SAVING LIVES AND RESTORING HOPE Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you. ANNUAL REPORT April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 Our Mission ALTERNATIVES FOR BATTERED WOMEN exists to enhance the quality of life and empower individuals affected by, or at risk of, domestic violence. The agency provides a full continuum of services, including crisis counseling, support and prevention/education. CONFIDENTIAL HELP 24 hours a day Call Alternatives for Battered Women’s Hotline (585) 232-7353 TTY (585) 232-1741 P.O. Box 39601 • Rochester, New York 14604 Hotline (585) 232-7353 • TTY (585) 232-1741 Visit our website at www.abwrochester.org 2 ABW 2009/2010 Honor Roll Our Message …from the Executive Director ur community saw more domestic violence homicides in the first half of 2010, than in all of 2009. Clearly, our work is still needed, and the message needs to be stressed now more than ever: violence against women and children cannot be tolerated—and is everyone’s business. Cathy Mazzotta Any loss is tragic, but ones where children lose their lives are especially so—particularly when it’s at the hands of someone who’s supposed to protect them, not harm them. Such a tragedy illustrates in the extreme, how obsessed abusers are with controlling their victims—how entitled they feel to be in control, all the time, over everyone and everything. Small wonder, then, it’s so hard for someone to leave an abuser, when the consequences can be so frightening. With your support, we will continue to be the beacon of hope that so many members of our community so desperately need. When you help us, we can help them! That’s why agencies like ABW are needed now more than ever—so we can show someone in such a dangerous situation that there is a way out, to be safe and free from harm, so that they can know peace of mind once again. With your support, we will continue to be the beacon of hope that so many members of our community so desperately need. When you help us, we can help them! Thank you for making a difference, and for making our community a safer place. Sincerely, Catherine Mazzotta, LCSW Executive Director Thank you for your support! 3 Our Message …from the Board Chair ometimes it’s hard to know what to think—the news some days is positive, other days, not so much. Like most of us, I want to believe times are getting better, and that the gloom and doom we’ve all been subjected to over the past few years is finally lifting. The truth is, though, that some days it’s one step forward and two steps back, and other days, it’s Teresa Anderson the opposite. The path to recovery is seldom linear, whether it’s our economy, or the steps one of our clients must take to escape their abuser and begin leading a violence-free life. In both cases, we have to be patient, understanding, and realize that life is seldom as uncomplicated as we’d like it to be. One of the most important services ABW offers our community isn’t just support for those we serve, it’s the understanding that real change The path to recovery is seldom linear, whether it’s our economy, or the steps one of our clients must take to escape their abuser and begin leading a violence-free life. takes time, and is seldom an easy or straightforward process. It’s a lesson I know I can use in my own day-to-day experiences, and one we can all learn from. I’m proud to work with an agency that helps so many people take whatever steps they need to rebuild their lives, and the lives of their children. It may take longer to get there than we’d like—the path may be winding and unpredictable—but we’ll get there! Sincerely, Teresa Anderson Board Chair 4 ABW 2009/2010 Honor Roll Program Highlights Always remember that the future comes one day at a time. — Dean Acheson Thank you for your support! 5 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Shelter ABW’s shelter continues to run at or near capacity week after week, with an annual occupancy rate of 96%. We offer a safe place to stay, counseling and support for the future, and reassurance that things will get better. “One and a half years ago, I went to some of ^^ We housed 221 women and 165 your group sessions; children, for a total of 386* today, I am separated residents ^^ The average length of stay was from my husband. Thank 18.39 days. you for all your support ^^ As always, we maintained 100% and the encouragement safety and security for our residents you offered. You truly from their batterers. ^^ Once again, we served over 64,000 helped me to move meals and snacks to our residents, forward and realize my while still managing to keep our dream. Thanks.” budget at the incredibly low cost of -former client Accomplishments: just over $1 per meal, despite rising food and other costs Children’s Services The most severely affected victims of domestic violence are often the youngest ones—they see their loved ones abused, and can do so little about it (and are often themselves the target of abuse). Through counseling, play, even just a lot of cuddling, we make sure they feel safe and secure—something that many of them may know for the first time when they come to stay with us. Accomplishments ^^ Total playgroup attendance: 7,843 for children in residence and 310 for children in the community (total: 8,153)** ^^ Offered 15 playgroups during the week, and four on weekends, for a total of almost 1,000 over the year 6 ABW 2009/2010 Honor Roll Program Highlights NON-RESIDENTIAL SERVICES For every client helped in our shelter, we assist three times as many women and children in our non-residential programs! Yes, we do offer emergency housing for victims of domestic violence—but we’re so much more than just that… Hotline No matter what time of day or night—whether someone needs to know how to gain access to our shelter, or just needs some words of advice or support—we’re here for them, 24 hours a day, nights, weekends, and holidays. Accomplishments: ^^ Responded to 2,101 new and 3,426 repeat calls, for a total of 5,527 calls ^^ Provided counseling 6,199 times and information 5,367 times ^^ Gave crisis counseling 622 times; advocacy 8,789 times; and referrals 7,081 times Transitional Support Services Whether someone has left our shelter recently, or never lived there, the need for help is still great. Group or individual counseling, help with things like finding an apartment or changing schools—whatever someone needs, we’re there to offer support and assistance. Accomplishments ^^ Delivered individual and closed-group services to 220* victims of domestic violence ^^ 318* non-residential women attended community support groups ^^ 65* people participated in outreach groups off-site ^^ Project Keepsafe met with 240* victims/survivors of domestic violence, conducted 90 group sessions, and presented an 8-hour training session for the community ^^ Mentored and provided support to 6 victims/survivors of domestic violence through the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program. These women are pursuing associates degrees in nursing and criminal justice; and bachelors and masters degrees in social work *unduplicated numbers **duplicated numbers/repeat visits Thank you for your support! 7 Court Advocacy Our staff and volunteers, housed permanently at the Hall of Justice, work tirelessly to help clients seeking Orders of Protection. The legal system can be overwhelming for someone who’s new to it—and already feeling overwhelmed by the changes she’s made in her life. We’re there to help guide our clients through the process, with support, counseling, and referrals to our partners at Legal Aid. Accomplishments ^^ Assisted 1,810 clients, impacting 3,126 children ^^ Made 856 referrals to Legal Aid Society of Rochester for representation on Orders of Protection Domestic Violence Education and Community Awareness We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if all we did was address the effects of domestic violence, but nothing to prevent its occurrence in the future. The best way to lessen the impact of this horrible crime, is to stop it before it starts—and the best way to accomplish that, is to talk to students, beginning in middle school, and continuing in high school and college, about dating violence and how to stop abuse before it starts. We believe strongly in this investment in the future safety of our community, and devote thousands of hours of staff time every year to reaching this goal. Accomplishments ^^ Gave 478 presentations to 13,756 students, representing 40 high schools, 12 middle and elementary schools, 7 alternative high schools (11 school districts total); 15 colleges and adult education programs ^^ Met with 29 youth groups/a total of 737 young people ^^ Speaker’s Bureau gave 94 presentations to 3,148 people (legal community, health care professionals, etc.) ^^ A total of 601 presentations were given to 17,641 people 8 ABW 2009/2010 Honor Roll Program Highlights Volunteer Services With our wonderful volunteers, it’s all too true—we truly “couldn’t do it without you!” As with most agencies, we never have enough resources to do everything we’d like—including human resources. That’s where our volunteers step in, lending a hand, hugging a child, listening to a client who just needs a shoulder to lean on. Their enthusiasm, passion and cheerfulness is invaluable! Accomplishments ^^ 44 volunteers provided 6,750 hours of service, plus 30 special event volunteers (annual fundraiser and volunteer phonathon). Valued at $20.85 an hour, this represents a total value of $140,737! ^^ Fifth annual Annette Itkin Volunteer of the Year Award given to board member Michelle Ashby (indirect service) and Martha Dieter (direct service). ^^ Two new members were voted onto our Board of Directors at our annual meeting in November 2009 “I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your coming in to speak yesterday. You did a fantastic job and the kids really thought it was worthwhile. It was funny, one of the boys isn’t even in that class - his girlfriend made him come listen! One of the girls stayed to talk with me after class and I am hoping she will be contacting ABW soon. She said you really opened her eyes to some things in her own relationship and she is ready to get some help in leaving it. Mission accomplished!” -health teacher, Rochester area school Thank you for your support! 9 Volunteer Recognition Every year, ABW is proud to recognize members of our community who speak out against domestic violence, and work toward its eradication. We are thrilled to give the following individuals and groups the thanks they so richly deserve. Restore the Hope Award This award is presented to an individual, business or organization in our community for their commitment to restoring hope to victims of domestic violence. This year, it is our honor to present the Restore the Hope Award to New York State Assemblywoman Susan John, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of ABW, and victims of domestic violence everywhere, during her 19+ years as a member of the State Assembly. She has successfully advocated for funding for domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, family support services, early direction childhood programs and teen pregnancy prevention. She currently sponsors legislation that would provide domestic violence victims with up to 90 days of unpaid leave of absence from work to address ongoing domestic violence. She authored New York State’s Anti-Stalking Law, and also sponsored legislation to increase the criminal penalty for violating a court order of protection, and increase penalties for assault. Assemblywoman John is a member of the Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys and an honorary member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International as well as a member of the Center for Women Policy Studies Foreign Policy Institute for State Legislators. Susan is a nationally recognized legislator; serving on the Women’s Network of the National Conference of State Legislators Stop the Hurt Award This award recognizes individuals or organizations that work to educate and make our community aware of the issue of domestic violence. ABW is pleased to present this year’s Stop the Hurt Award to Mary Beth Conway from the Volunteer Legal Services Program. She offers a legal clinic for ABW residents every month, and has done so faithfully for the past five years. The clients have difficult and emotional legal issues, and she handles it all with compassion and clarity. She also trains ABW staff on the basics of the legal system as it relates to domestic violence. We are so grateful for the donation of her time and expertise over the years. Special Friend Award PDQ Delivery Services certainly fits this description: They donate their courier services to us, whenever we need them, saving us time and hundreds of dollars every year; and their owner, Don Pederson, volunteers in our playroom weekly, working with some of our youngest clients—many of whom certainly benefit from a positive male role model. The folks at PDQ are shining examples of folks who give with a generous heart, never expecting anything in return (but, we hope, enjoying the feeling of lending a helping hand when it’s needed!). 10 ABW 2009/2010 Honor Roll 2009/2010 Financials Operating Revenue Reimbursement from government agencies (fee for services)____________________ 1,052,283 Government and agency grants____________ 639,997 United Way funding______________________ 160,000 Gift income_ ___________________________ 327,183 Value of donated goods and services ________ 10,440 Miscellaneous Income ____________________ 11,231 TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE_ _________ 2,201,134 REVENUE 29% Government and agency grants Operating Expenses Services______________________________ 1,723,948 Management and general_________________ 318,974 Fundraising Expenses ____________________ 165,369 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES__________ 2,208,291 48% Reimbursement: government agencies ay 7% ited W n U 15% Gift income Non-Operating Revenue Investment income (loss) net______________ 318,176 .5% Value of donated goods and services Summarized Balance Sheet (as of March 31, 2010) Cash___________________________________ 374,479 Accounts receivable_ ____________________ 347,835 Pledges receivable_______________________ 193,083 Property & Equipment (net)_____________ 1,112,104 Other___________________________________ 31,651 TOTAL ASSETS_ ____________________ 2,059,152 Liabilities______________________________ 386,926 Net assets____________________________ 1,672,226 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS_____ 2,059,152 TOTAL AGENCY BUDGET______________ 2,119,086 Thank you for your support! .5% Miscellaneous income EXPENSES 14% 7% Management and general Fun Exp drais ens ing es 79% Services 11 2009-2010 Board of Directors Teresa M. Anderson (President) Michelle Ashby Andrew Cappotelli Margaret (Maggie) Clemens Louis Gattozzi Monica Guardino (Treasurer) Sandra Harte Karen Kremer Olga Mendez Jeannie Morley Patricia Rissone Sharon Rivais Amy Roxin (Secretary) Debra Salmon Ed Shill Erica Tickle (Vice President) Administrative and Program Staff Catherine Mazzotta, LCSW Valerie Edwards-Brown Finance Director Executive Director Janine Lucas Assistant Executive Director Karen Ackerman Facilities Manager Deb Howe Allen Director of Development Pamela Graham Domestic Violence Prevention Education Program Coordinator Michele Kaider Court Advocacy Coordinator Carolyn Washington Residential Services Director Ruth Kramer Volunteer Services Coordinator P. J. Leccese Janet Chaize, MS, LMHC Food Service Manager Transitional Support Services Coordinator You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. —Christopher Robin (to Winnie the Pooh)