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Spring Renewal Campaign
Help us create pathways out of domestic violence and homelessness toward safe and stable lives.
This spring, we are reaffirming our vision in a community where all live free of violence in a home they call their own. Everyone deserves safe, affordable housing and a quality life. It’s what we believe.
Donate Today
By donating today, you will help empower families and women like Tamicka to, in her words, “overcome the obstacles I had with myself.”
Please, renew your commitment to women like Tamicka by donating to support our Spring Renewal Campaign.
“When I got here I felt like I was worthless and now I feel like I’m somebody.” - Tamicka, Former Client.
To learn more about our work, read our latest newsletter by clicking here.
Thank you for your generosity and kindness.
The Difference Your Support Makes
You’ve Got Questions:
Why Doorways?
Where Does My Money Go?
How Can I Give?
How Can an Individual or Business Help Year-Round?
Why Doorways?
A Sound Investment:
- For every $1.00 we receive, $.87 goes directly to support the women, children and families we serve.
- Recipient of the 2009 Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management for financial health, as well as organizational efficiency and capacity.
- Selected multiple years in a row as one of the Catalogue for Philanthropy’s charities.
Together, these practices have created a winning formula for innovative client service delivery that leads most families served by Doorways from crisis to stability.
Where Does My Money Go?
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How Can I Give?
To make a donation via mail, please make check payable to Doorways for Women and Families and mail to:
PO Box 100185
Arlington, VA 22210
To make a donation online using our safe and secure system, click here.
How Can an Individual or Business Help Year-Round?
- Individual Giving
- Corporate Giving
- In-kind Needs and Wish List
For questions about making a donation, please call the Doorways Development Team at 703-504-9400.
Arlington Young Democrats Charity Date Auction
Brighter Futures Tours
Attend Doorways Brighter Futures Tour!
Doorways for Women & Families hosts monthly tours at the Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home. The Brighter Futures Tours illustrate the mission and services of Doorways, as well as showcase the Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home. During each tour guests learn about the specialized services Doorways provides to survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence and family homelessness, as well as hear inspirational stories of Doorways clients who have overcome adversity to build safe and successful futures for themselves and their families.
Sign-Up to Attend and Upcoming Tour:
Space is limited, so sign up today by clicking the tour you wish to attend below!
Upcoming Tour Dates
Thursday, May 17th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 14th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 12th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 9th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
For questions about the tours please contact Kristina Dugan at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)or 703-504-9289.
Kristina Dugan
A Few Words
A Few Words
Sometimes it only takes a few words to transform an experience.
I have been a Children’s Program volunteer for a little over year. Though oftentimes exhausting, my time with the children continues to be exhilarating. I always look forward to my shifts with enthusiasm and anticipation. I particularly enjoy the spontaneity, the humor, the curiosity and the creative spirits I see in each child which seems to bring out the child in me. For several hours each month, I get to be seven once again, and play. Certainly, while there is some overlap, each experience is different, for each child is a precious little person with their own unique personality.
I had been volunteering for about seven months and was feeling comfortable and competent - always learning from staff, from other volunteers and from the children as well. This particular evening the other volunteer and I were advised that a new family had arrived and that we should be alert to dramatic outbursts of behavior by the three year old. Evidently, the home environment had been particularly rugged for this child and he acted with aggression and streaming colorful language. My first meeting with this child occurred while I was sitting on the floor with the other children. He bounded into the room, full of energy and flashed a brilliant winning smile. He was absolutely angelic and promptly settled in my lap with a big “Hi.” Of course he won me over instantly. The staff had to be wrong about this child. They weren’t.
For the next two hours the other volunteer and I had our hands full. He was every bit the challenge that we were told. Hitting, screaming, and throwing outbursts that would last less than a minute contrasted with doting attentiveness and playful interaction. At the end of the shift, I was feeling like a miserable failure. I felt so inadequate. We did our best, but I felt like my best was not enough. The other volunteer and I left, as we often do, to a chorus of good-byes and thank yous from the children, except one. At the moment before we closed the door to exit there was one solo voice that was hollered from the other room- “I love you” he said. And we walked down the steps smiling. —Tani Lublin, Doorways Volunteer since 2011
Mother’s Day Cards!
Win Two Washington Nationals Tickets!
Baseball season is here and we’re getting into the swing of things by offering you the chance to win TWO tickets to the Washington Nationals home opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
Here’s how it works:
- Sign up for our Email list before Monday, April 9th by clicking here or by using the “Sign Up for E-Newsletter” field on the right
- Two winners will be selected on Monday, April 9th (winners will get two tickets each)
- Go enjoy the game at beautiful Nationals Park (send us a picture!)
Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds
Thursday, April 12th
1pmSign Up Here to Win!
NOTE: Winners will need to pick up the tickets on Wednesday, April 11th
A Special Place
A Special Place
Doorways is a special place. It seems that everyone who has been touched by Doorways recognizes that there’s a distinct language of camaraderie that envelops this organization. It’s a team, and one I’m happy to be a part of.
I began my Doorways training six months ago, signing up after a night on patrol with the Arlington Police Department woke me up to a variety of issues in our community. I was appalled at many of the things I saw, and Doorways gave me an outlet for the emotions running through me. Since then, volunteering for the Children’s Program has given me more laughs and smiles than any other part of my life. There is no limit to the amount of times I will play Hide and Go Seek, or build, dismantle, and re-build a wooden train track. I will also not hesitate to show my poor artistic skills using a crayon, and then explain that what I meant to draw was not an apple with a spoon through it, but a helicopter. And I’ll always accept that the written rules to any board game are inapplicable.
The kids are masterful in their creativity. They show intuition and bring a striking energy that becomes contagious, such that a small bouncy ball can easily morph into the most valuable, and most fun, item in the universe. They are hopeful, lively, and brilliant. But it is their resilience that I find most meaningful: they exude a strength that I wish I could show, and they push me to be better in everything that I do. Every time I walk away from a Doorway’s event, I’m a stronger person than when I arrived. Because of this, Doorways has given me—in happiness, direction, and purpose—more than I can repay in time or effort. Ultimately, though, it’s that debt that gives me the will to always give more. The clearest way I can describe this feeling is to echo the words of a Doorways client, when she explained to me that Doorways was her medicine, allowing her to heal and giving her a community of support. Although in a different capacity, Doorways has done the same for me. —Buddy Gray, Doorways Volunteer since 2011
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones
Small stepping stones leading up to a welcoming front door. That’s what I think of when I explain how Doorways became a part of my life. After living in Arlington for a few years, I began to miss the sense of community I had growing up in a small New England town. I finally had the time to volunteer on a regular basis and so I looked at local organizations. As an alumna of a women’s college, I’ve always been passionate about women’s rights and issues. Doorways seemed like a perfect fit.
One of the most important stepping stones is my experience working with Ukrainian women during my Peace Corps service. Through broken Russian and English, I became friends with several of the women who were also teachers in the high school where I worked. As we know, domestic violence is in every culture. In Ukraine it is more hidden than here in the U.S as it’s still talked about in hushed voices and considered a private family matter.
Larisa was my colleague and my Russian tutor. She amazed me with her ability to speak English even though I was the first native speaker she had ever met. I don’t remember how it got brought up, but a few times she made passing remarks about how her husband had hurt her. Due to the language barrier, it was hard for me to tell exactly what she meant but after observing her for awhile I highly suspected she was a survivor of domestic violence. I regret not fully reaching out to her but I felt helpless. I was the lone foreigner in a small town and I lacked fluency to find out what resources, if any, were available for her. My experience with Larisa inspired me to find a way to reach out to survivors of domestic violence.
The training that Doorways has provided me has given me the tools to not only help the women during my Safehouse shifts, but to help women like Larisa wherever I go in my life. She is my inspiration to speak up and reach out no matter how helpless I might feel. —Jessica Ferro, Doorways Volunteer since 2011
Shopping Buddies
Shopping Buddies
I’m not going to lie—my decision to volunteer at Doorways wasn’t completely selfless. Carmina and I had been co-workers and friends for years, but then she left the company and I wondered how we’d maintain our relationship as our lives took different paths. Then one hot August afternoon we found ourselves looking for relief from the heat at the Arlington County Fair. As we browsed the aisles of the indoor (and air-conditioned) craft fair, we came upon the Doorways table. We both really liked the mission of Doorways and thought we’d each find something we could contribute. Shopping seemed relatively easy, something we could commit to at least once a month and could do “together” Perfect!
Don’t let anyone tell you that shopping is an easy task. While we review the shopping list each week, we have to calculate how many shopping carts we’ll need based on how many gallons of milk we’ll have to haul, we wonder if this will be the week we’ll beat the record of having more than 20 pounds of bananas to bag and we brace ourselves for the frozen food section. Testing our knowledge of Giant aisles, we try to get everything we need without having to backtrack. Yes, shopping for Doorways has helped us develop valuable skills!
When we return to the Family Home, it’s great to see the families that we’re there to support. We laugh when the kids compete to see who can carry in the most bags at one time. Once we even re-bagged groceries – placing a single can in a plastic bag so a 2 year old could feel accomplished carrying in the groceries. It’s bittersweet to see the same children each month; we love to see the same faces and have them greet us at the door, and it is a little sad when they are no longer there. However, we know that the Family Home is temporary and success means moving on to a more permanent solution.
Over three years later, the one constant for us is that we commit to shopping for Doorways each month. We’re unabashedly proud of our December 2010 Volunteers of the Month award and boast about how we’re the longest running shopping volunteers at the Family Home. And our involvement doesn’t end with shopping. We have each gotten our companies involved by hosting fundraisers and soliciting donations. Doorways continues to give us so much more than we feel we’ve given. We look forward to reaching our fourth year of volunteer service – and maintaining our shopping volunteer record! —Carmina Carper and Kelly Kaelin, Doorways Volunteers since 2008
Helping People
Helping People
I went to school for seven years to become a physical therapist. I had always wanted to build a career that allowed me to spend my days “helping people”. Once grad school was completed and board exams were passed, I moved to Arlington. After finding a job as a physical therapist and settling into my apartment with my college roommate, I started to embrace the community of Arlington. Through the numerous outdoor activities, races, farmers markets and happy hours, I was fortunate to meet a lot of great people and started to feel at home. But once the “newness” wore off, I found that something was missing. I started to look for volunteer opportunities in Arlington and ran across Doorways for Women and Families on a community website.
After attending training, I knew that this was the right organization to dedicate my time to. Everyone I encountered was positive and truly believed in the causes they were supporting. What separates Doorways from other organizations is that they provide not just “shelter” but an entire experience to help clients rebuild their lives. I was amazed that Doorways can offer families parenting support, mental health services for children, financial counseling and court advocacy services. Families are not only given an opportunity to get back on their feet but they are provided with the tools to make it happen themselves.
After volunteering with Doorways for over a year, I have seen many families successfully complete the program. Parents begin careers, children excel in school and families are brought closer together. I even had the opportunity to meet a family from a small town that I also had family in, teaching me that anyone can be a victim of homelessness. Doorways has taught me how to communicate with people from different backgrounds and be empathetic towards those in their most difficult times. Doorways reminds me to stay grounded and appreciate the hard work that all community service organizations provide to bring the community together. Doorways make me proud to be an Arlington resident. Volunteering at Doorways truly allows me to spend my days “helping people”. —Jen Little, Doorways Volunteer since 2010
Journey to Confidence
Journey to Confidence
I volunteer for numerous organizations and wanted to add another one to my list. Many months before I became a Doorways volunteer, I attended their Brighter Futures Breakfast. I got to hear a few former Doorways clients speak. One of the former clients told the story of how she went from living in her car to becoming self-sufficient and being able to provide a better life for herself and her son. This cemented my interest in volunteering at Doorways.
It took a while before I became an actual volunteer. Due to scheduling conflicts, I would not be able to start training to be a volunteer until the winter of 2011. At first I thought I would be a storage volunteer, working in the Family Home’s basement storage room, sorting goods and supplies and minding my own business. But I felt it would be a better idea to be a Family Home coverage volunteer. It was a chance for me to stop hiding and to put myself in the forefront.
The training was an interesting experience. I learned a lot, met great people, and even won a Doorways clip magnet for managing to memorize the names of all my fellow volunteers-in-training without the use of name tags. I achieved that because I care about people and feel that remembering names is a sign of respect.
During a shadowing session before I was set to start my first shift as a Family Home Coverage Volunteer, one of the former evening Home Coordinators left me with parting words that I will never forget: “You can make no mistakes.” Just showing up to volunteer was enough, and even though I’d be flying solo covering the weekend shifts, I knew I had on-call support if need be.
I was nervous during my first few shifts. Some clients felt I overdid my walk-throughs, and I got a few phone calls that threw me off guard. Speaking to the on-call staff during these times was a great help, and as time passed I’ve become more confident in who I am as a Doorways volunteer. I am more familiar with Doorways’ policies, answer the phone more confidently, and some clients have even warmed up to me.
I also spent a year as a Read-Aloud Volunteer at Doorways via The Reading Connection, an organization that works to share the joys of reading with at-risk youth. Volunteering in the reading program was very important to me as a woman of color. Growing up, I loved to read and was made fun of because reading was a “white” thing to do. When children of color see an adult of color loving to read, it lets these kids know that reading isn’t something that only one race enjoys, it is something everyone should enjoy. The same goes for being a coverage volunteer of color. While I may not have been through the same experiences as Doorways’ clients have, it helps for them to see a “familiar face.”
It has been one year since I’ve started as a coverage volunteer at Doorways. As I submit this story, I have clocked almost 70 hours at the Family Home providing coverage and counting. It’s been a great experience so far, and I look forward to what the future at Doorways will bring. —Dienna Howard, Doorways Volunteer since 2011
Silly, Playful, Resilient Kids
Silly, Playful, Reslient Kids
I started volunteering with the Children’s Program because I think that kids ought to be kids. By the time the children are a part of Doorways, they may have experienced and lived through things that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. So I want these children to understand that it’s ok to just be a kid—to giggle, to play, to run around, make up games, and to just be silly. I also want them to see that there are other people who care about them, even if we haven’t ever met before. I’m not so idealistic to think that every child that I get the chance to interact with is forever changed, but if he or she feels a little more special—even in that hour or two—then I accomplished what I hoped for.
What I didn’t expect about volunteering with the Children’s Program was that the kids would have such an effect on me. There is something truly amazing about the resiliency in each one of them. They are still bright, kind and full of energy after everything they have been through. Being around them always leaves me inspired to be better in my own life and keeps me coming back. —Melissa Kenney, Doorways Volunteer since 2011
Career Change
Career Change
Volunteering for Doorways for the past three years has been an enlightening experience because it made me realize what my biggest strength is: compassion. That awareness has now led me toward a completely different career path from five years working in Human Resources in the corporate world, to where I am now working as a case manager in the non-profit world. I’ve also been considering pursuing my Masters in Social Work!
Our clients, and I think just people in general, want to know they have someone on their side who is looking out for their best interests in a caring and non-judgmental way. Doorways is an incredibly organized and well-run non-profit that promotes a culture of compassion and readily prepares volunteers to be a guiding and supporting resource for our clients. My interactions with Doorways’ clients have changed me personally in a positive and fulfilling way.
—Jacky Casumbal, Doorways Volunteer since 2009Volunteer Voices
Volunteers are an important and valued part of the Doorways team. Their volunteer service inspires staff, clients, and often the volunteer themself. Learn how volunteering has impacted the lives of our volunteers by reading their stories below.
Stepping Stones
Small stepping stones leading up to a welcoming front door. That’s what I think of when I explain how Doorways became a part of my life… read more
A Special Place
I began my Doorways training six months ago, signing up after a night on patrol with the Arlington Police Department woke me up to a variety of issues in our community. I was appalled at many of the things I saw, and Doorways gave me an outlet for the emotions running through me… read more
Career Change
Volunteering for Doorways for the past three years has been an enlightening experience because it made me realize what my biggest strength is: compassion. That awareness has now led me toward a completely different career path… read more
Silly, Playful, Resilient Kids
I started volunteering with the Children’s Program because I think that kids ought to be kids. By the time the children are a part of Doorways, they may have experienced and lived through things that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. So I want these children to understand that it’s ok to just be a kid—to giggle, to play, to run around, make up games, and to just be silly… read more
Journey to Confidence
At first I thought I would be a storage volunteer, working in the Family Home’s basement storage room, sorting goods and supplies and minding my own business. But I felt it would be a better idea to be a Family Home coverage volunteer. It was a chance for me to stop hiding and to put myself in the forefront… read more
Shopping Buddies
I’m not going to lie—my decision to volunteer at Doorways wasn’t completely selfless… read more
Helping People
I went to school for seven years to become a physical therapist. I had always wanted to build a career that allowed me to spend my days “helping people”... read more
A Few Words
Sometimes it only takes a few words to transform an experience… read more
Caring Community
Doorways runs on in-kind donations from The Caring Community. With these donations the shelters and the HomeStart program are able to provide more than just shelter. These donations allow Doorways to help families on the path to stability and independence.Team up with your friends, co-workers and families and get involved in Doorways’ Caring Community!
How can I get involved?
Individuals
- Caring Community On Call
Like all families, our clients have ongoing needs outside of basic household essentials. Because of this, we are frequently looking for new or gently used items such as strollers, car seats and pack n’ plays.Sign up for our email list to receive updates on current ongoing needs. Don’t forget to check the box next to “updates on needs for goods and services” under your interests!
- Check out our Amazon Wishlist to see what household items our families currently need.
Groups and Organizations
Doorways gratefully accepts in-kind donations of new, never opened personal care products and household items at the end of every month. Check out our how to guide for groups or simply pick a month and an item from the list below to donate:
- toilet paper
- paper towels
- laundry detergent
- trash bags
- baby wipes
- diapers
- feminine products
Let Doorways know when and what you want to donate by contacting Wyatt Schroeder by phone at (703) 504-9283 or by email at wschroeder@doorwaysva.org.Thank you to our wonderful Caring Community Members!
With your continued support, Doorways is able to help women and families on the path to safe and stable lives. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.
FY11 Doorways 990
Happy Mother’s Day from Doorways!
This is a weekend to celebrate the women who have positively impacted our lives. At Doorways, we want to take a moment to appreciate the courageous community members who have reached out and touched the lives of the women we serve.
A special thank you to all who participated in our annual Mother’s Day Cards program. We are grateful for your generosity in supporting the women and families at Doorways, while honoring loved ones in your life.
What’s Going On at Doorways?
Mother’s Day is May 13th, 2012, but it’s never to early to start thinking about the special women in your life! Click here to learn more and to order Doorways’ Mother’s Day Cards!FY11 Audited Financial Statements
Manager of Human Resources
87 Cents Donate Box
Reward Your Volunteering!
See the Impact We Made Together
We are proud to show you the breadth of the impact that you have helped us make this past fiscal year. View our Annual Report here. In fiscal year 2011, Doorways served 2,115 women, men, and children and helped them achieve the following:
- 89% of clients met goals of increased safety and stability
- 93% of parents surveyed reported saw their family strengthened and stabilized
- 100% of families participating in our Financial Independence Track developed financial goal plans to reduce debt and restore healthy finances
We are excited to continue partnering with you as we continue the critical work of serving people experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness.
Doorways Safehouse saves women, children, and pets from domestic violence
2007-2008 Annual Report
2010-2011 Annual Report
FY10 Audited Financial Statements
FY10 Doorways 990
Winter 2010 Newsletter
Fall 2010 Newsletter
Fall 2011 Newsletter
Annual Report
Publications
Spring Benefit Information
Phone: 703-504-9289
Fax: 703-522-4338
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thank You for Making the Holidays Special
It is a new year and, due to your generosity, so many women and families in our community have been given a new opportunity to achieve their dreams.
We cannot thank you enough for the kindness you have shown and the gifts you have given. We look forward to another year working with you to ensure that all of our neighbors have safe and stable lives.
FY09 Doorways 990
Board of Directors
Shelley Goode (President)
Charles Adkins-Blanch
Jim Arnold (Treasurer)
Alice Barrett
Christina Cole
Rebecca Collins
Nicholas Evans (Past President)
Stephen Fedorchak (Secretary)
Monica M. Gardner
Erik Gutshall
John Kell
Jeanne Mahoney
Justin Miller
Christine Leonhardt-Kimm
Joanne Petty
Emily Nack
Lynne Strobel
Russell Rosenberger
Tracy Walker
Alisa Wong
Monte Zaben
Charles Adkins-Blanch
Shelley Goode (President)
Alice Barrett
Christina Cole
Rebecca Collins
Jim Arnold (Treasurer)
Nicholas Evans (Past President)
Stephen Fedorchak (Secretary)
Erik Gutshall
Monica M. Gardner
Jeanne Mahoney
Justin Miller
Christine Leonhardt-Kimm
Joanne Petty
Emily Nack
Lynne Strobel
Russell Rosenberger
Tracy Walker
Alisa Wong
Share the Gifts of the Season
The holidays bless us with gifts - the greatest of which is a healthy family with a safe home to call their own. This season, share your gifts with the families of Doorways as they work toward a safe home for the holidays. To know the impact that you can make on families in our community, please, read the story of Trey: “I have so much love for this organization and for the impact it makes on women and families. It is a chance to start over; a place to catch your breath and rebuild.” - Trey Walker, Board Member & Former Client
Share Your Gifts with the Families at Doorways
Join Trey in helping ensure that her happy ending is just one of many. Discover the 6 ways to get involved with Doorways for Women and Families this holiday season
Shereé Harmon
Holiday Wishes
Freddie Mac and Doorways - In Partnership Together
Help the Homeless Walks
Howl-o-Ween Dog Walk for the Homeless
Saturday, October 29th
11 - 1pm at Clarendon Dog ParkDress your four-legged friend up and compete in our Dog Costume Contest with the chance of winning not just pride but prizes too. Come out and walk with us to support our programs and raise awareness to domestic violence. Your dog will not want to miss this. Learn more and register for the event here.
National Help the Homeless Walkathon
Saturday, November 19th
7:00am on National Mall between 9th and 12th Streets, Washington, DCThis year marks the last National Help the Homeless Walkathon. Let’s make sure the entire country knows about the problems facing the homeless not just in Arlington but across the country. Walk with us on the National Mall. To learn more and register go here. Remember to select “Doorways for Women and Families” as your beneficiary when you register. We’ll see you on the Mall!
Get Our Newsletter Online
Help us Save Trees and Money
We hope you enjoyed our print newsletter and all the program updates, client stories and opportunities for involvement it offered. We are committed to providing you that same information; you just will be able to share in that content from the comfort of your email box.
Please, enter your email address in the box below.
If you have any questions about our print newsletter going online and what this means for you, do not hesitate to contact Wyatt at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Join us for our Dog Walk for the Homeless
Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk for the Homeless
Thank you to all who participated in Doorways’ Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk for the Homeless! Stay tuned for pictures of the event!Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk for the Homeless
Basic Needs for Back to School
Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk for the Homeless
UPDATE:
Thank you to evenryone who joined us on Sunday, November 6th for the walk! Click here to see our wonderful participants!
Description: Bring your dogs dressed in their “Howl-O-Ween” finest for a mini-walk to support Doorways for Women and Families! All human participants will help Doorways to reach our walker goal for the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon, while our animal participants will get the chance to compete for prizes from local pet store merchants, including Wylie Wagg and Kissable Canine.
Registration: You can register online at the Help the Homeless website, or the day of the event (you can print out this form and fill it out prior to the event as well). One form per person. $30 for adults and $20 for youth 25 and under. Pets are free!Thank you to Sponsors:
Caring Hands Animal Hospital
Wylie Wagg
Kissable Canine
Arlington Business and Civic CircleIn-Kind Sponsors:
Pacers Running Stores
For Pets’ Sake
Unleashed by PetCo
Muddy Mutts
Rocklands Barbequeand to Goetz Printing for advertisement design and production
Our Brighter Futures Breakfast was a Success
Thank You for Your Generosity
Last Friday, over 200 compassionate members of the community, joined us for breakfast. The event once again showed just how giving a community ours is and went a long to building brighter futures for the women and families that come through our doorways.
If you were unable to join us, we want you to know the true inspiration behind the Brighter Futures Breakfast. Hear the stories of Joana and four other women who have benefited from the generosity.
Brighter Futures Tour
Back to School Campaign
Donate $10 to send children Back to School!
The children in our programs are preparing like the rest of the community to go back to school. But, we need to support them to ensure they have all the opportunities and resources that their classmates have.
We are asking for you to donate $10 to support the children in our programs. But, don’t stop there. Tell your friends about the barriers that children experiencing homelessness and abuse face.
Donate Your $10 Now!
How Can I Spread the Word?
- Like Us on Facebook (click the “like” icon below to repost this Back to School message on your wall)
- Follow Us on Twitter (reTweet our messages so that we ensure a good school year)
-
Email Your Friends (click on this link and start emailing away. Email is not dead!)
Back to School
Opening a New Door for Women and Families
Facebook Like Button
Law Protects More Dating Partners
Brighter Futures Breakfast
Dating Partners Eligible for Protective Orders in Virginia
Behind the Career: Finding her place in the Nonprofit World
Fathers are Family - In Shelter Too
Support Children Like Kelly
Spring Renewal Campaign!
Kelly loved many typical 8-year old things, like the stuffed giraffe that she carried with her at all times. But, Kelly struggled with things most children this age do not. Despite coming to our shelter where she was safe from abuse, Kelly feared falling asleep. Read the rest of the story and the hopeful ending here!
Please contribute to our Spring Renewal Campaign today and help reduce the number of children like Kelly who face these extraordinary challenges in our community.
Spring Renewal
Spring Renewal
Caroline Jones: People on the Move
Caroline Jones Named Executive Director
Caroline Jones Appointed as new Doorways Executive Director
Keller Williams Helps Doorways
Doorways participates in conference on DV and Financial Literacy hosted by Treasury Department
Children Should Know About Homelessness
Wyatt Schroeder
Doorways has Moved!
A New Home for Doorways’ Offices in Arlington
We are excited to have a new space for our Administrative and HomeStart offices as we continue to deliver strength-based, supportive services to the women and families of our community.
Please, read the following important information:
- You can reach the Administrative and HomeStart offices at 703-504-9400. For a list of each staff members direct number, see below.
- You can continue to reach us by mail at P.O. Box 100185, Arlington, VA 22210.
- Our e-mail is up and running, so reach out to us today to see how you can get involved with our services.
- The Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home can still be reached at (703) 907-0022.
- The 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline can still be reached at (703) 237-0881.
Below is a Staff listing for our new office with each staff member’s direct phone number and extension number:
Administration
Name Direct Line Extension Caroline Jones (703) 504-9272 x272 Marielle Filholm (703) 504-9274 x274 Tyna Gaylor (703) 504-9285 x285 Lila Reinold (703) 504-9286 x286 Jean-Marie DeanWatson (703) 504-9287 x287 Susan Hennessy (703) 504-9288 x288 HomeStart, FIT and Children’s Program
Name Direct Line Extension Julie Faden-Shifrin (703) 504-9273 x273 Amity Kim (703) 504-9279 x279 Blanca Siles (703) 504-9280 x280 Tayler Moots (703) 504-9276 x276 Carroll Martin (703) 504-9277 x277 Hazzel Savarvia (703) 504-9278 x278 Ketourah Harden (703) 504-9281 x281 Luz-Maria Fernandez (703) 504-9282 x282 Development
Name Direct Line Extension Scott Perkins (703) 504-9289 x289 Heather O’Malley (703) 504-9290 x290 Laura Pennycuff (703) 504-9294 x294 Kerry Lombard (703) 504-9291 x291 Lara Lukaszek (703) 504-9293 x293 Simone Schonenberger (703) 504-9284 x284 Wyatt Schroeder (703) 504-9283 x283 Spring Benefit at Lyon Hall!
Caroline Jones Named new Executive Director
It gives me great pleasure as Board Chair to announce the appointment of Caroline Jones as Doorways’ new Executive Director. Caroline has a long history of successfully bringing the mission and spirit of Doorways to life for clients, staff, supporters and the wider community. Most recently, she stepped in to serve as Interim Executive Director while the board of directors conducted a formal search for the permanent position.
Please, join me in congratulating Caroline as she removes “Interim” from her title and continues to lead Doorways with the enthusiasm and commitment she has shown for so many years! You can read more about Caroline here.
Also, please read the official announcement of Caroline’s appointment here.
Best wishes,
Nicholas Evans
Board Chair
Doorways for Women and Families
Fathers are Family. Honor them this Father’s Day
Father’s Day, June 19, 2011
Design created by designs | reflect LLC A Doorways Father to Honor
With both children showing signs of cognitive delays as well as emotional difficulties, Jim knew he needed to show his children that they had a loving, supportive father. But, if he couldn’t hold them or run with them, how could he be a good parent?
Read the rest of Jim’s Story to see we help our Doorways Dads succeed.
Support the fathers in our programs by honoring the fathers in your lives. Send them a Doorways Father’s Day Card and show them your love.
Click here to order your card(s) online today!
Doorways has Moved!
Doorways is proud to announce that our Administrative and HomeStart offices have found a new home. You can now reach our Admin and HomeStart staff at (703) 504-9400.
For direct numbers for staff members at our new office and to see more pictures of our new office, click here!
Cell Phone Program
Talk to your Family about Ours
Talking to your Children about Family Homelessness
We call it our Family Home for a reason. Many children who arrive at the Family Home have spent weeks or months living on couches and doubling up with relatives, friends, or even those they barely know. At the Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home we offer a place for kids, a playroom designed especially for them, support groups focused on helping them adjust to their new home, and individualized attention and goals set for each child. This month, we are encouraging parents to talk to their kids about family homelessness. Talk to your family about ours. Parents are often unsure about talking to their kids about homelessness. Isn’t it uncomfortable? How do we approach the issue of homelessness with the children in our program?
“Many of the children who come to Doorways are aware that they do not have a permanent home, we work with parents to ensure their children feel safe, comfortable, and most importantly can enjoy being a child,” Amity Kim, Children Services’ Program Director at Doorways explains, “But for the children in our community, it’s important to know that homelessness is more than the man on the street. Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.”
We want to empower parents everywhere to have conversations with your children about homelessness. Do not be afraid to start that conversation early. But, don’t worry there is help. We recommend using books like those by Ralph Da Costa-Nunez such as Our Wish which follows Dr. Bun E. Rabbit and her family as they learn what a home means to them.
“It’s a conversation that can happen over time, sharing information as appropriate to your child’s age and level of understanding,” Amity reminds parents.
Tonight, we have children at our Family Home that are acting like kids. They are playing, running, falling and laughing. We encourage you to talk to your children about the kids tonight in our community still learning what a home means to them. Please, during this month talk to your family about ours.
Cell Phone Recycling Program
Recycle Your Cell Phones to Benefit Doorways
Recycling your phone will provide the needed funds to give a home to those fleeing abuse or homelessness. Answer the Call by donating your cell phone today to help a Doorways family in need.
Doorways has formed a new partnership with Cellular Recycler to turn your old cell phones into cash. Hosting a collection drive at your work, your faith organization, or anywhere else in the community is a low maintenance and free option when deciding how you would like to help Doorways.
Why should your organization or group join Doorways’ Cell Phone Program?
- • Recycling cell phones raises money to support Doorways’ award-winning programs
- • We offer free collection boxes and shipping slips to make collecting easy
- • Helps not only the environment by recycling but also helps you de-clutter your life
Get started today! Follow these steps:
- 1. Think about how you would like to collect the phones. Cellular Recycler, our recycling partner, accepts other small electronics, in addition to cell phones, which can be recycled for cash, including iPods, digital cameras, gaming consuls, and PDA’s. You can ask family and friends or organize a drive at your work, your faith organization, your school, or any other community location.
- 2. Once you’ve decided where you would like to collect cell phones, order your free collection box by clicking on the icon below. Your box(es) should arrive within one week.
- 3. Place the box in a high-trafficked area to collect the most cell phones.
- 4. Once the box has filled or once you have at least 10 cell phones, you can either seal that box or place the cell phones in a different box to continue your collection drive for weeks, months, or years. Then, print out your free UPS label to ship your cell phones directly to Cellular Recycler on our behalf by clicking on the icon below.
- 5. Within one to two weeks of shipment, you will receive an invoice by e-mail from Cellular Recycler informing you of the items that they have received.
- 6. Continue the drive for as long or as short as you would like, shipping cell phones as the box becomes full. If your collection box becomes worn, just fill out the form to receive a new one.
- 7. If you have any questions, please e-mail or call Wyatt Schroeder, Communication and Outreach Coordinator, at wschroeder@DoorwaysVA.org or (703) 504-9283.
Two More Affordable Apartments to Prevent Homelessness
From Left: Nina Janopaul, President and CEO, APAH, Doorways’ Client, Caroline Jones, Interim Executive Director, and Nicholas Evans, Board President, Doorways
With the purchase of two more units, Doorways for Women and Families now has a 31 percent ownership stake in affordable housing units here in Arlington, which are owned and managed by the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), the only nonprofit affordable housing developer to work exclusively in and for Arlington County.
This unique partnership between the two organizations will enable us to house five families in family-sized, safe and stable apartments at extremely low rents while providing needed social services to help keep them in their home.
“APAH is committed to helping strengthen the Arlington community by ensuring that affordable housing options are available. Our partnership with Doorways is an important part of this work and ensures that more low-income families stay housed,” said Nina Janopaul, President and CEO, APAH.“This is a major milestone that will keep more families in our community from experiencing homelessness. By owning five apartments, we’re able to expand the safety net for more vulnerable families, providing them with a quality place to live and services to stabilize their lives,” explained Caroline Jones, our Interim Executive Director.
Read More About Our Partnership with APAH and Our Efforts to Prevent Homelessness
Two More Affordable Apartments to Prevent Homelessness
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Buttressing the Legal Safety Net by Caroline Jones
Teen Dating Violence Awareness
Those at Greatest Risk are the Least Protected
The 24-hour Hotline rings at our Domestic Violence Program. Madison, a 17-year old Arlington resident, is looking for help. Wait. Can teens be survivors of domestic violence? They may not be married, they may not share a child and they may not live with their abusers, but anyone being abused needs protection, right? Dating violence does not discriminate based on age. In fact, women ages 16 to 24 are at the highest risk of dating violence. Doorways responds to survivors like Madison based on their safety needs not their age. “When the hotline rings, our staff understand that the person who is calling needs help,” Marielle Filholm, Client Services Director for Doorways for Women and Families said, “Depending on their unique circumstances, our staff offers a variety of ways to enhance their safety.”However, current Virginia law does not treat dating violence as equal to domestic violence. The law on the books does not extend to those like Madison who are dating and enduring unreported abuse, whether a teenager or not. “Until this law changes,” Marielle continued, “our staff is not able to offer the civil protection of a protective order through the support of our Court Advocate.”
Doorways supports the effort in the Virginia General Assembly to give much needed legal protection to dating partners that seek a protective order against their abusers. Abuse is abuse no matter your age and we need to say so. Check out our blog to Take Action on Dating Violence.
Welcome Caroline Jones, Interim Executive Director!
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Doorways for Women and Families, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Jones, MSW as Doorways’ Interim Executive Director. Caroline previously was the Client Services Director for seven years and served as a member of the agency’s executive leadership team responsible for agency operations and management.
Caroline Jones has more than 18 years of service to at-risk children and families, and has vast
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experience with direct client services, mutual competency models of leadership, advocacy, program development and community partnerships. At Doorways, she led the implementation of a number of key programs including HomeStart Supportive Housing, Children’s Services and Mental Health Services and the Financial Independence Track.
The Board remains committed to the organization and to supporting Caroline during this transition. Over the next few weeks the Board will launch a search for a permanent executive director.
Sincerely,
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Nicholas Evans
Board President
Fundraising Events
- Tuesday, May 15th, 7:00 - 9:30pm Arlington Young Democrats Charity Date Auction
Education Events
- Thursday, June 14th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Brighter Futures Tour
- Thursday, May 17th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Brighter Futures Tour
