can reduce
stress and minimize the trauma of testifying.
support of our Children’s Court Services advocates as the children prepared to testify in court.
Bottom: Children’s Court Services advocates are
allowed to stand in the witness box with a testifying
child to offer comfort and support.
THE SHELTER STAFF EXPANDS TO
INCLUDE CAREER COUNSELOR
AND JOB DEVELOPMENT
SPECIALIST.
1998
THE CENTER’S
“SCHOOLS EDUCATOR”
DEVELOPS ANTI-VIOLENCE
CURRICULUM FOR MIDDLE AND
SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE CENTER CREATES SEPARATE
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM TO
PROVIDE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AND SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES
FOR CHILDREN.
THE CENTER ESTABLISHES LEGAL
ADVOCACY SERVICES.
1999
THE CENTER BEGINS
AN $8 MILLION DOLLAR CAPITAL
CAMPAIGN TO BUILD A NEW
SHELTER.
THE CENTER IMPLEMENTS NEW
“WHEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
COMES TO WORK” TRAINING TO
EDUCATE EMPLOYERS.
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United Way Agency
Legislative Support
1982
The Houston Area Women’s Center became a United Way agency.
1994
2011
In an effort to ensure that clients are consistently provided with high quality services, Center staff
Congress passed The Violence Against Women Act, which includes funding for services to victims of
rape and domestic abuse.
become active members of the United Way Common Outcomes Group. The group concentrates
2011
on utilizing outcome measurements to assess programming and intervention strategies. Our staff
The Women’s Center actively works alongside the Texas Council on Family Violence and the Texas
Association Against Sexual Assault to champion the continuation of full funding for family violence and
meticulously collect and analyze program data. Based on the outcomes, the team makes changes
sexual assault programs. The Center also supports several critical pieces of legislation aimed at aiding
as needed. The group will continue working with United Way and using the data collected to
victims of domestic and sexual abuse, including: additional penalties for offenders who commit multiple
make ongoing programmatic improvements.
acts of family violence; enhancing the stalking statute to allow for more evidentiary support; inclusion
of family violence service providers on boards and other decision making bodies at school districts
The Houston Area Women’s Center has been a proud
United Way agency since 1982.
Top: The Women’s Center continues to champion
legislation that will help survivors of domestic and
sexual violence move forward in their lives.
throughout Texas. We are pleased to report that all of this legislation was enacted into law during the
82nd Legislative Session.
Bottom: Supporters arrive in Austin, Texas for a
lobbying session with the Texas Legislature in 1981.
ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN
COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTS
CENTER WITH VANGUARD
AWARD FOR CATALYST
NEWSLETTER.
2000
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
ACCOMPANIMENT ADVOCACY
(DVAA) PROGRAM BEGINS.
HOT MEAL PROJECT LAUNCHED
TO PROVIDE SAFE HARBOUR
RESIDENTS WITH MEALS AT
NEARBY RESTAURANTS.
THE HOTLINE TRANSPORTATION
PROGRAM IS RENAMED
SAFE PASSAGE.
2001
THE CENTER'S CAPITAL
CAMPAIGN RAISES $9 MILLION
TO FUND CONSTRUCTION OF
120-BED RESIDENTIAL SHELTER,
CREATING THE LARGEST SHELTER
IN THE COUNTRY FOR WOMAN
AND CHILD SURVIVORS OF
DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL ASSAULT.
2002
NEW 120-BED SHELTER
& SUPPORT SERVICES FACILITY
OPENS. SHELTER HOUSES OVER
1,500 SURVIVORS IN ITS FIRST
FULL YEAR OF OPERATION.
THE CENTER INCORPORATES
CHILDREN’S COURT SERVICES
TO FOCUS ON ADVOCACY
FOR CHILDREN, PARENTS
AND CAREGIVERS.
THE CENTER STAFF GROWS TO
OVER 120.
2003 BETTER BUSINESS
BUREAU RANKS THE CENTER AS
ONE OF THE BEST NONPROFITS
IN HOUSTON.
2004
CIVIL LEGAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
RECEIVES $25,000 FOR TWO
YEARS FROM ALTRIA.
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Community Affairs
1992
Community Education program began outreach in Spanish. In 1994, African-American outreach
began. In 2000, The Houston Area Women’s Center’s new training program was implemented to
educate employers about domestic violence.
LOOKING BACK
We realized early in the Women’s Center’s history that one
of the ways we can end domestic and sexual violence in
our community is through awareness and education.
2011
In early 2010, the Community Education and Training Department began updating its program to
make the shift to primary prevention. In 2011, the shift is complete and the team begins offering
multi-session trainings and presentations that focus on the root causes of violence. Our new Safe
Listener tool, an intensive, 8-session workshop teaches professionals working with children how to
actively engage with youth to openly discuss the root causes of violence. Each curriculum we offer
LEADING FORWARD
Top: A staff member during one of the more than 300
interviews we are featured in annually on television,
radio and in print media.
is updated and tailored to be age-appropriate and culturally relevant. Throughout the year, the
Women’s Center reached a total of 27,494 community members through training, education and
prevention programs.
Bottom: Our Communications Team partners
with local Fox News on a sexual assault phone bank.
We received over 200 calls from people seeking help.
CHILDREN'S COURT SERVICES
EXPANDS SERVICES WITH A
FORT BEND COUNTY
SATELLITE LOCATION.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
SERVICES SELLS OVER 50 COPIES
OF THE CENTER’S TRAINING
EXERCISE, WALKING THE WALK.
2005 HOUSING DEPARTMENT
RECEIVES A $300,000 GRANT
TO PROVIDE HOUSING AND
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.
THE CENTER LAUNCHES
HOUSTON MEN AGAINST FAMILY
VIOLENCE, A COLLABORATIVE
CAMPAIGN WITH THE HOUSTON
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
2006
CHARITY NAVIGATOR
AWARDS THE CENTER A 4-STAR
RATING FOR SOUND FISCAL
MANAGEMENT.
EXPANDED HOUSING PROGRAM
ESTABLISHED TO HELP
RESIDENTIAL CLIENTS RECEIVE
UP TO ONE YEAR OF RENTAL
AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE.
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Counseling and Advocacy
1984
2011
Career Counseling
The Center recognized the need for counseling programs for abuse survivors who did not require
WE REMEMBER
shelter and established the Supportive Outreach Services program (SOS).
Adelyn Bernstein (1918 - 2011)
8,588 adults and 4,811 children and youth receive counseling and advocacy services for domestic
In 1979, Board Chair and Founder of the Women’s
Information and Referral Exchange Service
(WIRES), our first call center.
and sexual violence. Advocacy services are a valuable resource as well, providing information,
resources and referrals to assist clients in accessing the network of available services.
Throughout the years, the Women’s Center has
provided essential support to our community through
individual and group counseling.
Ms. Bernstein played a powerful role in the
social change and women's movement of the
late 60's and 70's. She was well-known for her
tireless efforts as a community activist, and the
Houston Area Women's Center is just one of many
organizations that benefitted from her passion
and unwavering support for domestic and sexual
violence survivors.
In honor of our beloved pioneer, the Houston Area
Women's Center named its Volunteer of the Year
Recognition Award after her daughter,
Marla Weinstein.
2007
THE CENTER'S 30TH
ANNIVERSARY
ELLEN COHEN ANNOUNCES
RETIREMENT FROM ROLE AS THE
CENTER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE CENTER CLOSES SECOND TO
NONE RESALE STORE.
2008
REBECCA WHITE
BECOMES THE CENTER’S NEW
PRESIDENT AND CEO.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES THE
SEXUAL VIOLENCE PRIMARY
PREVENTION PROGRAM.
Above: Adelyn Bernstein speaks passionately in
support of the Women’s Center and our goals at
a 1979 press conference.
1981
The Women’s Information and Referral Exchange Services (WIRES) filled a need for job placement
and assistance services for abused women. WIRES added a job list to its growing referral registry
so callers could be made aware of available positions throughout Houston. In 1998, Center shelter
services expanded to include career counseling and job development.
2011
The Allstate Foundation awards the Houston Area Women’s Center a $20,000 grant to support
and enhance services provided at its onsite Career Development Program. For many women, this
program helps them plan and create a financial foundation upon which they can build a safe and
economically independent future for themselves, and oftentimes, their children. In 2011, interested
shelter clients meet with the Center’s onsite career counselor to discuss job opportunities, career
options, preparation and financial goal setting. As a result, 74 set and meet their personal financial
goals – becoming that much closer to achieving financial independence and building lives that are
free from the devastating effects of domestic violence.
CHILDREN’S COURT SERVICES
CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SERVICE.
2009
BANK OF AMERICA
AWARDS THE CENTER WITH
PRESTIGIOUS NEIGHBORHOOD
BUILDER AWARD.
THE SHELTER DAYCARE CENTER IS
ACCEPTED INTO THE UNITED WAY
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PROGRAM.
THE CENTER ENDURES
AN HISTORIC ECONOMIC
DOWNTURN AND EXPERIENCES
UNPRECEDENTED SPIKE IN
DEMAND FOR SERVICES.
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| 31 |
Financial Highlights
Agency Leadership
11.6%
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
for the year ended December 31, 2011
0.8%
OPERATING REVENUES
40.8%
Fundraising
United Way
Government
Other
REVENUES
2010
2011
Fundraising
$ 2,446,205
$ 2,555,041
United Way
727,211
727,211
3,182,569
2,931,167
49,590
49,556
$ 6,405,575
$ 6,262,975
Government Funding
Other Income
Total Operating Revenues
OPERATING EXPENSES
46.8%
Program Services
· Direct Client Services
11.9%
Subtotal - Program Services
9.5%
7.8%
$ 4,658,935
$ 4,418,153
600,973
592,409
$ 5,259,908
$ 5,010,562
· Education and Outreach
Direct Client Services
Education & Outreach
Management/ General
Fundraising
EXPENSES
Management and General
704,232
742,336
Fundraising
393,476
486,451
Total Operating Expenses
$ 6,357,616
$ 6,239,349
Total Operating Surplus/(Loss)
$
$
Investment Return/(Loss)
Depreciation
70.8%
47,959
23,626
419,087
182,841
(403,338)
(403,943)
Change In Net Assets
$
63,708
Total Net Assets, End of Year
$ 14,490,069
$
2011 AND 2012
BOARDS OF
DIRECTORS
Shawn Raymond
2011 Board Chair
Diana Hudson
2012 Board Chair
* Mary E. Ainslie
Sandra Ramirez Aultman
+ Krista Bourne
Genora Kendrick Boykins
Stephen K. Carroll
Laurie Croxson
Ann E. Deaton
Michael A. Dirden
Arvia Few
Melanie Gray
* Kay Henze
Christine Holland
* Rebeca Aizpuru Huddle
+ Caressa Hughes
Michael Johnston
* Rick Kaplan
* Lisa Malosky
* Nancy McGregor Manne
Ronda Mills
Kimberly O’Brien
Susan (Sue) Ortenstone
Sara N. Ortwein
Robert (Bob) Peiser
Carrie G. Potter
* Tracey Robertson
Kent W. (Rocky) Robinson
+ Kelly B. Rose
+ Debra (Debbie) Runge
* Margo Scholin
Jan L. Schott
+ Mark C. Schroeder
+ Jeanne (J.J.) Spedale
Richard (Tom) Stilwell
* Keith Watson Wade
Elaine Makris Williams
2011 AND 2012
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEES
+ Sandra Ramirez Aultman
Genora Kendrick Boykins
* Rebeca Aizpuru Huddle
Diana M. Hudson
* Nancy McGregor Manne
+ Robert A. (Bob) Peiser
Carrie G. Potter
Shawn Raymond
Elaine Makris Williams
EXECUTIVE
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Rebecca White
President and Chief
Executive Officer
[email protected]
Sonia Corrales
Chief Program Officer
[email protected]
Yolanda Bevill
Vice President of
Community Affairs
[email protected]
Caresse Young
Vice President of
Human Resources
[email protected]
* Service concluded in 2011
+ Joined in 2012
Anneliese Davis
Chief Development Officer
[email protected]
“We truly could not be
where we are today
without the collaboration
and commitment of our
community partners
and leaders, sister
agencies, staff, volunteers
and board members.”
Tawana Greene
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
Cassandra Thomas
Chief Compliance Officer
[email protected]
(197,476)
$14,292,593
2010
THE CENTER EXPANDS
OUTREACH AND AWARENESS
EFFORTS TO INCLUDE
SOCIAL MEDIA.
THE CENTER ESTABLISHES
MARLA WEINSTEIN VOLUNTEER
OF THE YEAR AWARD IN HONOR
OF FORMER VOLUNTEER
AND BENEFACTOR.
2011 ALLSTATE FOUNDATION
AWARDS THE CENTER A $20,000
GRANT TO SUPPORT AN ONSITE
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
THE CENTER AWARDED
PRESTIGIOUS $100,000
GRANT BY HUMANA
COMMUNITIES BENEFIT.
THE CENTER LAUNCHES
LEGAL CLINIC AT SHELTER,
A PARTNERSHIP WITH
EXXONMOBIL, FULBRIGHT &
JAWORSKI L.L.P. AND HOUSTON
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROGRAM
TO MEET LEGAL NEEDS OF
SHELTER RESIDENTS.
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Community Support
$100,000 and Up
Astros Wives Organization, Inc.
Houston Endowment Inc.
Humana Inc.
United Way of Greater Houston
$50,000 - $99,999
The Brown Foundation, Inc.
ExxonMobil
John P. McGovern Foundation
Marathon Oil Corporation
The Methodist Hospital System
Reliant Energy
$20,000 - $49,999
The Allstate Foundation
American General
Bank of America Charitable
Foundation, Inc.
The Estate of Paul Beck
CenterPoint Energy
Chevron Humankind Program
El Paso Corporation
Joan Hohlt & Roger Wich Foundation
IQ Products Company
KBR Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Marlene Marker
Linda and Howard McCollum
M.D. Anderson Foundation
The Simmons Foundation
The Woman's Hospital of Texas
Women Of Wine Charities, Inc.
$10,000 - $19,999
Apache Corporation
The Tim and Debra Cejka
Family Foundation
City of Houston
ERG Resources
Ernst & Young LLP
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
George and Mary Josephine
Hamman Foundation
Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro
Hines
KPMG
Liberty Pipeline Services, LLC
Terry and Doris Looper
Lowe Foundation
The Lyons Foundation
Nancy and Neal Manne
Estate of Jeannette D. Naman
Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick
Jim and Beverly Postl
The Carrie Potter Group, LLC
Ed Rachal Foundation
Alicia and Shawn Raymond
SAAB Cars North America, Inc.
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP
Wells Fargo
$5,000 - $9,999
The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation
Marci and Steve Alvis Foundation
Andrews Kurth LLP
Baker Botts, L.L.P.
Baker Hostetler LLP
BBVA Compass
BNP Paribas
Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
The Butcher Fund
CAMAC International Corporation
Capital Guardian Trust Company
Chapelwood United Methodist Church
Conoco Phillips
Ann Deaton
Deloitte
Anjelita and Michael Dirden
Energy XXI
Eni US Operating Co. Inc.
The Extex Companies
ExxonMobil Foundation
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Arline Guefen
Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
H-E-B
Christine and Michael Holland
Huron Legal
Houston Texans & ARAMARK Sports,
Entertainment & Conventions
Diana Hudson and Lee Kaplan
Patricia and Ken Jeffers
Indo-American Charity
Foundation of Houston
Junior League of Houston
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP
Ronda and Brad Mills
Naegeli Transportation, Inc.
The Newfield Foundation
Nightingale Code Foundation
Kimberly O’Brien and Rusty Fisher
Jan and Ed Peine
The Powell Foundation
Charlotte B. Proehl Foundation
Radoff Family Foundation
Ray C. Fish Foundation
Riepe Family Foundation
Ruth Jones MacDonald
Charitable Trust
Margaret and Joel Shannon
Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.
Kelly and Bruce Smith
Strake Foundation
Susman Godfrey LLP
Swartz Family Charitable Trust
The TJX Foundation Inc.
Truist
Verizon Wireless
Vinson & Elkins LLP
W. S. Bellows Construction Corporation
$2,500 - $4,999
Mary Ainslie
Alpha Chi Omega
The Joan and Stanford
Alexander Foundation
Sandra Aultman
Scott Atlas
Bank of America
United Way Campaign
Beauty Brands
Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P.
Christine and Charles Campbell
Rubie Chavez
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies
Mary Beth and Harvey Cody
Crane Foundation
Michele and Mike Davis
Davita Total Renal Care, Inc.
Susie and Joe Dilg
Patricia Dubois
Florence S. Ducey Foundation
Francesca’s Collections, Inc.
Shelby and Steven Francis
Goodrich Petroleum Corporation
Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin
Merrill and Joe Hafner
Hagan Family Fund
Halliburton & Employees
Lauren and Geoffrey Harrison
Hewlett-Packard
Rebeca and Greg Huddle
Sandy and Richard Jackson
Kimberly and Michael Johnston
Deborah and Richard Kaplan
Richard Lydecker
Mac Haik Enterprises
Macy’s
Lynn Mathre and Stewart O’Dell
Matt’s Banquet Room
Ginni and Richard Mithoff
MS Legal Search, LLC
Ms. Molly Foundation
Cathy Nunnally and Lex Gillan
Oceaneering International, Inc.
Ocean Ship Management, Inc.
Opportune LLP
Sue Ortenstone
OYO Geospace
Panjo Investments, Ltd.
People’s Trust Federal Credit Union
Pier 27 Tavern
Power Girls Fastpitch Softball
Barbara Radnofsky
Debbie and Rocky Robinson
Matt and Rosemary Schatzman
Jan and Steve Schott
Seneca Resources Corporation
Jeri and Marc Shapiro
The Virginia & L.E.
Simmons Foundation
Smith, Graham & Co.
Investment Advisors, L.P.
Trini Mendenhall Sosa and Frank Sosa
Tom Stilwell
Sysco Houston Inc.
Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
Rebecca L. White
Whole Foods Market
Elaine and Bob Williams
The Windham Foundation
Kathleen and Pat Wood
$1,000 - $2,499
Dorothy and Mickey Ables
Access Sciences
Karolina Adam
Linda Addison
Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Anaipakos, P.C.
AIG Matching Grants Program
Eddie R. Allen, III
Amegy Bank
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Annunciation Greek
Orthodox Cathedral
Association of Women in Academia
AT&T United Way Employee
Giving Campaign
Azur West
Adrienne Barker and Brian Dodson
Gail Baxter and David Knoll
Gayle Benedetto
Baker Hughes Foundation
Laura and Vineet Bhatia
Bank of Nova Scotia
Bank of Texas
Bill and Andrea White
BIP – Crude
Leslie and Jack Blanton
Blazek & Vetterling LLP
Susan and Jim Boone
Maria Boyce
Genora and Dwight Boykins
Scott Brann
Chris Bryan and Trey Peacock
BNSF Foundation
Robin and Michael Bullington
Burgower & Rainwater, LLP
Businesswomen in Refined Products
Gwyn Buzzini
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation
Harry S. & Isabel C. Cameron Foundation
John Camp
Lisa Caplan
Stephen and Deborah Carroll
Tia and Johnny Carter
Maria Castro
Citizens Bank
Shauna Johnson Clark
Rachel Giesber Clingman
Ellen Cohen
Carolyn Colias
Jay and Maxann Collins
Cooper Industries
Corporate Staffing
Charles D. Davidson
Anneliese Davis and David Heller
John Deakins
Diamond Family Foundation
Dennis Dwulet
Brady Edwards
Roger Eichhorn
Jenny and Jim Elkins Family Fund
Leslie Elkins
EOG Resources, Inc.
Monica and Charles Eskridge
Exterran
Sylvia and Aubrey Farb
Kim Ferrarie
David Ferson
Arvia and Jason Few
David Fine
Judith and Howard Finkel
First Unitarian Universalist Church
Virginia Floyd
Fluor Employee Giving Campaign
Lynn and Russell Ford
Harriet and Joe Foster
Rob Fowler
Milton Frankfort
Steve Fredrich
Friedman Foundation
Stewart Gagnon
GALLUP
Kerry Galvin
Martha Gardill
Suzanne and Gonzalo Garza
GC Services
Gensler
James Gilligan
Give With Liberty Employee Donations
Elizabeth Glenn
Anne and Hal Goldie
Michael and Rhonda Graff
Patsy Graham
Grant Thornton LLP
Christine Griffith
Amy and Joe Grinstein
Linda and Yohanne Gupta
Sam and Page Hall
Anne and Rick Hammett
Robert Hansen
Ross Harvison
Frances Hawes
HCC Global Financial Products, LLC
Hilton Garden Inn – Houston Galleria
Hobas Pipe USA
Don and Gillian Hobson
Holes Incorporated
Houston Bar Association
Houston Bar Foundation
Houston Chronicle
Houston Treasury Management
Association
Linda and Barry Hunsaker
Rochelle and Alan Jacobson
Jane Phillips Society
Houston Chapter
J.D. Fields & Company, Inc.
Douglas Jeu
Robert Jewell
Mary Jones
Chris Kaitson
Kanaly Trust
Shelley and Alex Kaplan
Lu Ann and Morton Katz
David Kennedy
Kindred Healthcare Operating, Inc.
John King
Peter and Jeanne Kinnear
David Kirkland
Susan Kolar
K. Koonce
Elena and Benito Krawcyzk
Chris and Craig LaFollette
Victor Lamanuzzi
Catherine Lamboley
Debbie and George Lee
Legacy Asset Management, Inc.
Lillian Kaiser Lewis Foundation
Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church
John Lindsey
Melinda and William Littlepage
Aubrey and Gene Locke
Margery Engel Loeb
Luby’s Inc.
Dorothy Mackey Lurie
James Maloney
Jesse Marion
Elena and Kenneth Marks
David G. Matthiesen
Isabelle and Eric Mayer
Valerie and John McElroy
Maria and Kevin McEvoy
Peachy and Charlie Melancon
Danielle and Brian Melton
Sherry and Gerald Merfish
Steven and Sheila Miller Foundation
The W.T. & Louise J. Moran Foundation
Jenny Moore
Morris Export Sevices
Charlotte Murphy
Gregory Nelson
Sara Ortwein
The Oshman Foundation
Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas PC
Tom Patterson
Nancy and Robert Peiser
Gary Petersen
Steven Pfeiffer
Susan and Don Pine
Plains All American
Susan and Michael Plank
Susie Quintanilla Pomares
Tana Pool
Alexandra and David Pruner
Lisa Mellencamp and Chuck Randall
Donna and Paul Reinbolt
Gay Roane
James and Misty Roeder
Jamey Rootes
Velma Roppolo
Kelly Rose
Rowan Companies, Inc.
Daphne Rozen
Mark Russell
Mary and John Ryder
Barbara and Vic Samuels
Walter Scherr, Sr.
Margo and Hal Scholin
Patricia Schwerin
Susan Sclafani
Gustavo Scuseria
Michael Skelly and Anne Whitlock
Louis H. Skidmore, Jr.
Reagan Simpson
Ramona Singer
Slusser Wilson & Partridge LLP
Alicia Smith
Jennifer Smith
Mary and Walter Smith
Joy Soloway
Sounds of Joy
Fred Spangler
J.J. and Gerald Spedale
Kimberly and David Sterling
Gail Stewart
Robert Stillwell
Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Christine and Laurence Stuart
Susman Family Foundation
| 34 |
Bruce Taten
Raylene Teel
Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Brian Teichman
Brittney and Max Tribble
UHY Advisors TX, LLC
United Way Michigan
Unity of Houston
Vana Road Boring Services, Inc.
Paul B. & Frances LeNora Terry Jr.
Family Foundation
Renee Van Der Vennet
Susan Vick
Vida Events & Marketing
The Village School
Geronino A. Villalobos Enterprises, Inc.
Kit and Rufus Wallingford
Sharlet and Dudley Warner
Marcella and Daniel Watkins
Ann and Michael Wilde
Williams Gas Pipeline Company
Windsor Village United
Methodist Church
Weatherford International, Inc.
The Woodforest Charitable Foundation
Patricia and R. Paul Yetter
Shira Yoshor
John L. Zipprich, II
$500 - $999
Tom Ajamie
Julie and Drew Alexander
Paul Alli
American Medical
Women’s Association
Tracey Anderson
Janet Anslow
Anvil Bar & Refuge LTD
AT&T Operator Services
Mary Axelrad
Carol Baker
Bank of America Matching Gifts
John Bassett
Beth Casteel
BMO Capital Markets
Boondocks
The Brodsky Foundation
Wayne and Deborah Byers
Brenda Boral
BP Foundation, Inc.
The Byke Project
John Carrig
Phillip Chilton
Judy Christensen
Wanda Comeaux
Dena Copeland
CREW Foundation
Malcom Day
Kimberly and Bradley Dennison
Tessa and Reggie Dent
Nirav Desai
Mary and William Dingus
Claire Doyle
Barbara Duganier
D’Ann and Kurt Ederhoff
James Fassino
Patrice Ferguson
Joslyn and Ron Fisher
Fizer, Beck, Webster,
Bentley & Scroogins
Fluor Foundation Matching Funds
Carmen Fraser
Debra Fredette
Reid and Anissa Friedman
DeAnn Frye
Laura Gallier
Gayla Garza
Carolyn Gibbs
Betsy and Edward Goldstein
Mary Gracely
Jessica and Vean Gregg
Jean and Todd Hall
Amy and Charles Hampton
Erica and Charles Harris
Claudia Hatcher
Kathleen Hayes
The Hayesden Fund of the
National Christian Foundation
Brady Head
Jennifer Heath
Charles Herder
Houston Alpha Delta Pi
Altruistic Association
Houston MOPAR Connection Club
Paul Jacobs
Balram Jaisingh
Mary Jenkins
Lynne Johnson
Nicola M. Johnson
Beth Jones
Karen Jones
Patti and Jonathan Kagan
Kent Kahle
Jan and Rick Kellogg
Misty Khan
Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Kaufman
KBR and Employees
Patsy Kenner
Ashley Kirk
Larry Kocher
Karen Lantz
Doug Lawing
Christophe Lawrie
Elizabeth Spalding and Eric LeBlanc
John Lee
Larry Lilly
Betty and Robert Lockhart
Cora Sue and Harry Mach
Nick Massad
Lucy McLaughlin
| 35 |
Kim and Gary Meyers
Laurie Mills
Nancy Moody
Gregory Moore
William Morris
Sue Morrison
Nabors Corporate Services, Inc.
Amanda and David Nathan
Betty and Stephen Newton
Tom Nowak
Carla O’Dell
Mary Oliver
Sue Payne
Carol Peters
Jarrath Presse
Nancy Piwonka
Poison Girl
Trisha Pollard
Doug Quinn
Carol Randall
Rice Epicurean Markets
Melissa Roberts
Tracey Robertson
Avishai Ron
Rosetta Resources Operating LP
Susanna Ross
Royal Oak
Tracy Saha
Katie Sammons
Carol Sandvick
Lori Scherr
Jane Schmitt
Brenda Schroeder
Rufus Scott
Pat and Jeff Sheets
Shell
Myrna Sherrill
Richard Silliman
David Skarke
Slick Willie’s Family Pool Hall
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine
John Stanford
Candace Storr
Monique and Bill Studak
St. Vincent De Paul School
Louise Sutton
Bijan Taghavi
Larry Vinzant
Vista Bank of Texas
Miriam Waddell
Harriet and Nathan Wasserstrum
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Whalen
Fabene Welch
Wells Fargo Community
Support Campaign
The Williams Companies, Inc.
Wendy Wilson-Wills
Wisp, Inc.
Lyndell Wren
Hye Young Yu
Carol and Bill Zelle Fund
LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN
SUPPORTERS
Dorothy Ables
Bruce Abrams
Karolina Adam
Linda L. Addison
Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Anaipakos, P.C.
Mary E. Ainslie
The Joan and Stanford
Alexander Foundation
Eddie R. Allen, III
Terry K. Anderson
Sandra Aultman
Adrienne Barker
Randall L. Barnard
Yolanda Bevill
Maria Boyce
Genora K. Boykins
Scott R. Brann
Businesswomen in Refined Products
Chris Bryan and Trey Peacock
Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell
Stephen K. Carroll
Debbie Carroll
Johnny Carter
Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr.
Tim Cejka
Shauna Johnson Clark
Rachel Giesber Clingman
Ellen Cohen
Carolyn Colias
T. Jay Collins
Sonia Corrales
Dan Crowder
Charles D. Davidson
Mike Davis
Anneliese Davis
Ann E. Deaton
Chad Deaton
Joseph C. Dilg
Dan O. Dinges
Rev. Anjelita T. Dirden
Michael A. Dirden
Bernard J. Duroc-Danner
Darlene East
Roger Eichhorn
Monica and Charles Eskridge
Mark C. Evans
Jason Few
Arvia Few
David J. Fine
Walter L. Fitzgerald
Mary Jane Fortin
Harriet Foster
Rob Fowler
Shelby Francis
Steve Francis
Milton Frankfurt
Steve Fredrich
J. Kent Friedman
Stewart Gagnon
Kerry Galvin
Bud Giesinger
Elizabeth B. Glenn
H. Lee Godfrey
Hal and Anne Goldie
Melanie Gray
Tawana Greene
Christine R. Griffith
Kenneth Guidry
Linda and Yohanne Gupta
Sebastian Gupta
James T. Hackett
Joe Hafner
Rick Hammett
C. Gregory Harper
Lauren Harrison
Geoffrey Harrison
Frances Powell Hawes
Kay Henze
Stacy Henze
Pauline E. Higgins
Gillian Hobson
Christine Holland
Houston Area Women’s
Center Volunteers
Diana M. Hudson
Rochelle Merfish Jacobson
Robert V. Jewell
Nicola M. Johnson
Kimberly A. Johnston
Michael L. Johnston
Mary C. Jones
Chris Kaiston
Rick Kaplan
John L. King
David Kirkland
Andrius R. Kontrimas
K. Terry Koonce
Christine LaFollette
Catherine Lamboley
Gene Locke
William C. Lowrey
Dorothy Lurie, PhD
James Edward Maloney
Nancy McGregor Manne
Neal S. Manne
Marlene Marker
Elena and Kenneth Marks
Lynn Mathre
David G. Matthiesen
Eric Mayer
David M. McClanahan
Howard McCollum
Linda D. McCollum
Kevin McEvoy
Scott McLean
Ken McNeil
Lisa J. Mellencamp
Sherry and Gerald Merfish
Steven L. Miller
Brad Mills
Ronda L. Mills
Arthur Mooradian
Jenny A. Moore
Terry Moritz
Ellen Naegeli
Bobbie Nau
John L. Nau, III
Gregory V. Nelson
Sue Ortenstone
Sara N. Ortwein
Gary D. Owens
Mark G. Papa
Jayme Partridge
Tom Paterson
Carrin F. Patman
Sharon Pearson
Robert A. Peiser
Gary R. Petersen
Steven B. Pfeiffer
Tana Pool
Beverly Postl
Jim Postl
Carrie Potter
Christine Powell
Scott Prochazka
Alie Pruner
W. Matt Ralls
Alicia Raymond
Shawn L. Raymond
Gay A. Roane
Rocky Robinson
Kelly B. Rose
Scott E. Rozzell
Mark Russell
Robin Russell
Jason M. Ryan
John A. Ryder
Margo Scholin
Jan L. Schott
Mark Schroeder
Denise Scofield
Susan K. Sclafani
Reagan Simpson
Alicia Smith
Gerald B. Smith
Jennifer M. Smith
Walter J. Smith
Gerry Spedale
Thomas R. Standish
Kimberly Sterling
Gail W. Stewart
Tom Stilwell
Laurence E. Stuart
Ellen Susman
Steve Susman
Charles R. Swanson
Jack Sweeney
Bruce Taten
Brian Teichman
Cassandra Thomas
Bobby Tudor
Karyl Van Tassel
Kellie Vazquez
Caroline C. Vetterling
Susan Vick
Randall L. Walker
Mark Wawro
Rebecca L. White
Michael Skelly and Anne Whitlock
Gary L. Whitlock
Elaine Makris Williams
Dan Wolterman
WOW Charities, Inc.
R. Paul Yetter
Shira R. Yoshor
Caresse Young
| 36 |
“We have without doubt come a long way in opening
up new opportunities, but the roads to the top
are long and filled with many roadblocks. The
final distance is going to require as much or more
stamina, energy and determination as has
the distance traveled.”
Nikki Van Hightower, first Board Chair of the Houston Area Women's Center
Domestic Violence Hotline 713 528 2121
TDD 713 528 3625 | Toll Free 800 256 0551
Sexual Assault Hotline 713 528 RAPE (7273)
TDD 713 528 3691 | Toll Free 800 256 0661
www.hawc.org
facebook.com/HoustonAreaWomensCenter
twitter.com/hawctalk
HARRIS COUNTY
COMMUNITY SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
Annual report design: CROXSON Design www.croxsondesign.com.
Historical photos courtesy of Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries. Digital enhancement of cover photo courtesy of Digital Imaging Group www.dig-houston.com.