Our Strategic Plan

Introduction

The mission of Women Against Abuse (WAA) is to provide quality, compassionate and nonjudgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence, and to lead the struggle to end domestic violence through advocacy and community education. We fulfill our mission through innovative programs and community collaborations, serving approximately 10,000 people each year.

A Letter from our Executive Director and President

Today more than ever, it is critical to acknowledge that domestic violence is something that any of us can experience. Despite our tremendous strides forward and the significant growth we have experienced in our service delivery, the issue of intimate partner violence continues to take lives and devastate families.

WAA’s core programs, such as emergency housing and legal services, have been at the heart of our work since we were founded over 47 years ago. This strategic planning process provided WAA with the space to thoughtfully reflect on what is going well, and what we need to do to sustain and strengthen the organization for the future.

I am excited about our future as we innovate and strengthen the organization, services, and advocacy.

Strategic Plan 6

Together, we are building for our future – a future free from intimate partner violence!

En Solidaridad,

Joanna Otero-Cruz

Executive Director and President

Illustrated by the Sketch Effect

Our Process

WAA was excited to partner with Anavi Strategies to develop this 5-year strategic plan. Together, we spent eight months analyzing organizational data, conducting interviews with team members and external partners, and facilitating strategic planning sessions with Board members, organizational leadership, and staff. Client survey data and focus group results have been integrated throughout the strategic plan to ensure the voices of survivors are front and center.

The following high-level aspirational strategies form the roadmap we will focus on over the next five years:

  • Deliver consistent high-quality client experiences
  • Ensure sustainable organizational resources
  • Build an organizational culture in which staff thrive
  • Strengthen external partnerships
  • Prioritize accessibility across the organization
S Trategic Plan 2

Priority #1: Deliver Consistent High-Quality Client Experiences

  • Ensure ALL clients can access services in a nurturing and seamless manner.
  • Enhance customer service and evaluation tools to better understand client experiences to strengthen services.
  • Deepen our impact by being laser focused on resources and staff capacity for our core programs.
S Trategic Plan 1

Priority #2: Ensure Sustainable Organizational Resources

  • Review and realign team structure and capacity for the Finance, Advancement and Human Resources departments through a bi-annual organizational audit.
  • Broaden funding sources and strengthen donor engagement.
  • Boost board engagement to support fundraising efforts for unrestricted funds.
S Trategic Plan

Priority #3: Build an Organizational Culture in which Staff Thrive

  • Prioritize staff well-being, retention and professional growth.
  • Develop an organization-wide system for data documentation, reporting and decision-making.
  • Actively encourage self-care and increase access to mental health support and mentoring opportunities.
Strategic Plan 3

Priority #4: Strengthen External Partnerships

  • Strengthen organization-wide standards for community-based partnerships to ensure all communities have access to services.
  • Develop robust community engagement strategies to respond to the unique needs of all survivors.
Strategic Plan 7

Priority #5: Prioritize Accessibility Across the Organization

  • Recruit and promote employees reflective of the communities we serve.
  • Strengthen internal supervision and communication channels across the organization.
  • Expand access to training and resources for all staff.

We Invite You to Get Involved

Help us build a future free from intimate partner violence:

Waa-ipledge-6
Amy

Amy's Story

“This is not OK; this is not who I will be; I will love my children; violence will not be allowed in my home.”

Read Full Story
Sarah_Johannsen_2

Sarah’s Story

Sarah joined Women Against Abuse in September 2010 through a partnership program with the German peace and volunteer organization ARSP.

Read Full Story
Doreen-davis

Doreen Davis’ Story

Doreen Davis is a longtime supporter of Women Against Abuse who has used her expertise in traditional labor law to assist WAA for over two decades.

Read Full Story
Th-catherine

Catherine’s Story

When I first met my abuser, I was just 14 years old and he was 20. I thought I was in love, so I ignored the disapproval of my mom and sister.

Read Full Story
Mother__Child_Caucasian

Kathleen’s Story

For years, Kathleen's* life was defined by her husband's moods, needs and whims.

Read Full Story
Jamie thumbnail

Jamie's Story

Jamie shared her story at the 2019 iPledge Campaign press conference.

Read Full Story
Lonnie

Lonnie & Jordan’s Story

The life-saving work that Women Against Abuse achieves each day would not be possible without the support of advocates in the community.

Read Full Story
Sheila

Sheila’s Story

Sheila arrived at the Women Against Abuse Emergency Shelter after waking up in a hospital emergency room.

Read Full Story
Sara

Sara’s Story

Meet Sara, a survivor of domestic violence, who overcame an abusive relationship and navigated a new country, all while parenting two children.

Read Full Story
Untitled design 46

Lucia’s Story

Lucia* came to the Women Against Abuse emergency shelter pregnant and with five children.

Read Full Story

If you or someone you know needs help, call our toll-free 24-hour Hotline:

1.866.723.3014

Sign up for Action Alerts, Updates & Newsletters!