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 2017, 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 5,913 days and nights of emergency shelter to 96 women and 92 children. Hotline: the confidential 24-hour emergency hotline trained responders handled 1,786 hotline calls. Transitional housing: this program provides a "bridge" between the residential shelter program and independent community living. Laurel house maintains 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. 12 families were housed 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 8,579 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 program manager and children's advocate are available to provide specialized support to any child whose parent participates in any laurel house service. 976 hours of service were provided to 106 children. The children's team also provided support to the mothers of each of those children to ensure that they had the necessary tools and skills to meet their children's educational, developmental and medical needs.”

“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 73 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 6,894 students were educated via 259 presentations within 24 different schools about dating violence and healthy relationships.”

“Legal support: staff members provide court accompaniment and other types of legal advocacy to domestic violence survivors to help them navigate the criminal and civil court systems. Laurel house provided 1,435 hours of court accompaniment and other legal support to program participants. Emergency response: volunteers are recruited and trained to respond to requests from hospital emergency rooms and law enforcement. Immediate crisis response was provided to 398 victims referred by law enforcement, emergency rooms, and other medical offices. Advocacy: the organization also advocates for social change. Examples of advocacy activities include: staff member participation in community task 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 13 graduate/undergraduate students participated in the internship program this year.”