PARTICIPANTST E S T I M O N I A L S

“My experience with AWUM was excellent. Because of limited English, you are always on top of my case in every step, taking away one stress off of me. I am so grateful for your agency to help such victim like myself. It is like your

agency dug me out of my grave. Without your agency, I do not know how I would have been. I am working two jobs

now; my oldest is in college now; and I have no time to be sad. Thank you very much.”

“I dreaded coming to the shelter but when I came to the House of Peace shelter and heard consoling voices I felt

safe and a sense of relief. Thank you, AWUM, for providing me with so much love, care, emotional and legal support.

AWUM became home to me. I will cherish this organization ‘til the end of my life.”

Asian Women United of Minnesota will end domestic violence by promoting safe and

healthy relationships within the Asian-Pacific Islander community.

We are the leader in eliminating violence in the Asian-Pacific Islander community, and share the expertise of our best practices with others. Using

the strengths of the API community, AWUM will uphold an environment free of violence,

promote self-sufficiency for women, and foster nurtured and healthy children and families.

M I S S I O N

V I S I O N

B OA R D P R E S I D E N T &E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R L E T T E R

Dear Supporters and Friends:

Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015)

Each year, we like to share with you something special that happened to complement Asian Women United of Minnesota’s perennial work.

Last year, over the period of August 2014 through June 2015, Asian Women United of Minnesota was honored to partner with COMPAS artist, Susan Armington, to provide an art therapy program called The Talking Suitcases Project.

The Talking Suitcases Project included a series of workshops centered on one or two theme questions such as: “What is precious to you?” Or, “What is a challenge that you survived?” Susan showed simple objects that she had made about her own life, and after sharing her own examples, Susan invited the women to use everyday materials like wood scraps, beads, fabric swatches, paper, boxes, wire, colored pencils, and hot glue to create objects to tell their own stories. Susan taught basic drawing and 3-D construction skills, and helped women translate their vision into physical art. Once all participants were ready, the women formed a circle discussion to reflect on the objects, take turns showing their work, and tell their stories.

The process of sharing was interactive, and often started with guessing what an object was, or giving a “one-word response” of what the viewer saw or felt. Each participant then told her story about the object, and at the final session, all of the women chose suitcases to incorporate into their projects, safely storing the art objects, and symbolically honoring themselves and all that they have endured.

The Talking Suitcases Project, while a creative program, became one of the more powerful forms of emotional support offered at the House of Peace. Working side-by-side in a warm, informal setting proved to be a natural invitation for women to share their hopes and heartaches without feeling judged or scrutinized.

We look forward to continued partnership with you in this work. Fiscal Year 2015 will be another year of hard/heart work, partnership, and creativity as we keep working toward ending domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships within the Asian-Pacific Islander community, and beyond.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Cook Claudia R. Waring Suzanne Cook Claudia R. Waring Board Chair Executive Director

On October 10, 2014 AWUM hosted “AWUM from the Heart” at the Woman’s Club

of Minneapolis to raise funds to support women and their children fleeing domestic

violence. The evening included a silent auction and a special performance by

Lenora Lee, dance/choreographer from San Francisco. Deepest thanks to all our guests, donors & volunteers with special thanks to

the pro-bono photographers!Photos by Katherina Vang, Melissa Vang &

Ramesh Harjani.

AW U M F R O M T H E H E A R T 2 0 1 4

AWUM FY2014H I G H L I G H T S

AWUM FY2014H I G H L I G H T S

AWUM produced Man Forward, a digital visual poem written and performed by Tou Saiko Lee, exploring the

many dimensions of masculinity and family violence, while attempting to build awareness about what it means to be a man as we acknowledge that unhealthy ideas and attitudes about manhood have a direct connection to

violence against women and girls.Photo by Nancy Wong.

M A N F O R WA R D D I G I TA L V I S U A L P O E M

AWUM FY2014H I G H L I G H T S

From August 2014 through June 2015, AWUM partnered with COMPAS artist, Susan Armington, to provide an art therapy program at the House of Peace called The Talking

Suitcases Project. Susan taught basic drawing and 3-D construction skills, and asked some process questions

while accompanying participants to translate their responses and vision into physical art. They then reflected together in a circle discussion on the objects, taking turns

to show their work and tell their stories. The process of sharing was interactive. At the final session, each

woman chose a suitcase to incorporate into their project, safely storing the art objects, and symbolically honoring themselves and all that they have endured. The project

was very well received and served to be a powerful way to emotionally support our participants as they heal from the

violence and move forward in their lives.Photos by Nancy Wong.

T H E TA L K I N G S U I T C A S E S ™ P R O J E C T

Ms. Jeannie RamelbMajors: Mathematics and German“Cuddling, lots of laughing, funny jokes, debating and not arguing, working with each other, praising each other, motivating each other to do well.”

Mr. Kenzli Dana,Major: Communications“Having honesty in a relationship helps. Every now and again, one or both partners renew or remind each other about what attracted them to each other in the first place.”

“WHAT DOES A SAFE AND HEALTHY RELAT IONSH IP LOOK AND FEEL L IKE TO YOU? ”

AWUM FY2014H I G H L I G H T S

In collaboration with the University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu, O’ahu) and Asian American Press, AWUM photographed University of Hawaii students and collected their views about promoting safe and healthy relationships.

“Do the Asian Thing” engages young Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs) to elevate the social discourse about safe and healthy relationships within the API

experience; this includes expanding or redefining cultural traditions and what it means to be Asian when it comes to romantic and familial connections.

Photos by Nancy Wong.

D O T H E A S I A N T H I N G I N H AWA I I

VO L U N T E E R S T E S T I M O N I A L S

Ms. Naly Vang, Volunteer

“I really enjoyed working with such wonderful staff who were friendly, kind, and patient with me. Volunteering at AWUM was my first time dealing with clients and being able to help those who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. Whenever I was hesitant about anything, an advocate was always willing to help me. I also enjoyed being able to help residents at AWUM with miscellaneous small tasks when I was onsite.”

Ms. Christine Liesener, Volunteer

“The staff, other volunteers, and residents and their children really welcomed me, and I loved the relational atmosphere that I felt while at AWUM. My favorite thing was interacting with the women and children, especially the kids. I really love kids, and it was just so special for me to develop a relationship with them.”

Temporary emergency shelter

Women’s support group & ELL (English Language Learner) classes

Assistance in obtaining an Order for Protection (OFP) or Harassment Restraining Order (HRO)

Assistance in filing for financial assistance & reparations claims

Legal referrals for family and immigration law

24-hour multi-lingual crisis line

Safety planning

Children’s group activities

H O U S E O F P E AC E( H O P )

Legal (criminal & civil court) advocacy

Sexual assault advocacy

Assistance with immigration services

On-going follow-up services

Violence prevention & outreach in the API community

Support groups in schools

Training for service providers

Community dialogues & education on domestic violence within the API communities

C O M M U N I T Y A DVO C AC YP R O G R A M

( C A P )

189 shelter residents(82 women &107 children)

Crisis calls:719 callers

Resources calls:691 referrals

Support groups meetings:88 for women &207 for children

ELL classes:70 women (17 classes)

Counseling/Therapy sessions:154 for women &

14 for children

Pro-Bono Legal Clinicat shelter:

17 days

Talking Suitcasesarts project:

82 women (8 meetings)

Volunteers/interns:51 volunteers &

1 intern (1,279 hours total)

781 advocacy participants (666 women, 1 child & 114 men)

Health fairs/booths: 268 visitors

Trainings/presentations/groups: 358 attendees

H O U S E O F P E AC E ( H O P )

C O M M U N I T Y A DVO C AC YP R O G R A M ( C A P )

PA R T I C I PA N T ST O TA L S

G R A N TS , CO N T R AC TS , FO U N DAT I O N S :

F I N A N C I A LINFORMATION

City of Minneapolis - GTEAP (Grants to Encourage Arrest and Enforce Protection Orders:

Office of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice)

FR Bigelow Foundation

Hennepin County - Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC)

HRK Foundation

Hennepin County Bar Foundation

Otto Bremer Foundation

Saint Paul Foundation

State of Minnesota Office of Justice Programs

U.S. Department of Justice (Office of Violence Against Women)

Verizon Foundation

WCA Foundation

S U P P O R T A N D R E V E N U E

Government Grants (87%)

Contributions (13%)

Other income (0%)

Program Services (89%)

Management and Administration (9%)

Fundraising (1%)

E X P E N S E

Government Grants ContributionsOther Income (various sources)

Total:

$ 821,245$ 127,271

$ 28

$ 948,544

Program ServicesManagement and AdministrationFundraising

Total:

$ 820,358$ 85,106$ 12,051

$917,515

Government Grants ContributionsOther Income (various sources)

Total:

$ 821,245$ 127,271

$ 28

$ 948,544

F I N A N C I A LINFORMATION

Current Assets:CashAccounts ReceivablePrepaid Expenses

Leasehold Improvement & Equipment - Net

Total Assets:

$ 100,072$ 63,770$ 48,856$ 111,106

$ 320,804

Current Liabilities:Accounts PayableAccrued ExpensesAccrued Salaries & VacationRefundable AdvancesTotal Current Liabilities

Net Assets:UnrestrictedTemporarily RestrictedTotal Net Assets

Total Liabilities & Net Assets:

$ 6,845$ 14,565$ 38,349$ 19,044$ 78,803

$ 192,836$ 49,165

$ 242,001

$ 320,804

A S S E TS

L I A B I L I T I E S & N E T A S S E TS

F I N A N C I A LINFORMATION

SamSam AbdikarimJohn Abress (Aria Law Firm)Rima AliDorothy AndersonKristine ArnesonCarol K. ArthurMelissa AveryGail Chang BohrBruegger’s Bagel BakeryKaren Bridges & John GilesCassie BrosKaren Claire CalicdanJamie ChaiRaj M. ChaudharyCindy ChenHeidi ChenSunthi ChookiatsirichaRegina M. ChuSuzanne CookCheryl CortezKate CummingsElizabeth CutterDairy Queen - East Lake StreetSonia Davila-WilliamsNikki DietzDino’sNicholas DolanClara EagonSandra EricksonLynette FagerbergRachael FinglovskyAngela Jones FlanaghanAgnes Fok

Innesa GaldayeraDana GillespieColleen GjerdahlGuthrie TheaterJanet & Hartono HalimShelby HanssenSavita & Ramesh HarjaniChristopher HaugStephanie HawkinsonAria Hedtke (Aria Law Firm)Amy HerDolly HerGaoly HerLou HerNu HerPanu HerSia HerJames HodgesMarian HolmquistLee Hutton, IIIDavid InghamHelen InghamIzzy’s Ice CreamCheryl L. JensenNayana JhaSipra JhaYamini Jha-Korman & Dan KormanCourtney JohnsonIrene KaoTimothy KeaneTasya KelenPamela KhangConnie M. Korman

2 0 1 4 F I S C A L Y E A RI N D I V I D U A L C A S H & I N - K I N D D O N O R S :

Katelyn KormanRenu KumarKristi Lahti-JohnsonAsata JallohCheng Y. LeeJim LeeMay LeePaying LeePhoua LeePorsha (Aria Law Firm)Laura LehrerChristine LiesenerAlicia LimYuexian LinJoan LinckHunter LondonSheng LorAda LuDave & Judy LuckingMonica Dooner LundgrenCeleste Finn LyonMara MiSarah MauserDominique MazloomHaley MeissnerMilio’s SandwichesMinnesota LynxMinnesota TimberwolvesCathy MissaghiNanette Graves MissaghiAfagh MohajeriDanielle MolinaEmilee Molsather

Ann MooreChong MouaPang MouaLucas MunnCarolyn NayematsuWillard W. & Jeanne NelsonCindy NgJustine Vi-Anh NgoJennifer NguyenRuby NguyenAmy NopYvonne OlsenOrdway Center for the Performing ArtsAngela OuyangBen PabichSharmistha PatnaikMonique PattersonGregory R. PaulPeace CoffeeRobin PhlllipsAaron PowellPattie RheinMatthew S. RobinsonHelen RubensteinJanine RyanLacna (Lana) & Lee SaythongJoy SchommerMolly SchwartzScience Museum of MinnesotaDiane SeepNeelam & Arun SinghChantha SokKris Solz

2 0 1 4 F I S C A L Y E A RI N D I V I D U A L C A S H & I N - K I N D D O N O R S :

Gerald J. StahlJoseph Stahl & Lida EtemadKarl StarrCraig SteinerJim StreetAnn SullivanDuraikkannan SundarackannanSurdyk’sDrs. Robyn Tabibi & Dain MeyerVanessa G. TennysonDolkar TenzinFrances TierneyKathryn Mary Tierney & David TierneySamantha TonnellSusan TonnellSabrina TownsendDeborah Tung & Daniel WentworthUniversity of Minnesota FootballHlee VangKatherina VangMaiker VangMelissa VangNaly VangStella Vang

Dotty Veldey-JonesDeepak VermaNeng VueBea N. Vue-BensonKathy WalenJosie WaltersGrace A. WangAnne & Michael WaringClaudia WaringHailey WeckwerthAda & Mark WongGrace & Paul WongNancy WongMelissa WrightValerie & Ken WursterJean XiongXee XiongBau YangChristina YangChue YangJoua YangKa YangRuby Vang YangGermaine Yeoh

2 0 1 4 F I S C A L Y E A RI N D I V I D U A L C A S H & I N - K I N D D O N O R S :

2014 FY Board of Directors

Kris ArnesonRegina Chu, SecretarySue Cook, Treasurer

Gloria FressiaRuby Nguyen, President

2014 FY Lead Staff

Sipra Jha, Shelter DirectorLucas (Louie) Munn, Facilities Supervisor

Shoua Kong, CAP LeadClaudia R. Waring, Executive Director

Nancy Wong, Communications Manager

L E A D E R S H I P

AWUM, P.O. Box 6223, Minneapolis, MN 5540624-Hour Crisis: 612-724-8823

Office: 612-724-0756, Fax: 612-729-0660E-mail: awum@awum.org, Website: www.awum.org

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