WASHINGTON – My Sister's Place, the District's oldest domestic violence shelter, will serve nearly 11,000 meals, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation.
Domestic violence pervades the Washington area and has increased due to the weak economy often crossing socio-economic boundaries.
In response, My Sister's Place launched its Sanctuary Plus Shelter Expansion and Renovation Initiative to ensure that women and children fleeing from domestic abuse can rely on the promise of safe sanctuary, instead of returning to a violent home or living on the streets.
Last year, My Sister's Place more than doubled the capacity of its emergency shelter, Sanctuary Place, to serve up to 15 families at once with 45 emergency shelter beds. The 9,000-square-foot, dormitory-style facility features a 24-hour hotline that Verizon sponsored, a children's playroom, a library and computer resource center, and a commercial kitchen. The shelter serves nearly 33,000 nutritious and balanced meals each year that a professional chef prepares.
"We are truly thankful and appreciative of all the support Verizon has given us over the years," said Lauren C. Vaughan, executive director of My Sister's Place. "Support like this enables our organization to continue to offer critical programs and services to area women and children. Verizon's funding helps make the work we do possible."
Karen I. Campbell, Verizon's vice president of government relations – Mid-Atlantic region, said, "Domestic violence is a problem that affects all family members and tears at the fabric of our society. It's good to know that our funding to My Sister's Place will assist those who have been trapped in abusive relationships and are now working to restore their lives."
About My Sister's Place
Since its inception in 1979, My Sister's Place (MSP) has provided comprehensive programs and services that holistically address domestic violence. MSP is part of an interactive community committed to eradicating domestic violence. MSP provides a confidential, 24-hour hotline, safe and confidential emergency shelter, transitional housing, supportive programs, counseling, education and advocacy for battered women and their children. Its goal is to empower women to take control of their own lives. For more information on MSP and to learn how you can help, please go to www.mysistersplacedc.org.
About the Verizon Foundation
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Under the HopeLine from Verizon program, no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories are collected at Verizon Wireless stores, or by mail, to help victims of domestic violence. The devices are refurbished or recycled in an environmentally friendly way. Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 8 million phones, properly disposed of 1.7 million no-longer-used wireless phones, and kept more than 210 tons of electronic waste and batteries out of landfills.
For store locations and to learn how to donate a phone using a postage-paid mailing label, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.
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Washington, DC - On Friday, September 16, 2011, My Sister's Place, Inc. (MSP), Washington, DC's oldest and only confidential domestic violence shelter, hosted British Home Secretary Theresa May, for a private visit.
In the US and Britain, 1 in 4 women experiences domestic violence in her life. Responsible for policing, Secretary May has a specific interest in this globally prevalent issue and the unique challenges it poses. MSP offers a comprehensive approach focused on holistically addressing each of the particular challenges each individual family faces through a confidential 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter and transitional housing, after-care and non-residential programs.
"I was delighted and privileged to be able to visit My Sister's Place during my stay in Washington, DC. I was especially impressed by the dedication of your staff and the vital services you provide. You are clearly doing a hugely important job. Sadly, violence again women is a worldwide problem and it is reassuring to know there are centers like My Sister's Place to provide much-needed help and support," Secretary May told MSP's Executive Director, Lauren C. Vaughan.
May and Vaughan exchanged ideas about addressing domestic violence and discussed the additional obstacles that immigrant families and those with multiple children face. Each year, MSP's residential program serves 180 women and children, offering sanctuary, support and referrals to help clients from DC's diverse backgrounds move towards self-sufficiency. "I am pleased to have had the opportunity to exchange ideas with the Secretary about ways to eradicate this epidemic and learn more about programs offered in the United Kingdom," said Vaughan.
For more information on MSP, please visit http://www.mysistersplacedc.org.
To schedule an interview with Executive Director Lauren C. Vaughan,
contact 202-529-3328 or lvaughan@mysistersplacedc.org.
Washington, DC – Monday, August 30, 2010: My Sister’s Place (MSP), Washington DC’s oldest domestic violence shelter, is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Lauren C. Vaughan. Ms. Vaughan first approached MSP as an interested volunteer and joined the organization’s Board of Directors in 2001. She became Co-Chair of the Board in 2005, Chair in 2007, and in October of 2009, took on the additional role of Acting Executive Director when the organization experienced a transition in leadership.
During her tenure as both Board Chair and Acting Executive Director, Ms. Vaughan revitalized MSP’s initiative to expand and renovate its emergency shelter, Sanctuary Plus. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place in October 2008, but the project was delayed due to a shortage of construction funding. Thanks to Ms. Vaughan’s tireless campaigning, construction began in February 2010, and Sanctuary Plus is scheduled for completion in October 2010. "I accept my new role as Executive Director of MSP with great enthusiasm. Despite the challenges that non-profits face in these tough economic times, we are boldly moving forward and I am excited to serve the agency in this new capacity helping battered women and their children in the District of Columbia."
In accepting the Executive Director position Ms. Vaughan resigned her seat on the Board of Directors. Karen Hill and Dan Dolan were elected as Co-Chairs of the organization.
Commenting on Ms. Vaughan’s selection, Board of Directors Co-Chair Karen Hill said, "MSP is fortunate to have someone of Lauren Vaughan’s energy, skill and dedication leading the organization. She has provided leadership and focus both in her tenure on the Board and over the last 10-months as Acting Executive Director. The Board is excited to have someone of her caliber leading the outstanding staff at MSP."
Ms. Vaughan holds an MS in Engineering and Technology Management from The George Washington University and brings with her extensive experience in executive management, strategic planning, government relations, and fundraising and proven dedication to MSP. In 2006 and 2007, the agency honored her commitment with the "Outstanding Community Service" and "Leadership and Dedication" awards.
About MSP: Since its inception in 1979, MSP has provided comprehensive programs and services that holistically address domestic violence. These include: a confidential, 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter and transitional housing, residential and nonresidential counseling and case-management, and referrals to community partners. Our aim is to empower survivors to take control of their own lives.
For more information on MSP and to learn how you can help please go to www.mysistersplacedc.org or contact Lauren Vaughan at 202-529-3328 or Dan Dolan at 202 374-6525.
Washington, DC - On Friday, February 26, 2010, My Sister's Place, Inc. (MSP), Washington, DC's oldest and only confidential domestic violence shelter, will begin demolition to expand and renovate its emergency shelter. This initiative will more than double MSP's number of emergency shelter beds for battered women and their children from 22 to 45.
Domestic violence pervades the Washington, DC area and its effects are felt across socio-economic boundaries. This dire public health concern has increased in recent years due to the faltering economy. In response to this need, MSP launched its Sanctuary Plus Shelter Expansion and Renovation Initiative to ensure that women and children fleeing from domestic abuse can rely on the promise of safe sanctuary, instead of returning to a violent home or living on the streets.
The ceremonial groundbreaking took place in October 2008, but the project was delayed due to a shortage of construction funding. Recently MSP secured a grant from the city, restarting the project and enabling the agency to obtain the Notice to Proceed earlier this month. In addition to public and private grants, MSP's Sanctuary Plus Shelter Expansion and Renovation Initiative received a number of donations from private organizations and citizens. Construction of the new shelter, a monumental event in MSP's history, will be completed in late fall 2010.
"On behalf of MSP's Board of Directors and dedicated staff, I would like to thank all of the District of Columbia. In particular, I am grateful for the leadership shown by members of the City Council in providing the necessary funding to allow us to continue to serve victims of domestic violence and their children for years to come" commented MSP's Board Chair and Acting Executive Director Lauren C. Vaughan. Ms. Vaughan went on to say," I would also like to recognize the generosity of MSP's many friends and supporters for the numerous private donations that helped make this expansion possible, especially during such economically challenging times. We are very excited about this project and anxiously await its completion this fall."
"When this new facility is complete, it will be a comfort for families who are suffering and in need of refuge," said At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown. "Domestic violence is too often kept secret or swept under the rug and I'm proud that not only are we having a healthy dialogue but we're taking actions that can save lives."
The completed 9,000 square foot architectural design for the renovated and expanded shelter addresses the need for a safe, secure, homelike environment, a requirement for women and children escaping domestic violence. This aesthetic is continued throughout Sanctuary Plus and is reflected in the suite-like bedroom configurations, computer equipped resource library and large children's playroom/computer room that has direct access to a secure, outdoor playground. A full time chef will prepare meals onsite in a fully equipped commercial kitchen and there will be private rooms available for group therapy sessions and individual case-management sessions. The new facility will also house the District's only 24-hour domestic violence emergency hotline. For more than three decades, MSP has provided holistic and comprehensive programs and services to enable survivors to live independent lives, free from domestic abuse. The expansion and renovation of the emergency shelter will ensure that MSP can continue to provide a safe sanctuary and empower survivors of domestic violence in the District of Columbia.