Local Nonprofit Raises $5.2 Million toward $10-Million Goal
Arlington, VA – January 17, 2017 – Doorways for Women and Families, a nonprofit, community service organization that creates pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault leading to safe, stable and empowered lives, announced that their Campaign for Brighter Futures reached its halfway point. Eighteen months into the three-year comprehensive fundraising campaign, Doorways raised $5.2 million toward their $10-million goal.
The Campaign for Brighter Futures, which began with a quiet phase in 2015 followed by a public launch last fall, will conclude in 2018, marking Doorways’ 40th anniversary. The campaign is part of Doorways’ strategic plan to address the increasing demand for safety, the growing complexity in the needs of survivors and families seeking self-sufficiency, and the uncertain, restrictive funding climate that threatens the ability to deliver lasting change in their client’s well-being. By engaging the Arlington community and increasing private, philanthropic investment in the areas of safety, stability and sustainability, Doorways seeks to interrupt cycles of poverty and violence that keep many generations of families locked in struggle, unlocking the potential of the thousands of women, men and children they serve each year.
“Imagine a community where a person’s potential isn’t limited by homelessness or abuse,” said Doorways President and CEO Caroline Jones. “Together, we can ensure that our generation and the ones to come have an immediate response to crisis, safe housing, and the therapeutic services needed to heal and build the brightest possible future.”
“Imagine a community where a person’s potential isn’t limited by homelessness or abuse.”
Over the last few years, calls to Doorways’ 24-hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline have increased more than 50 percent; in the last year alone, Doorways’ hotline response impacted 2,206 adults and children, a record high in the organization’s history. Furthermore, Doorways has seen a disturbing trend in the faces of homelessness as their clients have gotten younger and younger; nearly 40 percent of families served were headed by an adult age 25 or younger. Enhanced services already underway include the Pathways for Youth Service Model, which aims to end homelessness where it often begins, with vulnerable young people in our community, and the Revive Domestic & Sexual Violence Counseling Program.
“Throughout the past four decades, we have listened to our clients to develop an effective and comprehensive response to homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault in our community,” Jones said. “Most recently, our response has evolved to include developmentally targeted services for youth and young families, as well as Revive, a dedicated counseling program serving survivors of all ages who’ve experienced domestic and sexual violence. These pathways fill critical gaps in our community, empowering more people to escape harmful cycles and achieve safety and stability sooner, creating an incredible legacy for their families and for Arlington.”
To join Doorways in creating pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault leading to safe, stable and empowered lives, visit www.DoorwaysVA.org. If you or someone you know is being hurt by or fearful of their partner, you are not alone. Please call Doorways’ 24-Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at (703) 237-0881.
About Doorways for Women and Families:
Doorways for Women and Families is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that envisions a community where all people live free of violence and have safe and stable housing. Since 1978, we have worked to transform the lives of women and families who are facing homelessness or suffering from abuse. Providing multiple pathways that can be tailored to each individual’s needs, including an immediate, safe response, shelter, supportive housing, and comprehensive support services, Doorways meets both the immediate and long-term needs of our clients and addresses the economic and societal issues that lead to violence, poverty and family homelessness. Thanks to community partnerships and the generosity of our supporters, Doorways creates pathways out of crisis leading to safe, stable and empowered lives. Join us online at www.DoorwaysVA.org.
Contact:
Linley Beckbridge
Communications and Outreach Manager
Doorways for Women and Families
LBeckbridge@DoorwaysVA.org
(703) 504-9283
Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures seeks to build a stronger, safer community by breaking the cycles of poverty and violence that keep many generations of families locked in struggle. The need for Doorways’ programs and services has never been greater. Over the past two years, every Doorways program serving survivors of violence has grown. Last year, Doorways responded to 1,347 calls to their 24-hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (703-237-0881) impacting 2,206 adults and children – a record number in the organizations 38 year history. Furthermore, Doorways has seen a disturbing trend in the faces of homelessness as their clients have gotten younger and younger; nearly 40 percent of families are headed by an adult age 25 or younger.
The Campaign for Brighter Futures is part of Doorways’ strategic plan that addresses the increasing demand for safety, the growing complexity in the needs of survivors and families seeking self-sufficiency, and the uncertain, restrictive funding climate that threatens the ability to deliver lasting change in their client’s well-being. Enhanced services already underway include the Pathways for Youth Service Model, which aims to end homelessness where it often begins, with vulnerable young people in our community, and Doorways’ Revive Counseling Program, which serves survivors of every age who have experienced intimate partner violence.
More than 300 people attended the breakfast, giving a total of $310,000 toward the $10-million campaign goal. The event was made possible by Brighter Futures Sponsors – The Keri Shull Team & Orange Line Living; Economic Independence Sponsors – Clark Construction and Shooshan Company; Future Response Sponsors – Arlington Community Foundation, First Virginia Community Bank, John Marshall Bank, Transurban and Ward Chisholm, PC; Media Sponsor – Arlington Magazine; Printing & Graphics Sponsor – Signs by Tomorrow Arlington; and Nonprofit Partner Sponsor – Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). Combined with lead campaign gifts made before the public launch, Doorways has raised nearly 45 percent of the $10-million campaign goal. Doorways aims to meet their goal in 2018, the year of their 40th anniversary.
