Annual Report 2016

FAITH HOUSE
Annual Report 2016
P.O. Box 93145
Lafayette, La 70509
337.267.9422
Crisis Line
337.232.8954
1.888.411.1333
Mission Statement
To provide safety, shelter, empowerment, and advocacy
to survivors of domestic violence .
Who We Are
Faith House is a private, nonprofit program for
survivors of domestic violence and their children. The
program has six components; an emergency shelter,
a non-residential program, a transitional housing
program, a permanent housing program, a 24-hour
crisis line, and a public education program.
Where We Serve
Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Lafayette, Rapides,
St. Landry and Vermilion Parishes.
Message from the Executive Director
This past year has been an exciting time for our organization. We have
seen tremendous growth in programs and services through our two
new Family Justice Centers. The forward thinking communities of
Lafayette and Alexandria have both embraced this concept of providing multi-disciplinary services to survivors of domestic violence under
one roof. This has addressed some of the major barriers for survivors
in accessing services by streamlining processes, getting helpers on the
same page, and focusing on safety. Congratulations to all of the
visionaries who dedicated their talents to making these Centers a safe
place committed to serving survivors of domestic violence.
We were honored to receive the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic
Violence’s Organization of the Year Award this April. This honor was
a special recognition of the committed work of our staff members, the
dedication of our volunteers, the diligence of our board, the generosity
of our supporters, and the incredible resilience of the survivors we
serve. We remain committed to excellence in our services and
appreciate the recognition from our coalition.
Through our work with survivors we have seen the most incredible
transformation of lives and rebuilding of bright new futures. If we can
work together to heal the pain of abuse we can change the future for
so many.
- Billi Lacombe
Highlights of the Year
The Family Justice Center of Acadiana
opened January 2016.
The Family Justice Center of Central
Louisiana opened March 2016.
Complete kitchen remodel at the
Emergency Shelter.
Began “In Our Best Interest”, an
Outreach Support Group at the
Cottonport Correctional Facility.
Faith House was recognized as
Organization of the Year by the
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic
Violence.
Three staff members graduated from
the Advocacy Learning Center, an 18
month experiential advocacy course.
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Walking with a survivor on their journey to safety
and empowerment is one of the greatest gifts.
Faith House uses an empowerment model to provide an
environment that enables survivors to recognize their own
strengths and abilities thereby reinforcing the choices that
they make for their own lives.
Faith House empowers survivors through:
Education
Resources
Advocacy
Support Groups
Safety Planning
Economic Justice Program
The support, encouragement and resources provided enable
survivors to make their own choices for their future and
achieve their goals.
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Economic Justice Program
This program is a financial education course offered to resident and nonresident survivors of domestic violence. Faith House uses the Allstate
Foundation’s Financial Empowerment Curriculum “Moving Ahead Through
Financial Management”. This curriculum is a comprehensive program designed
to empower victims to be self-sufficient with their finances and includes:
 Strategies for addressing the complex financial and safety
challenges of ending a relationship with an abusive partner
 Information on how to protect personal and financial safety in an
abusive relationship and after leaving an abusive relationship
 Methods for dealing with the misuse of financial records
The tools offered through this
class provide long term
economic empowerment and
strengthens a survivor’s ability
to support herself and her
children.
“Assisting survivors to understand the
implications of how to begin to rebuild her
credit, saving for the future and where to
find on-going support can make the difference between building financial stability
and a survivor returning to her abuser."
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A Domestic Violence Support Group
at Cottonport Correctional Facility
This year Faith House began a new program developed from
the book “In Our Best Interest” by Ellen Pence.
Thanks to the persistence of our
Rapides Parish Survivor Advocate
and with the support of Major
Darren Bordelon from the Avoyelles
Sheriff's Department, this was the
FIRST domestic violence education
program accepted by the Department of Corrections in the state of
Louisiana.
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This powerful material has given women in prison the
opportunity to come together in an intimate group setting
to share their experiences as battered women and begin to
heal from their abuse.
“ It is impossible to put into words how honored I have
been to walk into this prison and sit in a circle with
these brave, intelligent, strong, beautiful women. This
is why we do what we do as advocates. This is the true
definition of what empowerment truly means.”
-Henrietta Lewis, Survivor Advocate
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T
he Family Justice Center model brings together a
multi-disciplinary team of professionals to provide
coordinated services to victims of domestic violence. The
core concept is to provide one place where victims can
go to receive any services offered by the community. The goals
of the Justice Center are to increase victim’s safety and to reduce
homicides related to domestic violence by closing the gaps in the
system and creating an experienced, efficient response team to
domestic violence.
Family Justice Centers provide a safe place for victims to:
The Family Justice Center of Acadiana opened in
January 2016. Our center brings together advocacy,
law enforcement, prosecution, civil legal services, and
supervised visitation services in a comfortable, trauma
informed setting. In addition, on-site child care is
provided to survivors receiving services.
The 2 Justice Centers, have already provided
services to 300 adults and 133 children
Talk to an advocate
Plan for their safety
Interview with a police officer
Meet with a prosecutor
Obtain civil legal services
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15 - 25%
of pregnant women
are battered
The Family Justice Center of Central Louisiana has
been operating out of a temporary location since March
of 2016 and we expect to be in our permanent facility
by August. Already we have seen tremendous benefit
to survivors of domestic abuse and the Central
Louisiana community as a result of the family justice
center model.
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Breaking the cycle of domestic violence
is integrated into every aspect of what Faith House
does on a daily basis. Advocates assist survivors with
understanding the cycle of domestic violence while
providing the tools necessary for them to establish
safety and independence. In addition to our advocacy
work with adult survivors our Education, Public
Relations, and Children’s Program all focus on
domestic violence education as a key to Breaking the
Cycle.
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F
rom the time families arrive in the shelter, an
outreach office or a Family Justice Center, the
children are given a safe space to play and express their feelings.
Our child advocates are always available with a
supportive ear to help children through all of the
various emotions they experience while going through
crisis situations and major life changes.
Through one-on-one activities and support groups,
children are educated on personal safety and empowered to protect themselves and their siblings when
danger is present. They are taught about how to
express anger in a healthy way, and many other
coping skills in an effort to provide them with the
tools to create healthy relationships as they grow.
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Our Education Programs help adults, adolescents and
young children recognize potentially abusive relationships, understand what creates a healthy relationship, and gain an understanding of how the cycle of
violence may apply to their lives.
Our youth programs are provided to young children
and teens in school and community settings; they
represent a critical
component in our efforts to
support young people in
breaking the cycle of
violence through
prevention and
intervention.
"Hands are Not for Hitting" targets elementary aged
children and focuses on appropriate ways to use your hands
in positive ways and offers alternatives to hitting as a
method of anger management.
"Safe Dates" targets 12-17 year olds . This curriculum
includes information on dating violence including warning
signs of an unhealthy relationship and how to help a friend
who is experiencing dating
violence.
"Love Is" targets 11-17 year
old girls. This summer program
features games and skits in a
relaxed atmosphere and
reinforces the material covered
in Safe Dates.
nation
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Non-Residential Services
Transportation Services
422
Financial Services
3540
Crisis Counseling
8842
Referrals
2966
Children's Counseling…
1007
Women's Counseling Sessions
Residential Services
Provided to:
170 Women
177 Children
4563
Nights of Shelter for Women
4832
Nights of Shelter for Children
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Childrens Support Groups
Women's Support Groups
4154
302
680
4077
Attorney Services
Temporary Restraining…
420
Legal Advocacy
3310
Non-Residential
Services Provided to:
1213 Women
716 Children, 25 Men
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Public Awareness
Public
Appearances
19%
Mass Media
Faith House
59%
Presentations
21%
Professional
Training
1%
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3744
4253
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“My work with Faith House is the beginning
of this chapter of my life. I didn’t know
anybody here. It was just me and my
boy. I had nobody. My guy tried to strip
me of all my resources. He tried to empty
my toolbox, but working with Faith House
gave me new tools. I’ve rebuilt my selfesteem. I took my will back. He doesn’t
control me any more. This chick right here
is gonna keep it motivated and moving!”
— Survivor of Domestic Violence
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Total Proceeds
$2,862,198
Total Use of Funds
$2,758,253
* Includes residual grant reimbursements
Organizational Expenses
$2,242,689
Government Grants
$1,804,167
Depreciation
$100,999
Private Grants
$72,437
In Kind Donations
$414,565
United Way
$142,160
Donations
$297,037
Fundraisers
$114,190
Miscellaneous
$17,642
In Kind Donations
$414,565
(2015-2016 Unaudited Financials)
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Platinum Circle
$50,000+
Acadian Home Builders
Patrons
$2,500 to $4,999
Cynthia Broussard
Classic Auto Spa
Diamond Circle
Robert & Patti Gauthier
$25,000 - $49,999
Hampton Management Co, LLC
Kappa Delta
Kiwanis Club of Lafayette, LA
Lourdes Foundation, Inc
Gold Circle
PVG Global
$10,000 to $24,999
Realtor Association of Acadiana
Avon Foundation
Iris Landry Slayton
The Joe W. & Dorothy Dorsett Brown St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Foundation
Thomas & Carmer Falgout Sr.
Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament
Louisiana Bar Foundation
Rena Anderson Prejean Foundation
Tomahawk Downhole, LLC
Woman's Foundation
Silver Circle
$5,000 to $9,999
Baker Hughes Foundation
Junior League of Lafayette
Dr. & Mrs. J. Jerome Smith
St. Romain Oil Company, LLC
The TJX Foundation
Verizon
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Supporters
Benefactors
$1,000.to $2,499
Thomas Callender
Frank Domino
Episcopal Church of the Ascension
Fort Polk-Central Louisiana Combined
Federal Campaign
Mr. Roy Geesey
Holy Cross Catholic Church
J & J Exterminating
Tim Larson
Louisiana Assoc. of United Ways
Martial F. Billeaud, Sr. Foundation
Donald J. Mendoza
Murphy Oil Corporation
Mustang Club of Acadiana
Mrs. Marlene Patin
PetroQuest
Phoenix Benefit Services, Inc
Rucks Family Foundation
St. Mary Church
St. Pius X Church
Bart Theriot
Thomson Smith & Leach Ins. Group
Walmart
Walters & Mason Retail, Inc.
Ziler Architects
Zonta Club of Lafayette Foundation
$500 to $999
Acadiana Shopping Events
Mary Landry Blackstock
Judy L. Bozeman
Covenant United Methodist Church
Crossroads Church
Faith Lutheran Church
Priscilla Fitch
Judith Garber
Gopher Sport
JB Mouton
Lila T. Lambert
Leslie Jacobs, DDS
Matthew McConnell
Mary Neiheisel
New Acadians
Roy O. Martin
Hazel Rudick
Mr. Warren Sensat
The J.C. Moss Memorial Fund for the
Arts & Humanities
The Rapides Foundation
Mrs. Margaret Vidrine
Dorothy Wells
Thomas West
Wildwood Pizza
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Make Change Happen
Speak Up: If you know someone who’s being hurt by their partner, remind
them they deserve to be safe and respected. If you witness an assault call
the police. You can do a lot by simply speaking up.
Learn About and Share Resources: Everyone deserves support in
breaking free from abuse, but it’s hard to know where to begin. Learn about
the services Faith House can provide and share that information with anyone
who may need help.
Get Involved and Volunteer
Adopt-A-Room Volunteers
Individual or Groups adopt one of the sleeping rooms in the shelter
and provide the décor for a welcoming home-like environment.
Painting, changing bed linens, wall décor, etc. is all part of this
program.
Administrative Volunteers
Providing Clerical assistance at the shelter or Family Justice Center.
Immediate Needs Volunteers
Share/Like/Post: You’re not alone in wanting to end domestic violence,
and social media is another powerful tool for connecting people with help.
Follow Faith House on Facebook and share our posts. Invite friends to like
our page.
Vote/Call/Email: Survivors of violence depend on stronger and more
effective legislation. Get involved with Faith House as we advocate for
stronger laws that safeguard survivors of domestic violence.
Check In on Work Policies: Domestic Violence doesn’t just happen at
home, it can affect the community and the workplace. See if your employer
has policies in place to protect survivors of domestic violence. If not, contact
Faith House and we can provide you with resources.
Providing immediate needs items for survivors and the shelter.
Shelter Clean Up Volunteers
Assisting staff and residents in keeping the shelter clean and tidy.
This includes light-medium handy work and yard work.
Direct Service Volunteers
Providing assistance in playroom at the shelter or Family Justice
Center or providing assistance in the wardrobe room or front office.
Donation Volunteers
Assisting at Bridge Storage collecting and sorting donations.
Contacting individuals, groups, and/or companies for items needed
at the shelter.
Special Event Volunteers
Assisting with organization of special events and fundraisers.
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Board of Directors
Executive Board:
Sara Ritchey, President
University of Louisiana
Lisa Leblanc, President Elect
University of Louisiana
Laurel Montagnet, Treasurer
Broussard, Poche’, LLP
Lisa Lilley, Vice-President
MFC Graphics
Marcus Smith, Secretary
Lafayette General Health System
Board of Directors:
Marcelle Fontenot Ashley, KATC TV 3
Tonya Bolden-Ball, The Family Tree
Adrienne Fontenot, The Acadian Home Builders Assoc.
Britney Hebert, Glen Armentor Law Corporation
Paulette Landry, University of Louisiana
Judy Leblanc, Gueydan Journal
Mark Veverica, Classic Auto Spa
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Faith House Leadership
Billi Lacombe
Executive Director
Crystal Scrantz
Assistant Director
Director Family Justice Center of Acadiana
Michelle Izzo-Voss
Development Director
Rebecca McMillan
Shelter Manager
Sara D. Terro
Children’s Services Manager
Lindsey Johnson
Housing Manager
Preston Mansour
Director Family Justice Center
of Central Louisiana
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Faith House Needs
Cleaning & Maintenance
Spray Cleaners
Liquid/Bottled Cleaners
Dish Detergent
Trash Bags
Comet/Powder Cleaners
Scour Pads
Bleach
Laundry Detergent
Batteries
Personal Care & Hygiene
Body Wash
Body Spray
Shampoo/Conditioner
Lotion
Liquid Hand Soap
Maxi Pads
Tampons
Panty Liners
Paper Products
Kleenex
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Napkins
Paper Cups
Baby Items
Pull-Ups
Sippy Cups
Pacifiers
Wipes
Miscellaneous
Comforter Sets
Sheets
Blankets
Underwear (New)
Wash Cloths
Seasonal Needs
School Supplies
Back Packs
Office Needs
File folders
Copy Paper
Pens
Liquid Paper
Highlighters
Paper Clips, Staples
Binder Clips
Desks/Desk Chairs
Special Thanks
A sincere “THANK YOU” to the generous organizations,
individuals, corporations, and foundations that donate
in-kind and monetary resources to Faith House.
Without the continued support of our community and our
partners we would not be able to fulfill our mission of
providing shelter, safety, empowerment and advocacy to
survivors of domestic violence.
Faith House is funded in part by Louisiana Department of
Children and Family Services; United Way of Acadiana;
St. Landry; Evangeline; Central Louisiana and Combined
Federal Campaign; Louisiana Bar Foundation; Louisiana
Commission on Law Enforcement; Federal, State & Local
Grants and Community Donations.
Cash Donations can be made by mail or online
at www.FaithHouseAcadiana.com
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