Charting the Course: A Stroll Through the History of Alexandra House

ALEXANDRA HOUSE, INC.
Dedication
Minnesota has long been considered a leading state in advocating
for the safety of domestic violence victims and the accountability of
their abusers. This book is dedicated to those individuals who have
been instrumental to the formation and development of Alexandra
House, Inc. For 40 years, Alexandra House has been influencing
public perception and response to domestic, sexual, and dating
violence, and the issues that intersect with this violence; such as
poverty, homelessness, and education. To end domestic and sexual
violence we must continue to build awareness, break down barriers,
shelter victims/survivors, motivate changes in laws, fight for the
rights of elder abuse victims, educate young people, raise
consciousness, and help our community recognize the broad
implications of violence.
Thank you to the following individuals and organizations
who participated in our history project:
Margaret Andersen
Sharon (Coleman) Lawrence
Deb Birkeland
Tina Bronson
Alison Caldwell
Barb Case
Jess Cheney
The Honorable
Tammi Fredrickson
Jenny Green
Molly Greenman
Pastor Margaret Guelker
The Honorable Sharon Hall
Don Ilse
Marlene Jezierski
Kayla Kemp
Margaret Langfeld
Craig Malm
Marina McMannus
Mercy and Unity Hospitals
Minnesota Coalition of
Battered Women (MCBW)
Connie Moore
Jane Morrow
Brian and Mary Ann Nystrom
The Honorable Lynn Olson
Pam Palmer
Anoka County Attorney
Tony Palumbo
Larry Podany
Sue Redmond
Danielle Reynolds
Dawn Rutt
Dave Sallaman
Colleen Schmidt
Lexi Selvig
Silent Witness
National Initiative
Jerry Soma
Lynne Tellers Bankes
US Department of Justice
Office on Violence
Against Women
Steve Wells
Linda Wells
Karen Williams
Mike Zagaros
Laurie Zagaros Churchfield
Lexi Selvig,
Founder
2
Mary Zagaros,
Founder
Sharon (Coleman)
Lawrence, Founder
Margaret Langfeld,
Founder and Anoka
County Commissioner
(1982–2006)
“So much of the shelter movement happened in Minnesota because
historically Minnesota has been a progressive and populist state.
There is a grass-roots history and an expectation that people should
be able to get services they need. Also, there is a history of people
going to the legislature to make things happen.”
— Domestic violence community services director,
Wilder Research Study 2005

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONNIE MOORE
Recalling History to Unite and Inspire People
Approaching such a milestone as a 40th
anniversary caused a great deal of reflection for
me personally and for the staff at Alexandra
House. One could say that we are looking back in
order to plan forward. When Tina Bronson, our
Communications Marketing Director, told me
that for the 40th she wanted to write a book
documenting Alexandra House’s history and its
parallels to the national and statewide women’s
and domestic and sexual violence movements, I thought this project
would require considerable time and questioned whether we had
the capacity to successfully carry it out.
However, watching the project unfold has been an amazing and
worthwhile experience. This project has given Alexandra House
the opportunity to reconnect with countless individuals who have
been involved with us, in big ways and small, over the last 40
years. It has allowed us to rediscover forgotten pieces of our history
and has reminded us of the perseverance, passion, and dedication
of those who came before. The preserving and sharing of Alexandra
House’s story is paramount to creating an appreciation for those
who founded Alexandra House and those who carried its work
forward. It also allows us to better understand how the decisions made
by our founders have invariably shaped the way the leadership thinks
about its mission, vision, and philosophy, and, has provided a road
map for our future.
Looking back allows us to see how Alexandra House and the
community has evolved in the way they respond to victim/survivors
of domestic, sexual, and dating violence. This evolution did not
happen in a vacuum. It took a community, coming together to affect
these changes; to work very deliberately to create a better world.
The collecting, outlining, and retelling of Alexandra House’s
history has included interviewing nearly 40 people, revisiting old
photos, combing through archived newspaper articles, paging
through annual reports, and reading meeting minutes from
the late 1970s. I want to thank Tina Bronson for helping
Alexandra House rediscover its story, for picking up the threads,
and reminding each of us where we have been, where we are,
and where we are going.
Knowing our history can help us see events, and ourselves, as
part of a still unfolding story. I believe it is important for our
stakeholders to understand our history and how our values were
shaped over time. Although the context today is radically different
from what it was 20, 40, or 80 years ago, we can still draw lessons
from understanding how previous generations confronted
challenges and opportunities and responded to them. We invite
you to join Alexandra House and our community partners in the
journey to end domestic and sexual violence!
Connie Moore
Executive Director, Alexandra House
3

1977 1978
A group of concerned
citizens formed the Anoka
County Task Force for
Battered Women (ACT).
The Probable Cause Arrest
Act became law in MN,
permitting warrantless
arrest of abusers.
In MN, information related
to the personal history of
battered women using
shelters was classifi ed as
private data.
The Minnesota Coalition
for Battered Women
(MCBW) was founded.
The National Coalition
Against Sexual Assault
was formed.
How It All Began...
The concept for forming the Anoka County Task Force for Battered Women came out of a
1
six week series of workshops led by the Social Concerns Committee of St. Timothy’s Catholic
Church, in early 1976. During one of these meetings, Lexi Selvig heard Jeff Janacek, a
Columbia Heights Police Officer, speak about the number of women and families he
witnessed in Anoka County struggling to leave their abusers. Upon learning that there
were women and children who were not safe in their own homes, she decided she had
to do something about it. Mary Zagaros, another attendee of these meetings, readily
volunteered to help. Lexi and Mary reached out to Margaret Langfeld, who was on the
Blaine City Council at that time, to be a member of the group. This small group, with Lexi
as the lead, started by writing letters to local community and women’s groups, asking
them to get involved. One of the letters went to the Jaycees of Blaine, where Sharon
2
(Coleman) Lawrence was a member. She was intrigued and agreed to join forces with Lexi,
Mary, and Margaret.
In the early days, the women of the Anoka County Task Force for Battered Women would huddle
around Lexi’s kitchen table, where they discussed the mission, purpose, and vision for the newly
formed group. Much of the philosophy that the organization was originally built upon was gleaned
from two books in particular: Battered Wives by Del Martin and Codependent No More by Melody
Beattie. Later, the Task Force was able to obtain office space at the Spring Lake Park City Hall. 1) Incorporation Certificate, August 2, 1977.
2) Logo for the Anoka County Task Force
for Battered Women, used until 1980.
4

1978 1979
The Task Force established
a 24-hour crisis line.
The Task Force created
“Pink” referral cards for
police to hand out to
domestic abuse victims.
The Minnesota Domestic
Abuse Act was passed,
allowing family or
household members
to obtain Orders
for Protection.
Task Force implemented
“ride-along” program
with Columbia Heights
Police Department.
1978... 24-hour Crisis Line Established
Within a year, the Task Force had established a 24-hour crisis line to provide support, legal
information, and referrals to battered women who called. The Task Force created bumper
stickers and posters, which were distributed across Anoka County, in an effort to publicize
the crisis line. It became readily apparent that the women who called needed much more
than just a crisis line; they needed a safe place to go and ongoing services for themselves
and their children.
1) The bumper sticker created by the
Task Force in 1987 which promoted
the first domestic abuse crisis line in
Anoka County.
2) The poster created by the Task Force
in 1987 to create awareness about
domestic abuse and encourage
community members to get involved.
1
2
5

1979 1980 1981
The Anoka County Task
Force for Battered
Women (ACT) established
Safe Houses and Safe
House providers.
The Task Force established
a shelter facility in Fridley,
MN. It housed 12 women
and children; and was
named Alexandra House,
defender of womankind.
Minnesota Legislation: New
legislation prohibited the
use of marriage and
cohabitation as a defense
in sexual assault cases.
MN Legislation: Probable
cause law was amended
to allow police to arrest
abusers away from their
homes; and Orders for
Protection (OFP) can
order abusers into
treatment or counseling.
The fi rst annual Domestic
Violence Awareness Week
was celebrated nationally.
1979... Safe Houses Program
Support, legal advocacy, and referrals were helpful, but women
and their children ultimately needed a safe place to stay during
their crisis. Without the funding to purchase or build a shelter at
that time, the Task Force established the “Safe Houses” Program.
Volunteers opened their homes to abused women and children
and provided for their basic needs. They could stay in volunteer
advocates’ homes for a few days or even a few months.
1980... A New Name and a Shelter
In 1980, the Anoka County Task Force for Battered Women opened
the first shelter for battered women and their children in Anoka
County. The shelter, located in Fridley, MN, was able to house 12
women and children.
The Task Force named the new shelter after the Catholic saint, St.
Alexandra, whose name means “defender of woman kind,” and
one of the organization’s founders, Lexi Selvig. The shelter was
named Alexandra House.
1
1) First emergency shelter in
Anoka County. Alexandra
House, Fridley, MN.
2) Catholic Saint: St. Alexandra,
defender of womankind.
2
6

1982
Alexandra House
received critical funding
from the United Way of
Minneapolis to expand
the Children’s Program.
Alexandra House
purchased a larger
home in Blaine.
Minnesota Coalition for
Battered Women (MCBW)
sponsored training
sessions for battered
women’s advocates.
The Battered Women’s
Advisory Council at
the Department of
Corrections prioritized
and recommended
funding to address the
needs of women of color.
1982... A Time of Growth
Expanding the Children’s Program
Nearly half of all residents of Alexandra House’s domestic violence
shelter were children. Since its inception, Alexandra House provided
support to their children/youth residents. In 1982, Alexandra House
received vital funding from United Way of Minneapolis to expand its
Children’s Program. Funding allowed staff to focus on minimizing
the trauma children suffered due to witnessing domestic violence
and subsequently being uprooted from their homes. Services
included: assessments, screening for abuse, protection planning,
support, advocacy, and education. The program also worked to
educate youth in the community about healthy relationships
through presentations conducted at elementary and high schools
within Anoka County. This was the early precursor to what would
become the Violence Prevention Program and later Youth Services.
A Relocation…
By 1982, staff recognized that the existing location in Fridley did not
have adequate space; they sought out and purchased a larger home
in Blaine. However, the home needed renovations prior to moving
into the facility. Those renovations were made in 1982.
Young child in shelter
7

1983 1984
The Alexandra House
shelter moved to a new
location in Blaine, and
was able to house 17
women and children.
MN Legislation: In OFPs,
interfamilial sexual abuse
was added to the definition
of domestic abuse. OFP
eligibility was expanded
to include former spouses,
those who have lived
together, and those who
have a child in common.
U.S. Attorney General
Benjamin Civiletti established
the Department of
Justice Task Force on Family
Violence which, for the
first time in the Department’s
history, submitted a report
examining the scope and
impact of domestic
violence in America.
The United States
Congress passed the
Family Violence Prevention
and Services Act (FVPSA)
and Victims of Crime Act
(VOCA).
MN Legislation: Minnesota
passed a law that
increased the time police
could hold persons in
domestic violence cases
from 24 to 36 hours.
The Duluth Project,
founded by Ellen Pence,
pioneered the fi rst
coordinated criminal
justice response model to
domestic violence.
1983... Moving In
After the renovations were completed, Alexandra House moved
into a larger home in Blaine. This home was able to house 17 women
and children.
The first two shelters run by Alexandra House were single-family
homes converted to communal dwellings, where several families
would stay together while determining their next steps. Not many
in the larger Anoka County community knew much about these
shelters. At the time, emergency shelters were kept hidden from
the public—a tactic that was thought to be the only way to keep
survivors safe.
1984… Staying Connected to Our Roots
The leadership of Alexandra House struggled with maintaining a
balance between its grass roots beginnings and establishing a
professional victim-centered organization. The strong participation
of battered women in setting the direction of the organization was
key to accomplishing this balance.
8
1
1) Hand sketched drawing of the Blaine shelter, used as the “logo” from
1982–1992.
2) Alexandra House shelter in Blaine, MN
2

1985
Alexandra House was the
fi rst domestic violence
organization in the state
to offer an on-site school
for children and youth
staying in the shelter.
Federal funding for
battered women was
allocated through the
Family Violence Prevention
and Services (FVPSA) and
Victims of Crime Acts
(VOCA).
MN Legislation: OFP law
allowed the court to restrict
or deny child visitation if
it found the safety of the
child or the victim would
be at risk during unsupervised
visitation.
U.S. Surgeon General
identifi ed domestic
violence as a public
health issue.
1985… An In-Shelter School is Opened
Alexandra House had the distinction of being the only domestic
violence service provider in the State of Minnesota to have an
in-shelter school for children and youth. The school was run by a
state certified teacher who was assisted by qualified Alexandra
House staff members. Alexandra House believed that mothers
should not have to be concerned about the continuity of education
for their children while they were staying in the shelter. A domestic
violence incident and the subsequent move into a shelter environment
was unsettling. Offering an in-shelter school allowed for mothers
and children to maintain a close and continuous bond as they
moved towards a life free from violence. Initially, the Anoka-Hennepin
School District #11 devoted one certified teacher who would come
to the shelter to teach the children and youth in a classroom setting.
Later, the school at Alexandra House would have two teachers
who worked closely with advocates to ensure their students’ needs
were met.
1
3 4
2
1) Ms. Karen Williams taught elementary aged children from 1988–2008.
2) Ms. Sharon Moenkhaus educating youth in the Alexandra House
on-site school.
3) Ms. Karen Williams
4) Ms. Sharon Moenkhaus
9

1986
1986… Expanded Community-based
Support Services
Legal Advocacy
Alexandra House expanded services to include legal advocacy for
victims of domestic violence in the criminal and civil court setting. In
partnership with law enforcement, legal advocates provided crime
victim advocacy immediately following a domestic assault incident,
24-hours a day. Legal advocates followed cases, at victims’ request,
throughout criminal court proceedings—serving as a liaison with
prosecutors, conveying information on victims’ behalf to the court,
helping victims navigate the criminal court system, accompanying
them to hearings, providing information on crime victims’ rights,
and assisting them in accessing financial and victim notification
resources. In addition, legal advocates assisted victims in filing
protection orders, accompanied them to subsequent hearings, and
provided critical information regarding civil legal options and other
community resources.
On-Call Hospital Response
Trained volunteer advocates began responding to domestic
abuse calls at Unity Hospital. Advocates were able to provide
emotional support, crisis intervention, validation, information,
advocacy, resources, and safety strategies.
10
Alexandra House began
to provide legal advocacy
services to victims of
domestic violence.
1
1) Unity Hospital
circa 1970’s
2) Protective Order
Alexandra House
volunteers began
to respond to
domestic abuse calls
at Unity Hospital.
2
The Battered Women’s
Advisory Council at the
Department of Corrections
prioritized funds for older
battered women and
disabled battered women.

1987
Alexandra House’s Criminal
Justice Intervention
Program received funding
from United Way of
Minneapolis and was
started in the City of Blaine.
MN Legislation: Divorce
proceedings were
prohibited from vacating
or modifying an OFP.
MN Legislation: An OFP
was not voided by the
admittance of the abuser
into the dwelling of
the victim.
MN Legislation: Domestic
abuse by one parent
against the other was
added as a factor the
court must consider
when determining custody.
MN Legislation:
Authorities must inform
victims of the release
of a defendant who
was arrested for
domestic abuse.
1987... Criminal Justice
Intervention Program
Alexandra House established its Criminal Justice Intervention (CJI)
Program when it received funding from United Way of Minneapolis
and was launched in the City of Blaine. The goals of the CJI
program were to ensure victims of domestic assault received legal
advocacy services immediately after an assault, 24-hours a day, and
to support changes within the criminal justice system that would
result in a more effective and coordinated response to domestic
assault. Alexandra House assisted law enforcement and prosecutors
in creating Domestic Abuse Arrest Policies and Prosecution Plans. By
1994, these policies and plans were adopted by the cities of Blaine,
Fridley, Centennial Lakes, Anoka, St. Francis, and all cities served by
the Anoka County Sheriff’s Department.
Today, Alexandra House works in partnership with every law
enforcement agency in Anoka County to provide Criminal Justice
Intervention services to victims of domestic assault and related crimes.
1
1) Due to space constraints at the Blaine shelter, the CJI program staff were
relocated to the Food N Fuel on County Road J and Lexington.
2) An original copy of the Domestic Violence Arrest Procedure for the City of Blaine.
2
11

1988 1989 1990
Crime victims were
granted the right to make
a victim impact statement
at sentencing.
The United States
Congress amended the
Victims of Crime Act,
which required state
victim compensation
programs to make
awards to victims of
domestic violence.
Minnesota Coalition for
Battered Women (MCBW)
began to produce the
annual Femicide Report.
Paul Wellstone was
elected United States
Senator from Minnesota.
Paul and his wife Sheila,
became strong advocates
for battered women and
respective legislation.
U.S. Senator Joe Biden
introduced the fi rst
Violence Against Women
Act (VAWA).
1989... Monitoring Femicide in Minnesota
In Minnesota in 1989: At least 18 women were murdered in cases
where the suspected, alleged, or convicted perpetrator was a current
or former husband, boyfriend, intimate partner or household/family
member of the woman.
Alexandra House is a member of the
Minnesota Coalition for Batttered Women.
—MCBW Femicide Report
In 1989, the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women (MCBW)
began to monitor and report on the number of femicides committed
in Minnesota. The first and subsequent reports contained the
number of people murdered due to domestic violence; however,
the report could not reveal the enormous impact those deaths had on
surviving family members, loved ones, and the community at large.
Domestic violence and domestic homicide have a devastating effect
on every person living in Minnesota. Compiling and sharing this
information was a stark reminder to the community that domestic
violence can be deadly and ensured that these brutal murders did
not go unnoticed and were used as a spring board for action.
12
1988 Femicide Report published by MCBW

1990 1991
The Silent Witness Exhibit
was created in Minneapolis,
MN. It has since grown to
have an international
presence, with projects
in all 50 states and
23 countries.
Minnesota Supreme Court
became the fi rst state
supreme court in the
nation to have a female
majority seated as justices.
MN Legislation: The
Harassment Restraining
Order was created
in Minnesota.
Alexandra House formally
launched Health Care
Advocacy Program and
enhanced its response to
victims of domestic
violence at Health One
Unity Hospital in Fridley.
MN Legislation: The
Minnesota Domestic
Abuse Act was amended
to enhance penalties
for OFP violations,
expand eligibility for
OFPs, and waive filing
fees for petitioners.
1991... Health Care Advocacy
Since 1987, a network of trained volunteer advocates provided
support to victims of domestic assault who sought care at Unity
Hospital. In 1991, Alexandra House formally implemented the
Health Care Advocacy Program at Unity Hospital in Fridley. Alexandra
House advocates and health care providers worked together to
develop training curriculum for nurses, doctors, and other hospital
staff. Together, a process for assessing patients for domestic abuse
was incorporated into the initial hospital intake protocol; when a
victim was identified, they were immediately offered advocacy services.
To ensure this program had the capacity to meet the community needs,
Alexandra House hired an advocate to work in partnership with
healthcare providers and the existing volunteer advocates.
On-call Hospital Advocate
13

1992
Alexandra House created
its own Silent Witness
Exhibit to commemorate
the lives of Anoka County
women and children who
were lost to domestic
violence.
Alexandra House
launched Violence
Prevention Services within
schools in Anoka County
(Youth Services).
MN Legislation: Mandated
that law enforcement
create and implement
Domestic Abuse Arrest
Policies and prosecutors
create and implement
Domestic Abuse
Prosecution Plans.
Alexandra worked with the
Anoka County Attorneys
Offi ce, city prosecutors,
Anoka County Sheriff’s
Offi ce, and law enforcement
agencies to create
and implement Domestic
Abuse Arrest Policies and
Prosecution Plans by 1994.
Alexandra House’s Board
of Directors passed a
resolution to purchase
land and build a new
shelter in Blaine.
Alexandra House unveiled
a new logo to coincide
with the building of
a new shelter and
administrative offi ces.
1992... The Silent Witness Exhibit
In 1990, an ad hoc group of women, upset about the growing
number of women in Minnesota being murdered by their partners
or acquaintances, joined together with several other women’s
organizations to form Arts Action Against Domestic Violence. The
women designed 26 free-standing, life-sized red wooden figures,
each one bearing the name of a woman who once lived, worked,
had neighbors, friends, family, children—whose life ended violently
at the hands of a husband, ex-husband, partner, or acquaintance.
—Silent Witness National Initiative
In 1992, Alexandra House created its own Silent Witness exhibit to
commemorate the lives of the women and children whose lives had
been lost in Anoka County as a result of domestic violence. Alexandra
House’s exhibit consists of 24 free-standing, life-sized red wooden
figures. Each bears the name of a woman and the story of her brutal
murder. There also stands an “unknown” witness to represent the
countless victims whose murders went unsolved or were erroneously
ruled accidental.
Alexandra House’s Silent Witness Exhibit is a sacred memorial, carrying
each person’s silent story to the world. It is in their memory that we
march forward.
14

1992
With the building of a new
shelter and administrative office
space, Alexandra House adopts a
new logo.
1992... Growing Pains
By 1992, the existing shelter was experiencing significant space
constraints. As the only domestic violence shelter in Anoka
County, the shelter in Blaine was a crowded place, with a
minimum of 17 women and children there on a daily basis. Due
to limited capacity, staff routinely faced a disheartening dilemma
of turning away women and families who were seeking safe
shelter. Frequently, the shelter operated above capacity with clients
spilling over onto cots and mats. Despite operating over capacity,
only 6% of the requests for shelter were able to be met.
In response to this ongoing trend, the Alexandra House
Board of Directors passed a resolution to purchase land and
build a new, larger shelter in Blaine in June of 1992.
1992…Violence Prevention Program
As early as 1982, Alexandra House was conducting presentations
on healthy relationships and dating violence in the schools. In
1992, Alexandra House was approached by the Anoka-Hennepin
School District to provide youth prevention and intervention
services in their high schools on a contractual basis. This was a
natural partnership that expanded the prevention work already
underway and became the Alexandra House Violence Prevention
Program. Alexandra House was able to hire a school-based violence
prevention/intervention advocate who provided age-appropriate,
dating violence/healthy relationship classroom presentations
and facilitated support groups. They also met one-on-one
with students identified by school personnel as victims of
violence in a dating relationship, among peers, or within their
homes to provide crisis intervention, support, safety planning,
and resource referrals.
This program would become the Youth Services Program. 15

1993
Alexandra House broke
ground for a new shelter
in Blaine, MN.
Health Care Advocacy
Services were expanded
to include Mercy Hospital.
1993… Groundbreaking Celebration
Alexandra House hosted a groundbreaking celebration on Friday,
October 15, 1993. It was an exciting time for the organization, as
its vision of building a new facility to increase shelter capacity and
support services for abused women and their children was becoming
a reality.
1
In attendance that day were: Minnesota Lieutenant Governor
Joanell Dyrstad; Elwyn Tinklenberg, Mayor of the City of Blaine;
Margaret Langfeld, Anoka County Commissioner; Dan Erhart,
Anoka County Commissioner; and, Alice Johnson, Minnesota
State Representative.
1) Groundbreaking Ceremony Roberta Flatten, Margaret Langfeld, Alice Johnson.
2) Ground is broken for women’s shelter and office complex in Blaine — Star
Tribune 10-14-1993.
3) Former Alexandra House Executive Director, Molly Greenman with current
Alexandra House Executive Director, Pat Prinzevalle.
3
16
2

1993
Alexandra House opened
a satellite in the Anoka
County Courthouse for
community-based, legal
advocacy services.
The Minnesota Court
ruled in Baker v. Baker
that OFPs issued without
notice do not violate
an alleged abuser’s
constitutional rights.
MN Legislation: The
defi nition of domestic
abuse was expanded to
include terroristic threats
and the Harassment &
Stalking law was created.
1993... Growth Requires a Satellite Office
Alexandra House opened a satellite office in the Anoka County
Courthouse that housed its legal advocacy services. Being in close
proximity to the courthouse, advocates were more accessible to
victims who needed crime victim advocacy following a domestic
assault or assistance in filing a protection order.
Anoka County Courthouse, first home to Alexandra House’s
community-based services. Image provided by Courthouse History.
17

1994 1995
Alexandra House held its
Grand Opening of the new
shelter in Blaine with room
for 35 women and children.
Alexandra House held its
fi rst Candlelight Vigil on
the steps of the Anoka
County Courthouse in
memory of Anoka County
residents who died as a
result of domestic violence.
Violence Against Women
Act was signed into law
as part of the Violent
Crime Control and Law
Enforcement Act of 1994.
The Minnesota Center
for Crime Victim Services
was established.
The Violence Against
Women Grants Offi ce
(VAWGO) was created at
U.S. Department of Justice.
1994… A New Door Opens
While the facility opened its doors to clients in June of 1994, the open house for the public
was held on October 20, 1994. Despite the increased capacity of the new shelter, it was filled
beyond capacity within the first two days.
The new facility had private meeting rooms, a large kitchen, a fenced playground, large
bedrooms that could accommodate entire families, and space for residents to have some
quiet time.
A decision was made prior to the opening of the new facility to ‘go public’ with the location
of the Alexandra House shelter. It was the first time in Alexandra House’s history that it was
open to the community.
“We want the community to take some ownership of the problem of domestic violence.
We want people to know who we are and help us address the problem.”
—Pat Prinzevalle, Former Alexandra House Executive Director (October 1994)
“Back in 1977, I knew services were desperately needed, and I am pleased that Alexandra
House has responded so well. And yet Alexandra House won’t be completely successful
until domestic violence is wiped out and there’s no more need for their services anymore.
We all need to work toward that goal.”
—Margaret Langfeld, Anoka County Commissioner (October 1994)
18
1
2
1) Alexandra House facility in Blaine.
2) The new playground at the shelter.

1995 1996
Alexandra House Hospital
Advocates were located
on-site at Unity and
Mercy Hospitals.
Alexandra House was a
primary partner in the
creation of the Day One
Project, a collaborative
effort of domestic violence
shelters throughout
Minnesota.
Health Care Advocacy
services were expanded
to include Allina
Medical Center.
Funded by the Violence
Against Women Act
(VAWA), the National
Domestic Violence Hotline
(1-800-799-SAFE) began
operation and received its
fi rst call on February 21 st .
MN Legislation: When an
abuser was released from
incarceration, notice must
be given to local law
enforcement and any local
battered women’s
program known to be
working with the victim.
1995… Enhanced Partnership with Unity and
Mercy Hospitals
The existing partnership between Alexandra House and Unity and Mercy Hospitals was
deepened when Unity and Mercy Hospitals provided the funding to support two on-site
Alexandra House Hospital Advocates. Through this program, when domestic violence
victims who sought care were identified by health care personnel as a victim of domestic
violence, they were immediately offered advocacy, support, safety planning, and referral
services by trained advocates and volunteers.
1996… Collaborating to Improve Help to Victims
3
Alexandra House was a primary partner in the creation of the Day One Project, a statewide
collaborative effort between Alexandra House, 21 statewide shelters, Allina Health System
and the United Way of Minneapolis. The program provided seamless shelter access for
battered women and families. Shelter providers would share important information via
computer, phone, and fax regarding bed space availability so that a woman’s initial request
for shelter would be the only call she needed to make. Providers were able to ensure that
safety and services were appropriate and immediately available for women and families
who needed them. 1) Mercy Hospital circa 1990
1
2
2) Unity Hospital circa 1970
3) DayOne Call to Safety Logo
19

1997 1998 1999
Alexandra House
celebrated 20-years of
service to the community
and survivors.
MN Legislation: It was a
felony to violate an OFP
during the probationary
period between two
independent domestic
assault offenses or to
violate the order using
a fi rearm.
MN Legislation: All
licensed peace offi cers
and other corrections
offi cers were authorized
to serve Orders for
Protection.
The Higher Education
Amendments of 1998
authorized the Grants to
Combat Violent Crimes
Against Women on
Campus Program.
The VAWO Policy Offi ce
merged with VAWGO, and
created the Violence
Against Women Offi ce
(VAWO).
1997… Marks 20 Years of Service
It is no small matter when a nonprofit celebrates 20 years of service
to its community. In Anoka County and in the State of Minnesota,
Alexandra House had a long-standing reputation of strong
leadership in the field of domestic violence. Alexandra House
had always worked to provided excellent and compassionate
services and support to battered women and their families.
Furthermore, the organization endeavored to expand and increase
the services it offered to battered women and the community—to
meet the growing and changing needs. Alexandra House has made
a difference in the lives of so many.
1997 Alexandra House Annual Report Cover
20

2000 2001
Minnesota Coalition for
Battered Women (MCBW)
and the Minnesota Coalition
Against Sexual Assault
(MNCASA) successfully
rallied for the reinstatement
of state advisory councils
on battered women and
sexual assault.
Federal Violence Against
Women Act was
reauthorized, thanks to
the efforts of Paul and
Sheila Wellstone.
MN Domestic Violence
shelter funds were reduced
signifi cantly as a result of
the state’s budget crisis.
Alexandra House
experienced nearly a
$450,000 funding cut.
MN Legislation: Included
interference with an
emergency 911 call in the
Domestic Abuse Act.
On April 1, 2001, the
United States fi rst
observed Sexual Assault
Awareness Month
(SAAM) nationally.
The Day One Project
separated from Alexandra
House to become the Day
One Center, Inc. in St. Paul.
2001… Funding Cuts Impact Services
In the early 2000’s, domestic violence shelters across Minnesota
were reeling from massive funding cuts that occurred as a result of
the State of Minnesota’s budget crisis. Alexandra House scrambled
to fill the financial gap. The Ventura administration shifted the
shelter reimbursement policy from a county paid, per-person
“per diem” to a state-run grant program operated by the Minnesota
Center for Crime Victim Services. This resulted in Alexandra House
losing nearly $450,000 from 2001–2004. Alexandra House was
forced to eliminate several staff positions, which resulted in a
scaling back of services.
Article from the Pioneer Press detailing the
impact of the funding cuts.
21

2002
Alexandra House
celebrated its 25th
Anniversary and held
its first annual
fundraiser, the
“Building Bridges
Ball,” which is now
the Hope Gala.
In partnership with the
Anoka County Attorney’s
Offi ce, Alexandra House
began the Order for
Protection (OFP) Project.
The DART Project
(Domestic Abuse Response
Team) was implemented
in partnership with the
Fridley Police Department.
Alexandra House began
the “Adopt-A-Room”
initiative which allowed
community members to
maintain a room in the
shelter for a year.
Minnesota Crime Victim
Services grants and
shelter funds were cut as
a result of the state’s
budget crisis.
2002… Order for Protection Project
Alexandra House advocates were deeply troubled by the number of
abused women that could neither afford to retain counsel nor qualify
for legal aid assistance. This put women at a considerable disadvantage
throughout the legal process, and many became intimidated by the
process and simply did not follow through. A collaboration between
the Anoka County Attorney’s Office, Judicare of Anoka County (legal
aid provider), Anoka County Child Support and Collections, and
Alexandra House was formed in an effort to improve services to
petitioners as they sought orders for protection. Contracted OFP
Project attorneys provided free legal representation to petitioners
filing orders for protection. In addition, eligible petitioners with children
in common with their respondents received assistance in obtaining
child support orders with their final orders.
In Memory
To the living, I am gone
To the sorrowful, I will never return
To the angry, I was cheated
But to the happy, I am at peace
And to the faithful, I have never left
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard
As you gaze upon this tree
Remember Me…
Remember me in your heart, in your thoughts
And the memories of the times we loved
The memories of the time we shared
For if you always think of me
I will have never gone.
1
2
22
1) Judge issuing Order for Protection
2) The poem in memory of those lost to domestic violence.

2002 2003 2004
VAWO changed to the
Offi ce on Violence
Against Women.
Federal Legislation made
the Offi ce on Violence
Against Women (OVW) a
permanent division of the
Department of Justice
with a presidentially
appointed, Senate
confi rmed director.
Alexandra House
dedicated a park bench at
its 9th Annual Candlelight
Vigil in honor of Anoka
County Commissioner
Margaret Langfeld.
Alexandra House held its
fi rst annual Building the
Legacy Breakfast event.
MN Legislation: Allowed
battered women the
opportunity to extend
their protection orders
prior to their abuser’s
release from incarceration,
and to obtain police
reports at no cost.
2003… Honoring the Lives Lost
to Domestic Violence
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Alexandra
House honored the lives and memories of Anoka County women
and children who were murdered as a result of domestic violence. It
was important for us as a community to come together to honor
their strength and courage, and to offer our support to those who
were left behind. It was also an opportunity for us to reach out to
those who were experiencing domestic violence and offered our
help and support.
The 9th Annual Candlelight Vigil, held at the Bunker Hills Activity
Center, was particularly impactful. A tree was planted and dedicated
in honor of Anoka County women and children who were murdered
as a result of domestic violence. A bench was dedicated to then
County Commissioner Margaret Langfeld for her tireless work on
behalf of battered women and their loved ones.
1 2
1) The plaque for the red oak tree displays a poem in memory of those
women and children whose lives have been lost to domestic violence.
(see page 22 for poem)
2) Connie Moore, Executive Director of Alexandra House with Anoka
County Commissioner, Margaret Langfeld.
23

2005
Connie Moore, Executive
Director of Alexandra
House and board member
of MCBW, traveled to
Washington D.C. with
MCBW to advocate for
the reauthorization of the
Violence Against Women
Act (VAWA).
MN Legislation: Domestic
strangulation to be charged
as a felony assault.
2005… An Advocate for Victims
Connie Moore, Executive Director of Alexandra House and board
member of MCBW, traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for
the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
VAWA provides critical funding that supports rape crisis centers as
well as collaborative projects between law enforcement and
advocacy groups that enhance victim services and hold perpetrators
accountable. She was joined by staff and board members from
many other women’s groups across the State of Minnesota. While
in Washington D.C., the Minnesota delegation met with senators to
discuss the issue of domestic violence and the importance of
reauthorizing the VAWA.
“In 2005, we will be working with other domestic violence
programs to advocate that congress reauthorize the “Violence
Against Women Act,” which provides federal funding for a wide
array of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.”
— Connie Moore, Executive Director of Alexandra House and board
member of MCBW.
Members of MCBW rally in Washington D.C., to advocate for the
reauthorization of the 2005 Violence Against Women Act.
24

2005
2005… Preventing Dating Violence
Alexandra House understood that violence in dating relationships
was (and remains) a social issue that faced American youth.
Unhealthy relationship behaviors can start early and have been
linked to lifelong patterns of violence that can carry over into other
relationships. Research studies indicated that 1 in 11 adolescents
reported being a victim of physical dating violence.
Alexandra House, in
partnership with the CDC,
launched the Choose
Respect Program for
children in middle school.
While Alexandra House advocates had for years been providing
prevention education in the high schools, there was growing
recognition that in order to prevent dating violence from occurring
in the first place, we had to reach youth before the cycle ever began.
In 2005, Alexandra House piloted the Centers for Disease Control’s
(CDC) Choose Respect Campaign in three local middle schools,
which targeted youth aged 11–14 with messages about developing
healthy, respectful relationships. The ultimate goal was to inspire
youth to give and get respect in all their relationships and to help
them develop the skills to make healthy, positive life choices.
In 2007, Alexandra House was recognized by the CDC as a leading
Choose Respect Program in the State of Minnesota and the
Youth Services Coordinator, Dawn Rutt, was invited to the CDC
headquarters in Atlanta (1 of 20 invited nationwide) to provide
input and expertise on the future direction of the program.
1
2
1) Choose Respect
poster in Northdale
Middle School.
2) Middle school
student participates
in Alexandra
House’s
Choose Respect
programming.
25

2006 2007
Alexandra House created
the Follow Up Program.
President George W. Bush
signed the Violence
Against Women Act
of 2005.
Alexandra House
expanded the Follow Up
Program, offering
fi nancial assistance
to families.
Alexandra House
celebrated 30 years of
service to the community.
The National Teen Dating
Abuse Helpline was
launched and received its
fi rst call in February 2007.
Safe at Home, a statewide
program, administered by
the Office of the Minnesota
Secretary of State that
allows survivors of domestic
violence, sexual assault,
or stalking to maintain a
confi dential address was
signed into law.
2006… Moving Beyond Crisis
Alexandra House advocates struggled with the knowledge that
women required numerous community resources and ongoing
support long after their immediate crisis was resolved. Survivors
needed legal assistance, employment, and affordable housing.
Advocates knew that some form of follow-up or aftercare program
would help victims access resources and community supports, cope
with the emotional, psychological, and physical trauma they had
experienced, and restore their self-esteem and independence.
In order to meet this need, Alexandra House collaborated with
Anoka County and created the Follow Up Program. Advocates
met with survivors in a safe and personal setting—typically the
survivor’s home—and worked with them to identify strengths and
needs, gather the tools and resources needed to make positive
changes, and achieve their self-identified goals. The survivor sets
the tone for the type of relationship they have with the program,
ranging from informal check-ins to very structured follow-up that
tapers off from weekly to monthly to quarterly.
2007… Increased Support to Survivors
Alexandra House expanded its Follow Up Program with the
assistance of a Family Homeless Prevention Assistance Program
(FHPAP) grant. These funds allowed advocates to provide financial
assistance to the families served by the program. Depending
upon the needs of the client, the financial assistance may have
included a rental security deposit, first month’s rent, and
payments on utility bills. In 2009, with the addition of new
funding, this program expanded further and included a provision
of housing assistance and housing subsidies.
26
Alexandra House advocate meets with a Follow Up client.

2008 2009
Alexandra House
expanded its mission to
include serving victims of
sexual violence.
Alexandra House adopted
a new logo to refl ect its
expanded mission.
President Obama was the
fi rst U.S. President to
declare April as Sexual
Assault Awareness Month.
The White House,
Department of Justice,
and the Offi ce on Violence
Against Women (OVW)
commemorated the 15th
anniversary of the
passage of the Violence
Against Women Act
(VAWA).
2009… Expanding the Mission
At the request of then Anoka County Attorney, Robert M.A. Johnson,
and with the approval of the organization’s Board of Directors,
Alexandra House expanded its mission in October 2009 to provide
services to victims of sexual violence. Alexandra House provided
on-site follow-up and services to victims of sexual assault who
sought care at Mercy and Unity Hospital’s emergency departments.
Alexandra House staff provided immediate support to victims during
sexual assault evidentiary exams and services that included safety
planning, help in accessing shelter, assistance in reporting to law
enforcement, and referrals. Dating, domestic, and sexual violence
are often intertwined, and by expanding its mission, Alexandra
House was better able to effectively provide services to victims of
domestic and sexual violence in Anoka County.
Alexandra House adopts a new logo to reflect its expanded mission.
27

2010 2011
The Anoka County Lethality
Assessment Program (LAP)
was implemented in
collaboration with many
partners including the
Anoka County Attorney’s
Offi ce, law enforcement,
municipal prosecutors,
and corrections.
In recognition of Sexual
Assault Awareness
Month, Alexandra House
and Anoka Ramsey
Community College held
a Take Back the Night
gathering.
Alexandra House was
awarded the Twin Cities
North Chamber of
Commerce’s Nonprofi t of
the Year Award.
Minnesota Legislation:
Passed the Safe Harbor
Law, which among other
things, added the
defi nition of sexually
exploited youth in
Minnesota’s child
protection codes.
2010… Earlier Intervention Saves Lives
The creation of the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) was in
response to a high number of domestic homicides that occurred
in Anoka County over a relatively short period of time.
In response to this alarming trend, Anoka County fully committed
to taking a proactive approach to address the issue of domestic
violence, with a particular focus on identifying and assisting those
victims at greatest risk for injury or death. Multiple Anoka County
law enforcement, criminal justice, and community agencies (Alexandra
House included) joined forces to develop the Lethality Assessment
Program with the goal of better identifying and protecting high-risk
victims of domestic violence.
®
“From November of 2006 through February of 2011, 11
women died in domestic homicides in Anoka County, more
women, per capita, than anywhere else in the Twin Cities.
Further, the County’s domestic homicide rate was nearly
twice that of its closest suburban neighbors.”
—Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 28, 2011
28
Victim/Survivor talking to a police officer.

2012
Alexandra House added
Therapy Services.
A grant from the Greater
Twin Cities United Way
allowed Alexandra House
to expand the Follow Up
Program and offer short-term
rental subsidies to assist
survivors to secure and
maintain safe, affordable
housing.
2012… Therapy and Support
Services Program
Nearly 35% of all victim/survivors served by Alexandra House
reported having some form of mental health issue or diagnosis.
Advocates worked diligently to find appropriate and accessible
therapy resources for their clients within Anoka County, but realized
there was a lack of affordable services that specialized in trauma
related to sexual and domestic violence. To meet this need, Alexandra
House implemented the Therapy and Support Services Program.
Alexandra House hired a licensed therapist who offered individual
and family therapy and mental health assessment services for children,
adolescents, and adults free-of-charge. Services were targeted to
those who did not have insurance, could not afford copays, or faced
other barriers to accessing services in their community.
Victim/Survivor in a therapy session
29

2012
The Alexandra House
Youth Advisory Council
was created.
Alexandra House’s on-site
school moved to the
Compass Bell Center
within the Anoka-Hennepin
School District.
2012… A Youth Advisory Council
is Formed
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) formed in 2012 and included
students from Anoka County’s many public high schools. The council
offered students an opportunity to learn about the field of advocacy
and social services and encouraged them to take an active role in
educating other youth about dating, domestic, and sexual violence.
In their respective schools and communities, Council members
planned and facilitated teen dating violence awareness activities. At
a state level, Council members participated in “Action Day at the
Capitol” and the Youth Intervention Programs (YIP) Rally Day. Both
rallies allowed council members to share the impact of youth
programming with Minnesota.
“The Youth Advisory Council represents an opportunity to bring
together youth from all over the community who offer their wisdom,
insight, experience and voice to raise awareness about dating,
domestic and sexual violence within their school communities
and beyond.”
—Connie Moore, Executive Director of Alexandra House
30
1
2 3
1) Youth Advisory Council members.
2) Youth Advisory Council members met with Senator Jim Abeler.
3) Action day at the capitol.

2013 2014
Alexandra House received
a grant to create a
coordinated community
response to abuse in
later life.
Alexandra House
expanded its Therapy and
Support Services.
Alexandra House
expanded its Youth
Services Program to serve
all high schools within
Anoka County’s six
school districts.
2013… A Response to Abuse
in Later Life
2014… Youth Service
Program Expansion
Among Anoka County leaders, there was a Since 1982, the Youth Service Program intervened in the lives of
growing awareness of the increased number youth who were experiencing violence in a dating relationship or
of reports of abuse, neglect, and financial within their homes. Advocates worked to remove barriers youth
exploitation perpetrated against elder victims. faced in accessing safe, confidential services by partnering with
In 2012, Alexandra House became a member six local school districts and Anoka County Juvenile Corrections to
of the Minnesota S.A.F.E. (Stop Abuse and bring services to them. Advocates spent one half day weekly at
Financial Exploitation) Elders Initiative. Led by
every high school and alternative program in Anoka-Hennepin,
County Attorney Tony Palumbo, the program
Spring Lake Park, Centennial, Fridley, Columbia Heights, and
aimed to reduce elder abuse through training,
St. Francis School Districts. In addition to having met individually
policy and education. The initiative laid the groundwork for
with students, advocates facilitated weekly healthy relationship
what is presently known as the Anoka County Abuse in Later
Life Program. Alexandra House, in partnership with the Anoka
groups in each of their schools. One day each week was dedicated
County Attorney’s Office, 13 other local, municipal, and County
to conducting classroom presentations on healthy relationships
agencies including law enforcement, prosecutors, and adult and to making students aware of available services. We also
protective services, was one of 9 organizations in the country to provided support groups and educational presentations to youth
be awarded an almost $400,000 grant from the Office on who resided in one of three programs of the Lino Lakes Juvenile
Violence Against Women (OVW) to address the issue of elder Correctional Facility.
abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation through training
and enhanced services and outreach to elder abuse victims.
This funding led to the creation of Alexandra House’s Aging
Services Program. 31

2015
Alexandra House
launched the Aging
Services Program.
Alexandra House revised
its logo to incorporate the
recognizable colors
associated with domestic
and sexual violence
(purple and teal).
2015… Services to Clients Ages 50+
In June of 2015, Alexandra House implemented its Aging Services
Program. The program offered victims of abuse, neglect, and financial
exploitation, aged 50 and older, client-centered advocacy services.
Advocates met with clients in their homes or in a safe location of
their choosing, over the course of several weeks or months, to help
them achieve their personal goals for safety and well-being.
Advocates also frequently met with family members or caregivers
of elder abuse victims to offer support, resources, and referrals.
1
1) Alexandra House’s revised logo incorporates the colors that are easily
recognizable with domestic (purple) and sexual violence (teal).
2) Aging Services Program participant.
32
2

2016 2017
Alexandra House
expanded its Aging
Services program adding
another advocate to
eliminate the existing
wait list for services.
Alexandra House received
a “Transitional Housing”
grant from the Offi ce on
Violence Against Women
to provide advocacy,
support services, and
rental subsidies to
homeless victims.
Greater Twin Cities United
Way eliminated its “Safety
from Family Violence”
funding, ending its
decades-long support of
domestic violence work.
Alexandra House
celebrated its 40th
Anniversary.
2017… An Ending and a New Beginning
On April 14, 2017, the Greater Twin Cities United Way announced
it was facing a $6 million shortfall in donations available for
their Partner Agency grants. In dealing with those reductions,
the United Way—historically, a key partner to domestic violence
programs—chose to eliminate the entirety of its “Safety from
Family Violence” funding, totaling $4.5 million. These cuts left
domestic violence programs stunned. Alexandra House, an
Agency Partner of the Greater Twin Cities United Way since
1983, lost $238,000 in annual funding.
The loss of this historic partnership galvanized Minnesota Coalition
for Battered Women (MCBW) members who came together to
mitigate this collective loss of funding. The membership is
reframing the narrative around domestic violence to highlight
the complexity of victims’ lives—so that the community
understands the intersectionality of issues of poverty, hunger,
homelessness, and domestic violence. One cannot hope to solve
any one of these issues without addressing the others. Our work,
collectively, as domestic violence service providers, helps victims to
not only find pathways out of domestic violence situations, but
also out of poverty and, in many cases, homelessness.
2017… Celebrating 40 Years
As a nonprofit, celebrating
40 years of service to the
community was a significant
milestone and an opportunity
for Alexandra House to
reconnect with our roots
and explore our history. We
have taken time to reflect on
all the progress made, the good times and the tough ones, lives
forever changed, and those lost to violence. Though we are
saddened that Alexandra House services continue to be needed,
we are deeply honored to serve.
Several events throughout 2017 were held to celebrate this
milestone and to connect partners, victim/survivors, donors,
volunteers, and community members to the history, mission,
and work of Alexandra House and share its vision and plans for
the future.
33

THIS ISN’T THE END OF ALEXANDRA HOUSE’S STORY...
... it’s just a new chapter.
Throughout its 40-year history, Alexandra House has evolved to meet
the growing and changing needs of the community it serves. They
did not do this alone. Over the course of its long history, Alexandra House
developed a rich network of collaborative partners in state/local
government, criminal justice, healthcare, education, and other fields
that directly impacted the lives of the individuals and families they
served. These partnerships significantly expanded their reach,
streamlined access for victims, and resulted in new and innovative
programs. Alexandra House’s impact in Anoka County is greater
and deeper because of these relationships and together, with our
partners, we will continue to work to affect meaningful change and
improve our collective response to domestic, sexual, and dating
violence, and abuse in later life.
Lexi, Mary, Sharon, and Margaret identified a problem and took
action by challenging their community and its various systems to
recognize domestic violence as a community problem that required
a public response.
...to make an end is to make a beginning.
—T.S. Elliot
A NEW CHAPTER
It is because of them that Alexandra House exists today; that many
lives have been saved and scores of families have been given the
opportunity and resources to rebuild their lives free from violence;
that the community they serve is more willing to address the issue,
talk about what can be done to stop domestic, sexual, and dating
violence, and abuse in later life, and do their part to support victims.
It is in their honor that Alexandra House will continue the work
pioneered by those who came before us.
34