Laura's House Honors Exceptional Volunteers at 2014 Appreciation Event

    LOS ANGELES, CA, November 22, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Laura's House, a nonprofit devoted to ending the cycle of domestic violence, recognized nine remarkable volunteers for their dedication to the organization at its 2014 Volunteer Appreciation event on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Laura's House Resale Store in San Juan Capistrano. More than 50 supporters were on hand to honor the standout individuals who worked year-round to support Laura's House initiatives - from its Resale Store, counseling and resource center, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, events and more.

Through Oct. 2014, more than 400 volunteers have provided Laura's House with nearly 9,200 hours of unpaid service - leading into the nonprofit's busiest time for volunteers - and a 6.4 percent increase from 2013. Volunteers served in various critical positions, including administrative, H.E.A.R.T. program advocates, legal services, hotline support, childcare, case management, house coordinator, resale store customer service and product preparation, events, promotions and as board members. The Laura's House volunteer program is currently in the certification process through OneOC and Points of Light to become a Service Enterprise in early 2015.

"Our hundreds of volunteers contribute their wealth of knowledge, invaluable resources and unwavering commitment each year," said Margaret Bayston, executive director of Laura's House. "They should be proud of their many contributions to our organization, and we're so grateful to have them as part of our team, especially those whose efforts we recognize today."

Awards were presented to the following:

• Case Manager: Karen Marley, Dana Point - Marley was recognized for her motivation and commitment to the case management department since 2013. She actively worked to create - and update a system of Laura's House's resources - by contacting transitional and housing programs to assist Laura's House shelter graduates. Recently, Marley worked with job assistant programs in Orange County to support Laura's House clients, meeting with them individually to assist in resume development and job searches.

• House Coordinator: Kalley Hartman, Aliso Viejo - Hartman was recognized for her initiative and ability to complete a multitude of shelter maintenance duties. She assists by organizing the shelter garage, including incoming donations. The kind, compassionate help Hartman provided has been beyond outstanding.

• Fund Development: Natalie Bonhall, Rancho Santa Margarita - A volunteer with Laura's House for more than two years, Bonhall has helped at various events and recently assumed a larger role with the organization's fund development department. She provides data entry support and consistently volunteers two days a week in any way possible.

• Fund Development: Alex and Cyndi Lee, Laguna Niguel - This mother-daughter duo was recognized for compassionately and willingly helping at nearly every Laura's House event in 2014. Alex has participated in both summer and holiday internships for many years and stops by after school to help. Both are members of Laura's House partner, National Charity League - Capistrano Coast Chapter, of which Cyndi is the philanthropy liaison. They have gone above and beyond - taking projects home to complete for the fund development department.

• H.E.A.R.T.: Ronda Terrell, Ladera Ranch - Terrell was honored for her work with the Healthy Emotions & Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.) program. Last year, she entered nearly 4,000 H.E.A.R.T. pre-post tests, which gauge how well the message of healthy relationships for teens is being received by students the nonprofit works with. As a result, Laura's House provided timely reports to its funders. She also volunteers for the 40-hour domestic violence advocate training program three times a year, at the Resale Store and for the emergency hotline.

• Resale Store: Laura Feld, Ladera Ranch - Feld, a volunteer at the Lake Forest and San Juan Capistrano Resale Stores, was recognized for the countless hours she spent making improvements to increase book sales. She is an asset to the team and is continually developing ideas to grow business at both resale stores.

• Resale Store: Kathleen McRivette, Rancho Santa Margarita - Now acting as volunteer captain for the Lake Forest Resale Store, McRivette was recognized for going above and beyond her role to ensure the store runs efficiently. She also helps to process and price all jewelry and refurbish broken pieces for sale. As a result of her dedication, the resale store volunteer program and jewelry section have grown since McRivette joined the team.

• Hotline: Cheri Starr, Irvine - Starr was honored for her positive attitude and consistent dedication to the Laura's House crisis hotline. She shows compassion to every caller with which she interacts. Starr is always prepared and accepts every task with a smile.

The evening included a fashion challenge on a purple runway, mingling with Laura's House staff, family and friends and desserts, prizes and awards. For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.laurashouse.org/volunteer-opportunities.html or contact Melanie Galloway at 949-364-3775 or [email protected].

About Laura's House
The mission of Laura's House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

In 2014, Laura's House celebrates its 20th anniversary serving those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. For the past two decades, Laura's House has provided shelter and support services to more than 4,000 battered women and children and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 45,000 people. Connect with Laura's House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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