Laurel House

“A pdf copy of the 990 is distributed via email to each board member for review prior to it being filed. The 990 will be reviewed by the audit committee of the board of directors prior to signing and filing of the 990.”

“Laurel house reviews the policy with all board and staff annually. The conflict of interest forms are signed annually by all and reminders occur periodically at board and staff meetings.”

“An ad hoc board committee was formed to evaluate senior level employee compensation using pennsylvania association of nonprofit organizations (pano) survey data with comparable positions and organizations considering geographic economic differences during fiscal year 2015. There were slight adjustments to key employees' salaries during fiscal year 2016, approved by the board.”

“Laurel house makes available its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements upon request.”

“The organization's mission is to: -advocate for and empower those impacted by domestic violence by providing crisis intervention, safe haven, supportive programs and resources; -advance social change through preventative education, and through community training and collaboration, to foster a coordinated response to domestic abuse.”

“Residential program: the organization operates a residential program which provides shelter, meals, counseling and support services to survivors of domestic violence and their dependent children. The residential program provided 4,200 days and nights of emergency shelter to 83 women and 99 children. Transitional housing: this program provides a "bridge" between the residential shelter program and independent community living. Laurel house maintains numerous apartments in montgomery county to house and support post-shelter families. In addition to subsidized rent, bridge housing families receive counseling and case management, as well as specialized services for their children. Twenty three families were house in laurel house's transitional housing apartment and participated in individual and group counseling, children's services, and individualized case management.”

“Counseling services: trained domestic violence counselors are available, at no cost, to provide individual and group counseling to those affected by domestic violence, including dating violence. Counselors provided 8,769 hours of counseling to victims of domestic violence, both to those living in the shelter and housing programs, and to those living in the community. Children's services: the children's advocate works directly with the children in the shelter and transitional housing program to address the trauma that they have experienced. Children whose parents come to laurel house for individual and group counseling also often benefit from the specialized services provided by the children's advocate. The children's advocate provided over 698 hours of individual and group support to children in the shelter and bridge housing programs. The children's advocate also worked directly with the parents of these children, supporting them in their efforts to respond to the trauma that their children have experienced.”

“Community education: staff members provide training about domestic violence, including early warning signs of abuse and ways to help, to medical personnel, police departments, and other law enforcement personnel. A total of 68 trainings about domestic violence were provided for community members, including law enforcement and medical personnel. The organization also offers informational programs about domestic violence for students in elementary, middle and high schools, and colleges throughout montgomery county. At least 978 students were educated via 28 presentations within 10 different schools about dating violence and healthy relationships.”

“Legal support: staff members provide court accompaniment to domestic violence survivors to help them navigate the criminal and civil court systems. Laurel house provided 821 hours of court accompaniment and other legal support to program participants. Hotline and emergency response: volunteers are recruited and trained to respond to requests from hospital emergency rooms and law enforcement. Immediate crisis response was provided to over 300 victims referred by law enforcement, emergency rooms, and other medical offices. The organization operates a confidential 24-hour emergency hotline. Trained responders handled 1,700 hotline calls. The organization also advocates for social change. Examples of advocacy activities include: staff member participation in community tasks forces and other committee work to address issues related to domestic violence; communication with elected officials to keep them informed of domestic violence issues; training new volunteers as domestic violence advocates in the community; partnering with business and individuals who host events featuring laurel house and messages of domestic violence awareness; and sponsoring an internship program that offers local college students practical experience in the field of domestic violence. A total of 8 students participated in the internship program this year.”

“The process has not changed from the prior year.”