“I didn’t realize what Doorways did until I started looking at it and now I feel a part of it,” says Lindsey Rosenthal, one of the Yorktown students conducting a toy drive for Doorways this holiday season. Read more (scroll to page 3).
Category Archives: Fundraising
“Shed Your Coat” at Rocklands Arlington on May 3
Patio Officially Opens with 10th Annual Pig-and-Oyster Roast Benefiting Doorways
After this cool spring, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company in Arlington invites neighbors and friends to come together to welcome warmer weather with a special anniversary celebration. On Thursday, May 3, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., Rocklands will officially kick off patio season with an evening of food and drink to benefit Doorways for Women and Families. Guests will mingle on the patio enjoying barbecued pork, fresh oysters roasted over a wood fire, and a selection of Rocklands’ signature sides. Rocklands will tap a keg from Right Proper Brewing Company just for the event and offer a selection of wine from the bar.
This year marks Rocklands’ 10th annual fundraising event for Doorways, as well as Doorways’ 40th anniversary. To celebrate these milestones, Rocklands aims to bring community members together to raise $10,000 to support youth and young families transitioning out of homelessness.
“This year, we have a special goal for this event. We are hoping to raise $10,000—a record for this event—to support young adults and families at Doorways as they transition out of homelessness into homes of their own,” said John Snedden, owner of Rocklands. “We are proud to help this vulnerable population achieve stability by investing in this critical step toward the bright future ahead.”
This year, we have a special goal for this event. We are hoping to raise $10,000—a record for this event—to support young adults and families at Doorways as they transition out of homelessness into homes of their own.
Along with the rest of the nation, Arlington County is disturbing trends for youth ages 16 to 24. Not only are young people the fastest growing segment of homeless population, but also the most at-risk group for first-time domestic and sexual violence. In Doorways’ Domestic Violence Safehouse and our Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home, these very young households now comprise 40 percent of clients. Doorways’ Pathways for Youth service model tailors the organization’s existing programs and services to meet the unique needs of youth and young families.
“Most of us just don’t know how many young people are living in unsafe and unstable conditions,” said Caroline Jones, MSW, Doorways’ President and CEO. “With and without children, some are still in high school, some are in violent relationships, and some simply have no safe place to live. By intervening early, we can begin to end the cycles of homelessness and abuse that impact so many young people in our community.”
Proceeds from Rocklands’ event will go directly to supporting young people as they transition from homelessness to safe, stable long-term supportive housing. Rocklands is donating all the food, beer and wine so 100 percent of the ticket price goes directly to Doorways. Tickets to the event are $35 (kids under 10 eat for free), and can be purchased online at www.DoorwaysVA.org/Rocklands2018 or at the door. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. For $40, a special 40th anniversary ticket includes food, drink and two raffle tickets. Raffle prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants and shops and more.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our anniversary with Rocklands’ 10th annual ‘Shed Your Coat’ event,” said Jones. “It’s partnerships like this one that have made the last 40 years possible. Year after year, we are honored to be joined by so many of neighbors offering their support. On behalf of everyone at Doorways, we are so grateful for your investment in our clients’ futures and for your renewed commitment to our newest initiatives to help youth achieve stability.”
Expanded Services Prove Pivotal to Arlington’s Response to Abuse and Homelessness
Content warning: This post includes vivid descriptions of physical abuse.
Doorways for Women and Families Meets Growing, Increasingly Complex Needs
“My son was diagnosed with special needs,” shared Danielle, an Arlington mom of two who is also raising her nephew, at Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures Breakfast. “There was a moment when I was restraining my son, who was having a meltdown. My son actually…leaned forward to try and bite my ex-husband, and so my ex-husband punched him in the face in retaliation. And that was it. That was the moment for me that I was like, ‘I won’t live with this. My son shouldn’t have to live with this.’ He didn’t deserve that.”
“That was the moment for me.”
Danielle, a Doorways graduate, is one of several clients who shared their story at the Campaign for Brighter Futures Breakfast. Hundreds of community members listened as Doorways’ clients and leadership described the challenges facing neighbors like Danielle; how Doorways is responding to their needs through the Campaign for Brighter Futures; and how the community’s support is making a transformative impact.
Danielle came to Doorways with her children to escape from her abusive ex-husband. Beyond basic safety and shelter, she found special accommodations for her son who has autism, dedicated children’s services to help all of her children heal from the abuse they had experienced and witnessed, and support services to help her gain confidence and learn how to maintain her budget and provide for her family on her own. She is now living in her own apartment through Doorways’ HomeStart Supportive Housing Program, empowered and safe.
“While difficult to believe, there are thousands of women, men and children right here in our prosperous community who, to achieve a brighter future, need a safe place to call home and the help of committed and compassionate professionals,” said Michelle Sagatov of the Michelle Sagatov Group, co-chair for the Campaign for Brighter Futures. “The challenges they face don’t always get the most attention, and often times, their voices are not heard. But these challenges, while profound and complex, can be overcome.”
Sagatov expressed Doorways’ deep gratitude for the supporters who gave a total of $6.5 million during the first two years of the Campaign for Brighter Futures, and called on the community to keep up this momentum. “Our work is not over. In this, our final year of the campaign, we must raise an additional $3.5 million in private support in order to ensure that our vital response continues for those in crisis as long as there is a need,” said Sagatov. “Our collective will to turn tragedy into triumph, and despair into hope, will directly fill the gaps we currently face as well as ensure no call for help goes unanswered.”
This past year, Doorways helped more than 3,600 people—almost double the total people the organization served just 3 years ago. In recent years, Doorways has received nearly 1,500 calls per year to its 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (703-237-0881), an increase of more than 60 percent compared to 3 years ago.
“I know these numbers are shocking and not what we expect to hear, especially in a place like Arlington, where so many do so well. Yet, behind these rising numbers, there is positive change happening. By empowering people to know they are in danger, they are empowered to seek the right help. This is positive change,” said Doorways’ President and CEO, Caroline Jones. “I have never felt more proud to live in Arlington—a community with such determined compassion and will to look out for our neighbors,” said Jones. “This is absolutely our community to shape, and your support empowers us to reach our neighbors—to be inventive and bold when we see a need emerging or going unmet.”
Through the Campaign for Brighter Futures, Doorways is addressing this increasing demand for safety, the growing complexity of the needs of survivors and families seeking self-sufficiency, and the uncertain, restrictive funding climate that threatens the nonprofit’s ability to deliver lasting change in clients’ well-being. With funds given to the campaign, Doorways is maintaining their current and newer services that bring people to safety and meeting the long-term, more complex needs of their clients, especially the increasing number of youth and teens seeking help. Doorways is also working to ensure that its many doors will always remain open to all those who need their help tomorrow and in the months and years to come.
“Each part of our mission—from our hotline to our shelters to our services—is essential to the safety, healing and ultimate stability of the women, men and children we serve, especially the increasing number of youth and young families that need housing and support,” said Diana Ortiz, Doorways’ Client Services Director. “We are getting more and more calls for help, and we are able to answer with new and strengthened services. When people are unsafe or in crisis, we cannot tell them to wait. Our programs are transforming lives; we cannot afford to cut their funding. This campaign—our donors, our partners—are making it possible for us to meet our community’s needs in innovative and impactful ways.”
“Each part of our mission—from our hotline to our shelters to our services—is essential.”
“The words ‘thank you’ aren’t big,” Danielle said. “It’s like they don’t mean enough to express how grateful I am for everything that Doorways has done for me and my family, and given me… I think what I’m going to take from this is, it’s so much bigger than just ‘thanks.’”
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/join-our-cause.
The Brighter Futures Breakfast was made possible by the following generous sponsors: Brighter Futures Sponsors – The Keri Shull Team and Orange Line Living; Ensuring Safety Sponsor – AvalonBay Communities; Economic Independence Sponsors – Clark Construction and the Shooshan Company; Strengthening Long-Term Stability Sponsor – The Michele Sagatov Group with Washington Fine Properties; Future Response Sponsors – Crystal City BID, FVC Bank, McGuire Woods, and Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh PC; Community Partner Sponsor – John Marshall Bank; Media Sponsors – Arlington Magazine and Tania Hossain Photography; and Printing and Graphics Sponsor – Image 360 (formerly Signs By Tomorrow).
For Doorways, greater safety-net needs lead to innovative techniques
By Scott McCaffrey
As it moves forward in a three-year, $10 million fund-raising drive, one Arlington-based social-safety-net provider says community support is needed now more than ever.
“This is not a time to roll back the progress we have made. Our work is not over,” said Michelle Sagatov, speaking at an Oct. 13 breakfast sponsored by Doorways for Women and Families.
The “Brighter Futures” breakfast, now in its eighth year, is designed both to introduce the community to Doorways’ work, and encourage them to become boosters of the organization. It takes place annually in October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
A record 450 people were on hand for the 2016 event, held this year at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.
Sagatov is a co-chair of Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures, which over the past year has raised $6.5 million toward its $10 million goal.
“Every single dollar will fill a vital need” in support of Doorways’ work against domestic and sexual abuse, she said.
Among those who can attest to the important of support is Danielle, a Doorways client who left an abusive marriage with several children in tow.
With Doorways’ help, “I’ve found my voice,” Danielle said. Continue reading at InsideNOVA.
“Shed Your Coat” at Rocklands Arlington
Patio Officially Opens on May 4 with Pig-and-Oyster Roast to Benefit Doorways for Women and Families
After this cool spring, the back patio at Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company in Arlington looks pretty inviting. On Thursday, May 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Rocklands will officially kick off patio season with a special evening of food and drink to benefit Doorways for Women and Families. Guests will mingle on the patio munching on pork pulled from a whole roast pig, and fresh oysters roasted over a wood fire. Rocklands will tap a keg from Right Proper Brewing Company just for the event and offer a selection of wine from the bar.
“Doorways does so much good in our community, we’re pleased to be able to help them.”
“This is our ninth year hosting this event for Doorways. Doorways does so much good in our community, we’re pleased to be able to help them,” said Will Van Sant, Assistant Manager of Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company. “And we’ve got just the spot for this party: Our famous patio got new stonework and picnic tables over the winter. We’re already hearing patio-raves from fans. We hope to see many of you on May 4 to support Doorways and test the patio upgrade.”
“We continue to see increases in the demand for services for homeless families and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, so Doorways is grateful that Rocklands has had such unwavering support for us. Shed Your Coat is a wonderful event that helps us increase awareness and renew support among our friends in the Arlington community,” said Caroline Jones, Doorways’ President and CEO.
“Doorways is grateful that Rocklands has had such unwavering support for us.”
Rocklands is donating all the oysters, barbequed pork, sides, beer and wine so 100 percent of the ticket price goes directly to support Doorways’ families and programs. Tickets to the event are $25, and may be purchased online (bit.ly/PigRoast2017) or at the door. Raffle tickets can be bought online or at the door for $5 or 5 for $20. Raffle prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants and shops, DC United gear, a spa package and more. In addition we will be auctioning off a hockey stick signed by Washington Capitals player, Andre Burakovsky #65.
Founded in 1990, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company serves traditional wood-fired barbeque. Rocklands can be found at three locations – in Washington DC, Alexandria and Arlington– and is known for catering all around the region. Rocklands Arlington is located near Virginia Square Metro station (Orange and Silver lines); the 38B bus stops in front of the restaurant; and there is off-street and on-street parking available. For more information please visit our website at www.rocklands.com.
Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures Reaches Halfway Mark
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 Announces Campaign for Brighter Futures at Seventh Annual Breakfast
Event Raises $310,000 Toward $10-Million Campaign Goal
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, proudly announced the Campaign for Brighter Futures at their seventh annual breakfast. The Campaign for Brighter Futures is a three-year, $10-million comprehensive fundraising campaign aimed at engaging the Arlington community and increasing private, philanthropic investment in the areas of safety, stability and sustainability. Over $4 million was given to the campaign by generous philanthropists in advance of the public launch, and an additional $310,000 was raised at the event.
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.
We cannot do less in a time of increasing need.
“We have a solid plan to move forward – to brighter futures for our clients by combining our public support that opens doors to safety – with private support that opens doors to stability,” said Doorways President and CEO Caroline Jones. “We cannot do less in a time of increasing need. Yet, our current and foreseeable resources don’t stretch far enough to keep up. With the right balance of these social investments, we can close this gap and sustain Doorways’ response to create a lasting difference for thousands.”
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.
We are turning to every person in our community to help lift up this organization that lifts up so many.
“The campaign’s goal represents the funding required to meet our annual operating budget for the next three years, as well as the creation of a Sustainability Fund, the purpose of which is to be available for use when our neighbors face new, unanticipated challenges, or when we must keep our many doorways open in the face of economic downturns and losses of funding,” said Yuri Sagatov of Sagatov Design + Build, Doorways board member and co-chair for the Campaign for Brighter Futures. “We are turning to every person in our community to help lift up this organization that lifts up so many.”
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.
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.
Photos by Joyce N. Boghosian of Boghosian/Naltchayan Photography
Doorways kicks off three-year, $10 million funding campaign
by Scott McCaffrey, Staff Writer, Inside NOVA
Life happens, the saying goes, and some years ago, it happened to Alisa Thornton.
A single mother struggling to make ends meet even while working two jobs, Thornton and her children were facing eviction and the prospect of life on the street when they were connected with the staff of Doorways for Women and Families.
The result was a game-changer.
Doorways’ 6th Annual Brighter Futures Breakfast
Community Gives Over $200,000 to Empower Survivors of Homelessness and Abuse
350 people gathered at Doorways’ 6th Annual Brighter Futures Breakfast to celebrate and support survivors
Arlington, VA – October 1, 2015 – Doorways for Women and Families, an Arlington nonprofit creating pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault, proudly announced today that community members gave more than $200,000 during the sixth annual Brighter Futures Breakfast last Friday, September 25.
The event, made possible by lead sponsors AvalonBay Communities, Clark Construction, The Keri Shull Team, Orange Line Living and the Shooshan Company, brought together 350 community members, including local business and civic leaders, government officials, neighborhood associations, faith groups and generous individuals.
“Now, more than ever, we need the support of our community to ensure we can continue to provide assistance to our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Caroline Jones, president and CEO of Doorways. “We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for our services this past year. Calls to our 24-Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline rose by 53 percent, and the number of men, women and children served throughout all our programs grew by 24 percent to 2,708.”
During the one-hour event, Doorways clients shared their incredible journeys out of crisis, illustrating what this community makes possible by supporting Doorways’ mission and programs. “They really understood what I was going through, heard my situation out and decided to help me,” said Alisa, a Doorways graduate from 2009. “They let me know that anything was possible. When you are in a dark place, sometimes it’s hard to see the light. Doorways…turns that light on for you.”
“While we can’t take away all the things that have happened in our clients lives, we can make sure these obstacles and experiences don’t define them or limit their potential,” said Jones. “Some of best people I’ve had the pleasure to know have been the clients at Doorways – people like Alisa and her daughters.”
In addition to the event’s lead sponsors, this Brighter Futures Breakfast was backed by supporting sponsors First Virginia Community Bank and McEnearney Associates; contributing sponsors the Arlington Community Foundation and John Marshall Bank; gift sponsor Donna Hamaker, Realtor of Buck and Associates; and media and promotional sponsors Arlington Magazine and Signs by Tomorrow.
To learn more about family homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault in our community and how you can help address these issues, visit www.DoorwaysVA.org. If you or someone who know are in need of support, being hurt by or fearful of your partner, please call Doorways’ 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at (703) 237-0881.