Get to Know - Laura's House
By: Amanda Huntsman
Dedicated to domestic violence prevention and education, Laura’s House is a Southern California nonprofit organization that has served those whose lives have been affected by domestic and family violence for more than 28 years. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space to empower individuals and families affected by abuse. Laura’s House has provided emergency shelter, transitional living, and support services to more than 6,500 abused women, men, and children and counseling; life skills education, and legal assistance to nearly 72,000 people.
In 2021, the nonprofit opened the first multi-service collaborative focused on holistic domestic violence-related services in Orange County. The new Domestic Violence Resource Center, a 19,000-square-foot building in Aliso Viejo is four times larger than their previous office space in Ladera Ranch. The space has allowed for more preventive services including counseling and resources, children’s therapeutic services, legal advocacy, community outreach, prevention, and education. It also provides much-needed space for future expansion of non-residential programming and enables them to continue offering critical and foundational services to best serve domestic violence survivors in South Orange County. The establishment wouldn’t have been possible without donor contributions or their “Power of the Journey” capital campaign which is in the home stretch and currently stands at $5.5 million of the $10 million
goal raised.
Each year, the nonprofit hosts two main fundraising events: the Brighter Futures Luncheon in the spring and the Annual Gala in the fall. This year’s Brighter Futures Luncheon in May was
the event’s 7th annual occurrence. More than 230 supporters of the nonprofit united at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach and enjoyed an event full of inspiration, hope, and
support for a future where people can enjoy lives free of violence.
The upcoming 28th annual gala, coined “The Next Adventure,” is jungle safari themed and will
be taking place on October 1, 2022, at the Newport Beach Country Club.
The nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser will include a signature cocktail menu, tasty appetizers and dinner, live
entertainment, and both a silent and live auction with one-of-a-kind gifts and experiences.
To learn more or to support Laura's House, visit www.laurashouse.org.
