Adriana was the graduate speaker at our Serious Fun Gala.

My name is Adriana Vasquez, I am a survivor of domestic violence. In May 2001 tired of the abuse, I called a marriage and family therapist. I wanted couple's counseling to fix my marriage. After a series of questions, the therapist told me that he was unable to help me and provided me with a referral; to my surprise, the referral was the Human Options hotline. Although I did not want to accept the reality of domestic violence in my life, I agreed to take some classes offered at the Human Options Community Resource Center. The abuse became worse. My husband did not work and I was the sole supporter of my two boys - whom at the time were two-years-old and 10 months old.

The violence escalated because I was learning about my unhealthy relationship. During one group, I had to fill out a paper with the title "You are living with domestic violence if..." I selected over 18 items from a list of 20. That was my eye opener. Then one day after my PEP class, I headed home shaking not knowing what to expect that night. As I walked up the stairs to get to my little studio apartment, I was carrying my 10 month-old and holding the hand of my two year old. Out of the blue my two-year-old looked up at me and said "That's ok Mommy, I'm not scared... are you scared?" - I was terrified. I knew I had to remove my children from that environment. I called the Human Options hotline one more time and told them that I was ready to leave. Fortunately, they had a room available and the very next day after work, I picked up my boys and headed to the emergency shelter. I never realized just how much my life was going to change.

I stayed at the emergency shelter for 45 days and four months in the transition program, the Family Healing Center. During this time, I received more than food and shelter. Human Options gave me the resources I needed to succeed as a single parent, provided me with counseling to overcome my fears, encouraged me to pursue my educational dreams. Most importantly, I learned to love and accept myself. When I graduated from the program, I promised myself that I would come back and help other women. In December 2006 I completed a 40 hour training that allowed me to volunteer as a hotline counselor. But I knew I wanted to do more so I decided to return to school and obtain a degree in clinical social work. I am finishing up my internship with Human Options and in June 2009 I will be graduating with a degree in social work. I received several scholarships and I am the first in my family to pursue a higher education. Today I am a homeowner, a full-time employee with the county of Orange, a full-time student and a full-time mom. My children, soon to be 10 and 8 years old are both excelling in school and they know that violence is simply not acceptable in our lives.

It is important for us to demonstrate to donors that an investment in Human Options truly makes a difference - that we truly rebuild hope and transform lives.

We are able to demonstrate our effectiveness in two ways. One is through hearing and reading the stories of clients who have graduated from Human Options' programs. Adrianna told her story at Human Options' Serious Fun in May and we have reprinted her speech in this newsletter. Her story of success is especially compelling because she has already taken important steps to give back as a social worker.

Most of our graduates do not go onto graduate school to obtain a Masters in Social Work. But many choose to give back in a variety of ways - as volunteers at one of our programs, as speakers for Human Options in the community, or as ambassadors at their workplace.

Frequently we receive calls from graduates around the holidays to join in the Adopt a Family program either as individuals or as representatives of the company for which they work.

Human Options also demonstrates the impact of our programs through formal research. The most recent research results are presented in the newsletter as well and show that 92 per cent of our graduates are living nonviolent lives one year or more after graduation from the shelter or Second Step. This is a powerful statement of success.

We chose to invest in formal longitudinal research by academicians because we wanted to show through objective, empirical data that our programs truly work. To the best of our knowledge we are the only domestic violence program that consistently does such research. Our most recent study was the fourth study in our 27 year history.

The research also gives us guidelines to improve and expand our programs. The most recent study underlined the importance of our follow up programs and has led us to plan greater emphasis on structured follow up programs. The study also alerted us to the fact that the teenagers who have lived through domestic violence are especially vulnerable and we are in the process of reviewing ways to give them educational tools and support to prevent date abuse.

We continue to transform lives thanks to the tremendous community of support for our mission. As a local nonprofit with a strong board of directors and community identity of 27 years, we take our commitment to our clients very seriously. We are proud to say that 81 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to direct program services. We also earn 16% of our funding through fees, services and products sold. These are difficult economic times for all social service agencies and we thank all of our longtime donors who are committed with us to the mission of breaking the cycle of domestic violence.

Vivian Clecak, LCSW, Executive Director

Human Options celebrated "A Night of Latin Lights" at its annual Serious Fun gala on May 31st at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Despite the very tight economic times and the struggling Orange County economy, with the great leadership of Co-Chairs Celina Doka and Carol Carlile and the event committee, we were able to bring together a crowd of over 400 committed friends and donors to raise the needed funds to keep our programs strong in the coming fiscal year.

Surrounded by friends, business leaders and community supporters, we honored Ellen Shockro and Jack Shaw with the DOVE Award which recognizes individuals or corporations who have made significant contributions to domestic violence programs in Orange County. Ellen and Jack are very special people dedicated to building a safe and strong community while acting as powerful role models for philanthropy from the heart.

Two graduates of Human Options' programs shared their personal stories that touched and inspired the audience. One of the graduates entered Human Options' emergency shelter at the age of 67 after being in an abusive marriage for over 34 years, and said "Human Options saved my life. I am finally enjoying my life at age 71 and it gets better all the time!"

Following a delicious Latin inspired dinner, the auctioneer fired things up by auctioning off trips to Manzanillo, Mexico and Hawaii. Human Options' auction was more unique than ever this year thanks to the tremendous support from board members and friends who donated the use of their personal homes and boats and created a variety of amazing auction packages. We even had an auction package that included a round of golf with Anaheim Ducks' defender, Chris Pronger, who also attended the event.

The evening's celebration was summarized nicely by the words of Co-Founder and Executive Director Vivian Clecak who said, "Human Options is very fortunate to be surrounded by a caring community of people whose generosity enables us to change the lives of battered women and children in our community and for this we are extremely grateful - Thank You!"

University research conducted by Dr. Julianne Kiotas in 2008 showed that one year or more after program completion 92 per cent of Second Step transitional housing graduates and 86 per cent of shelter graduates are violence free.

Economic independence and good mental health are two of the basic foundations to help women stay strong and free of violent relationships. The research showed that 87 per cent of Second Step graduates and 64 per cent of shelter graduates are employed. Second Step is a one year program with vocational training and guidance; many of the graduates have obtained excellent skills and are working in career track positions.

Though the long-term impact of domestic violence on mental health is strong, graduates report improved mental health and the benefits of the Human Options' follow up programs to help them and their children deal with post traumatic stress.

Human Options Fall Luncheon
October 29, 2008
Hyatt Regency Irvine
11:30- 1:30

Dr. Mary Pipher, author of the best selling books Reviving Ophelia and The Shelter of Each Other - Rebuilding Our Families, will provide guidance to help all of us in a time of multiple cultural challenges to protect, nurture, and revitalize our families at all stages of life. Drawing on many family stories, Pipher clears a path to the strength and energy at the core of family life.

For additional information contact Miriam Trabulsi at 949.737.5242 x318 or mtrabulsi@humanoptions.org.

This was written by a young woman in the emergency shelter

One day I dialed a number that had been given to me
Not knowing that, that number would soon set me free.

It was two o'clock in the morning; my mind was tired and weak
You picked up the phone as I got the strength to speak.

Like an angel form God that was placed in my life
You gave me the hope that I would soon see the light.

On June ninth I arrived; confused and shattered
But I was now with women who had also been battered.

I had so much pain, inside and out
I fell to my knees and to God I cried out

Show me Lord where do I start?
I then closed my eyes and searched deep within my heart.

When I opened my eyes I felt a great release
For once in my life I was finally at peace.

I rose, and finally it was clear
I had a reason and purpose now that I was here

I now have a second chance, free like a dove I will fly
Thank you Human Options for saving my life.

Human Options' very own upscale resale boutique in Costa Mesa graciously accepts donations of clean, gently used women's, men's, children's and maternity clothes as well as shoes and accessories.

New store hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

We are looking forward to keeping in touch and providing you more great news about our success stories and the people that make them possible. Please remember to let us know if you would like to receive this email newsletter exclusively and not the printed copy by sending us your name and email address.

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