Category Archives: Press Release

Doorways Appoints Interim President and CEO

Press Release
Maureen Devine-Ahl
Maureen Devine-Ahl

Doorways’ Board of Directors announced that it has appointed Maureen Devine-Ahl, Principal, MK Fundraising Solutions, as the agency’s Interim President and CEO. Devine-Ahl brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership and consulting experience to Doorways, with a personal interest in serving women and families in our local communities. A passionate advocate for the health and well-being of the social sector, Devine-Ahl founded MK Fundraising Solutions (MKFS), a full-service nonprofit consulting firm, in 2014. Since then, she has partnered with more than 20 local, national and international organizations. 

“Maureen comes to Doorways with a passion for our mission, a strong track record, and deep connections to our community,” said Carmen Oviedo, President of Doorways’ Board of Directors. “We look forward to partnering with Maureen to continue moving Doorways’ critical mission forward.”

“Doorways is a cornerstone of hope and healing for Arlington,” said Devine-Ahl. “I am thrilled to partner and serve as Doorways’ interim CEO for this important work.”

Doorways thanks Caroline Jones, MSW, outgoing President and CEO, for her 17 years of service to the organization and its mission. During her tenure, Jones facilitated significant growth in Doorways’ public and private community partnerships and built a strong, stable organization poised to continue strong service to the Arlington community.

Doorways Announces Executive Transition

Press Release

Doorways announced today that the agency’s President and CEO, Caroline Jones, MSW, will be leaving the organization in February. Since 1978, Doorways has operated at the many intersections of homelessness, poverty, and intimate partner violence, responding to community members in crisis. Jones has led the agency for nearly a decade, and served as a key leader of Doorways’ client services for the eight years prior.

“On behalf of the board of directors and everyone at Doorways, we sincerely thank Caroline for her 17 years of service to our mission, both as the agency’s leader and as a prominent voice among local and state advocacy groups and continuums of care,” said Carmen Oviedo, Doorways’ Board President. “Caroline has done a terrific job facilitating significant growth in Doorways’ public and private community partnerships and building a strong, stable organization poised to continue strong service to the people of Arlington County.”

“I have worked with Caroline (…) shoulder to shoulder to prevent and end family and youth homelessness, and to expand services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She is an extraordinary community leader who strives to strengthen and empower vulnerable families through the services at Doorways and through strong partnerships she has built throughout the community,” said Anita Friedman, Director of Arlington County’s Department of Human Services.

The organization is a statewide leader in providing services for people in crisis. While continuing and expanding the fundamental programming that the organization has for decades provided to families experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, under Jones’ leadership Doorways has grown to include Arlington’s comprehensive 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (703-237-0881); Hospital Accompaniment Response Program; Safe Apartments to increase emergency shelter capacity and options for survivors; and the Revive Domestic & Sexual Violence Counseling Program for survivors of all ages. Today, Doorways is Arlington County’s sole domestic and sexual violence service provider, and serves more than 3,000 people each year across its programs.

“I’m honored to have served as Doorways’ leader, and I could not be more proud of all we together achieved,” said Jones, who points to her work with clients as her greatest source of learning and continuous inspiration. Looking forward, “I am excited about what the future holds for Doorways,” Jones shared. “This organization’s response is more critical than ever. I will forever be a donor, advocate and ally to this amazing agency that has inspired and taught me more than words could ever capture.”

“Caroline has galvanized community support and investment in Doorways’ innovative and impactful programming,” said Christy Cole, Chair of Doorways’ Emeritus Board. “Thanks to her leadership and the robust foundation built during her tenure, Doorways is poised to grow even stronger in the years to come.”

“We look forward to the next chapter in Doorways’ service to the community and wish Caroline well in her next role serving Arlington as she joins our long-time community partner, APAH, as Director of Resident Services,” Oviedo said.

Doorways’ Youth Specialist named a “Connect with Kids Champion”

Press Release

Carlyssa Winstead, Doorways’ Youth Specialist, was named a “Connect with Kids Champion” by the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families.

The Connect with Kids Champions award was created by Mary Ann Moran in 2004 as a way to recognize people in the community who go out of their way to develop positive, supportive relationships with youth and inspire others to do so. Learn more.

Doorways Awarded Top Rating from Charity Navigator

Awards and Honors, Press Release

Local Nonprofit Celebrates Anniversary Year with Another 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Doorways’ strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the 10th time that Doorways has earned this top distinction in the last 10 years.

“Doorways’ exceptional four-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our four-star rating. This adds Doorways to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its four-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support Doorways.”

“This adds Doorways to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges.”

Using objective analysis, Charity Navigator awards only the most fiscally responsible organizations a four-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders. On June 1, 2016, Charity Navigator upgraded its methodology for rating each charity’s financial health. These enhancements further substantiates the financial health of four-star charities.

“Receiving our tenth four-star rating during our 40th anniversary year is a testament to Doorways’ ongoing dedication to accountability, transparency and financial integrity,” said Caroline Jones, MSW, Doorways’ President and CEO. “Since 1978, our donors have given to support their neighbors in times of crisis and empower our clients to build futures free of homelessness and abuse. Doorways is proud and thankful to have earned our supporters’ respect, trust and confidence; we could not provide our life-changing programs and services without our donors’ financial investment in our clients’ safety and stability.”

“Doorways is proud and thankful to have earned our supporters’ respect, trust and confidence; we could not provide our life-changing programs and services without our donors’ financial investment in our clients.”

Doorways’ rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

Local Bars and Restaurants Raise Awareness of Sexual Assault

Education, Press Release

Businesses Call on Community to Create Change and Support Survivors

Arlington, VA – April 25, 2018 – For 40 years, Doorways has provided survivors in our community with immediate safety, comprehensive support and therapeutic services that ultimately lead to brighter futures. But they have not done it alone, nor can the organization continue to meet the growing need without the support of the Arlington community. There is a role for all of us in this response, Doorways says, including bars and restaurants.

April Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and several local businesses are partnering with Doorways to raise awareness of the resources available for survivors. This weekend, these bars and restaurants will provide customers with coasters that feature Doorways’ 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (703-237-0881) and the message, “Sexual assault impacts everyone.” Participating businesses include The Liberty Tavern, Lyon Hall, Northside Social, Liberty Barbeque, O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub, and Freddie’s Beach Bar.

“It’s important to raise the awareness that sexual violence happens in our community, that we have a local response through Doorways, and that all of us have a role in supporting survivors,” said Stephen Fedorchak, owner of The Liberty Tavern, Lyon Hall, Northside Social, and Liberty Barbeque. “This is beyond #MeToo or #TimesUp—survivors have stepped forward, and now it’s up to us to respond. We have to make a shift and create lasting change in our culture. That change starts with us. It happens here.”

This is beyond #MeToo or #TimesUp—survivors have stepped forward, and now it’s up to us to respond.

According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, someone experiences sexual assault every 98 seconds. In 2015, Doorways responded to an average of 3 survivor calls per day to their hotline; today, the organization receives 6 calls per day. Now in its second year of operating, Doorways’ Revive Domestic & Sexual Violence Program— which offers trauma-informed short-term counseling tailored to the needs of survivors seeking services due to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and/or stalking—will serve approximately 400 Arlington women, men, youth and children. While these statistics point to an increased willingness to share experiences and seek help, the stories behind the numbers point to an alarming rise in the rate of incidents in Arlington, affecting every demographic.

As Arlington County’s only comprehensive domestic and sexual violence program, in addition to the hotline and Revive, Doorways offers hospital accompaniment provided by a highly trained advocate for survivors who choose to seek medical attention; a bilingual (Spanish and English) Court Advocacy Program; and a Domestic Violence Safehouse.

While bars and restaurants are at the heart of this campaign, Doorways explains that the connection between sexual assault and alcohol is still widely misunderstood. “While perpetrators may use alcohol as a tool to incapacitate their victims, the only person to blame for assault is the one committing the violence. Someone who’s intoxicated cannot consent to sexual activity,” said Christa Carlton, director of Doorways’ Domestic & Sexual Violence Programs. “Sexual violence is never the victim’s fault. It’s on us to believe and support survivors, and never to blame them for what they’ve experienced.”

Sexual violence is never the victim’s fault. It’s on us to believe and support survivors.

As Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month comes to a close, Doorways remains available to survivors, their friends and family and our community all year round. Free and confidential crisis support, information and referrals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through Doorways’ hotline at 703-237-0881. Anyone needing support is encouraged to call Doorways to talk about their situation or that of a loved one.

“Shed Your Coat” at Rocklands Arlington on May 3

Fundraising, Press Release

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

Fundraising, Press Release

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.

Michelle Sagatov

“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.

Caroline Jones

“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).

Doorways Launches Public Service Awareness Campaign

Education, Press Release

Did you know that one in three women and one in four men in the United States will be in violent relationship in their lifetime? What about the fact that families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, now approaching 40 to 50% nationally? Or that every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted.

The truth is that most people don’t know these alarming facts — and, if they do, many don’t realize that it’s happening in their community. That’s right, Arlington: These issues are affecting the women, men and children of our very own county.

For the past 39 years, Doorways for Women and Families has been Arlington’s go-to resource for this escalating need. According to Doorways’ President and CEO, Caroline Jones, “Over the years, our response has grown and developed as we learned more and more about the lasting impacts of trauma and what it takes to not only help women and families escape crisis, but be empowered and achieve stability. Today, our comprehensive response to homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault in our community includes an immediate, safe response to our neighbors in crisis, including Arlington County’s only 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (703-237-0881); safe housing options, from emergency shelter through long-term housing, including Arlington’s only Domestic Violence Safe House, Safe Apartments and Safe Kennel; and comprehensive support services that help our clients achieve and maintain stability.”

What’s surprising though is that “there are still many people who do not know the pervasiveness and impact that homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault have on the member of our community,” Jones says. In response, Doorways is launching a public service awareness campaign to inform people of these startling issues, motivate them to get involved in the cause and even, perhaps, shift the paradigm.

There are still many people who do not know the pervasiveness and impact that homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault have on the members of our community.

Enter: #Knowthe5, a social media campaign for change.

Says Heather O’Malley, Director of Development and Communications: “Through #Knowthe5, we hope to raise critical awareness of the issues facing too many of our neighbors. Once people are aware, they can make a difference; we know that when our community comes together, we can create real and lasting change.”

Supporters are asked to post selfies with their hand held up, palm facing the camera, fingers outstretched, to bring attention to five must-know facts, which will be updated each month to tell the comprehensive story. This strong and recognizable visual will urge our friends, fans and followers alike to stop the vicious cycle of violence, sexual assault and family homelessness and, ultimately, remind us all that change is in our hands.

“Our goal is twofold—first, we hope our community understands that homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault impact thousands of women, men, youth and children here in Arlington, and second, we hope that we empower them to do something about it. From gaining more support for our efforts to serve our neighbors in crisis, to changing conversations around the dinner table, we aim to create real change in our community in many ways, big and small,” O’Malley says.

To find out what the five must-know facts are and to be a part of the change, go to www.DoorwaysVA.org/knowthe5.

Melissa Kenney Wins 2017 Leadership Legacy Award

Awards and Honors, Press Release

Doorways Volunteer Resources Manager Wins Leadership Legacy Award

Melissa Kenney Is the First Recipient of the Volunteer Arlington Award

Melissa Kenney

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, is proud to announce that Melissa Kenney, the organization’s volunteer resources manager, has received the Leadership Center for Excellence’s 2017 Volunteer Arlington Leadership Legacy Award.

“Recipients are selected for their demonstration of leadership in our community and support of the Leadership Center’s mission ‘to enlighten, inspire and connect’ leaders in our community,” the Leadership Center for Excellence said in a statement announcing the 2017 winners. “The recipients also exemplify a variety of leadership capacities, visionary thinking, servant leadership and ethics in thoughts, words and actions.”

Kenney started at Doorways as a volunteer where she logged more than 350 hours in three years helping survivors of sexual and domestic violence and families experiencing homelessness at Doorways’ Domestic Violence Safehouse and Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home. Her roles included answering Doorways’ 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline, providing shelter coverage at the Safehouse, and supporting Children’s Services. Now, she works to train other volunteers to help carryout Doorways’ critical mission, including Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARA volunteers).

“We are so excited that Melissa is being honored this much-deserved recognition,” said Doorways President and CEO Caroline Jones. “Volunteers are critical to Doorways’ day-to-day operations, and Melissa has done exceptional work with volunteer engagement. Her dedicated support of our volunteers and our mission are exemplary, and we are proud to see her work recognized with this award.”

Doorways has three times as many volunteers as staff, and they do everything from front-line service to fundraising. Without volunteers, Doorways couldn’t deliver their life-changing services that put thousands of Arlington community members on paths to brighter futures each year.

“I love working with volunteers because they inspire me every day,” said Kenney. “Our volunteers’ passion, energy and commitment to addressing issues of domestic violence, sexual assault and family homelessness make a real difference in the lives of so many right here in our own community.”

If you are interested in volunteering with Doorways, visit www.DoorwaysVA.org/volunteer to get started.

Announcing 2017 Leadership Legacy Award Winners

From the Leadership Center for Excellence

Leadership Center for Excellence is honored to announce the recipients of the 2017 Leadership Legacy Awards, recognizing outstanding community leaders. The event honoring these leaders will be held on May 24, 2017 from 6:00pm until 9:30pm at Army Navy Country Club. Additionally, the Leadership Legacy Awards will celebrate the graduation of the Leadership Arlington Class of 2017.

This year, Leadership Center for Excellence will present awards in the following areas: Ethics, Community Impact, Nonprofit and Volunteer Arlington. We are excited to announce the following winners:

  • Ethics Award: John J. Brough, Chain Bridge Bank
  • Community Impact Award: HITT Contracting
  • Nonprofit Award: YMCA Arlington
  • Volunteer Arlington Award: Melissa Kenney, Doorways for Women and Families

Recipients are selected for their demonstration of leadership in our community and support of the Leadership Center’s mission “to enlighten, inspire and connect” leaders in our community. The recipients also exemplify a variety of leadership capacities, visionary thinking, servant leadership and ethics in thoughts, words and actions.

Read more

Volunteer Arlington Award

Melissa Kenney, Volunteer Resources Manager for Doorways for Women and Families

This year we have added a new award called the Volunteer Arlington Award. Melissa Kenney of Doorways for Women and Families is receiving this honor. Melissa started at Doorways as a volunteer where she logged more than 350 hours in three years helping homeless families and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Now, Melissa works to train other volunteers and is central to the success of Doorways.

“I love working with volunteers because they inspire me every day,” said Melissa Kenney, Volunteer Resources Manager for Doorways for Women and Families. “Our volunteers’ passion, energy and commitment to addressing issues of domestic violence, sexual assault and family homelessness make a real difference in the lives of so many right here in our own community.”

“We are honored to recognize Melissa Kenney as the recipient of our Volunteer Arlington Award,” said Betsy Frantz, President & CEO of Leadership Center for Excellence. “She truly demonstrates leadership and supports our mission to enlighten, inspire and connect leaders in our community.”

Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures Reaches Halfway Mark

Fundraising, Press Release

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