Hope's Door Annual Report 2024

ANNUAL
REPORT
HOPE’S
DOOR
2024

Mission Statement
Hope’s Door seeks to end domestic violence and to empower victims to
achieve safety, independence, and healing from the trauma of abuse.
Services & Community Collaborations
Hotline
Safety Planning
Danger Assessments
Emergency Shelter
Counseling
Support Groups
Advocacy
Children’s Program
Community Education
Multi-Cultural Services
Information and Referral
Love Shouldn't Hurt
Teen Program
Next Step Economic
Empowerment Program
Legal Services
Westchester County
Anti-Trafficking Taskforce
Family Justice Center
Westchester County
Domestic Violence
High Risk Team
We are here to help
24/7/365
Hotline: Call or Text “HELP” 888-438-8700
Webchat: HopesDoorNY.org
https://hopesdoorny.org/chat-with-us/
STATEMENT OF CHARITY ACCOUNTABILITY
Hope’s Door wants the public to have complete confidence in our chari table work.
We are recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charity. Our tax ID number is
13-3023259. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Contact us or refer to our website to review the following:
IRS Letter of Determination • Annual Reports • Audited Financial Statements • IRS Form 990

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Serving During the Year
Ending June 30, 2024
Ingrid Kessler, President
Marisol Sanchez, Vice President
Dan Lipka, Secretary
Melissa Szot, Treasurer
Pamela Ashford
Silvana Bajaña
Christine Consiglio
Michele Goldmeer
Shreya Gopal
Yael Levy
Michelle Memoli
Jyoti Panjwani
Liz Zimmerman
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Sheryl Dale, Co-Chair
Ira M. Schulman, Co-Chair
Gloria Basem
Jean Marie Connolly
Jill Deitch
Penney J. Klingman
Jeffrey Kohn
Sonia Lopez Gonzalez
David M. Ryan
Dan Schorr
Joel Seligman
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CarlLa Horton, MPA
ANNUAL REPORT TEAM
CarlLa Horton, MPA
Patti Reyes D’Agostino
Designer: Margo Goody
iStock Models Used
Forty-four years! That’s how long Hope’s Door has been transforming the
lives of survivors of abuse — offering safety, support, and healing as they reclaim
power and control over their lives. I am filled with enormous pride and gratitude for
those who are on this journey with us. Most importantly, I recognize the survivors
we serve — your courage inspires us every day. I thank our staff for your indomitable
spirit. I thank our Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and volunteers for your
resolute commitment. I thank our donors for your steadfast support of all we do.
Last year, we reported that our largest government grant sustained a 27% cut.
Our State delegation responded to this with unprecedented support. We are
particularly grateful to NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, State
Senator Pete Harckham, and Assemblyman Chris Burdick for their leadership and
applaud Governor Kathy Hochul who championed our cause and added $134.4M
for victim services across New York State.
Every year brings its challenges and every year we prevail thanks to so many who
support our life-saving work. Please know that we could not be more grateful.
CARLLA HORTON
Executive Director
Message
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR WORK DURING THE YEAR
Responded to 1,885 Hotline calls – up 27% over last year.
Counseled and offered safety planning support to 855 victims.
Accepted 444 police referrals of victims assessed as high-risk for homicide.
Provided trauma-informed legal representation to 284 clients in 525 matters.
Offered 4,398 nights of safety in our emergency shelter.
Empowered 7,480 youth with potentially life-saving knowledge about abuse.
Hope’s Door Staff
Hope’s Door Staff on Denim Day

Voices of
I endured so much from my abusive ex-partner
and then he threatened to put a gun to my head.
With the help of the local sheriff, I grabbed my
two-year old daughter and fled over 500 miles to
my family in Westchester. I thought we had escaped,
but my ex followed me, stalked me, and
filed questionable court petitions resulting in a
temporary custody order for him. I found my way
to Hope’s Door. They understood my fear and
trauma and his pattern of weaponizing the court
system. My Hope’s Door attorney found shelter
for me and my child, represented me in court,
and secured a dismissal of my abuser’s case. I am
now safe and reclaiming my autonomy.
SAFETY
INDEPENDENCE
My two children and I had been living with my
partner for almost a year when my daughter finally
revealed that my boyfriend had been molesting
her. We left that day. I had no job, no legal
status, and nowhere to go until I found shelter
for us at Hope’s Door. It was a nightmare, but the
nightmare is coming to an end. My former partner
took a criminal plea, which gave me such a
sense of relief. Since then, Hope’s Door helped
me obtain my work permit and temporary housing.
We are looking ahead to the future.

SURVIVORS
For more than two years, I kept making excuses
to stay with my husband through painful verbal,
emotional, sexual, and physical abuse. But in the
end, I had to go. He then invaded my home, destroyed
my property, and threatened to hurt our
dog. My children, one with him and one from a
prior relationship, were terrified. I felt such guilt
and shame. Then I heard about Hope’s Door. After
many sessions with my counselor, I began to
see that his abuse was a reflection of him and not
of me. I know my rights. I know about safety planning.
I am starting to heal and to understand what
a healthy relationship looks like.
HEALING
EMPOWERMENT
When I look back, I can’t believe how bad things
were before I left. I was physically, emotionally,
and sexually abused for years. I was constantly
shamed, belittled, and threatened. I began to
believe that I didn’t deserve anything else. But
I knew my children deserved better, so we left.
A friend connected me with Hope’s Door, and
things began to turn around. My husband tried to
keep control through intimidation and coercion,
but Hope’s Door helped me stay strong. I began
to stop blaming myself for the things he did to
me. My counselor helped me develop coping
mechanisms and healthy self-talk. I began to see
a mental health therapist. My children and I are
turning the corner. I believe in myself now.

HIGHLIGHTS
ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
We gratefully acknowledge St. Stephen’s for the support
they provide non-profits, including Hope’s Door, with
vital funds they raise through their Treasures Thrift Shop.
STATE SENATOR PETE HARCKHAM
HIGHLIGHTS HOPE’S DOOR
HOPE’S DOOR LEGAL CENTER CELEBRATES
5 TH ANNIVERSARY AND 1,000 TH CLIENT
We honored Hope’s Door Legal Center on its 5 th
Anniversary and service to its 1,000 th client. The center,
which opened in December 2018 with just two dedicated
attorneys, has added a bilingual attorney, a paralegal,
and two courthouse advocates.
ANNUAL POLICE INTERACTIVE
TRAINING CONFERENCE
Advisory Council Member and Director of the
Westchester County Domestic Violence High Risk
Team Dave Ryan presents at the Annual Police Interactive
Training Conference.
Hope’s Door Staff and Board Members meet
with NYS Senator Pete Harckham for a social media
PSA announcement.
ADVISORY COUNCIL LAUNCHES DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
ASSEMBLYWOMAN DANA LEVENBERG
HELPS RAISE AWARENESS
Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg
invited Executive Director
CarlLa Horton to raise awareness
on her premier podcast of
“Building Healthy Communities.”
Use the link below to give this
podcast a listen!
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Rn5QDKtKm1U
Phil Morton, Mark Iannucci, Jean Marie Connolly, Stephanie Weston

of the year
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH–
SHINE THE LIGHT
Hope’s Door joined with My Sisters’ Place, Center for
Safety and Change, Pace Women’s Justice Center, and
more to Shine the Light on domestic violence.
RAISING AWARENESS
Raising Awareness at Morgan Stanley
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
CFO PHIL MORTON APPOINTED CO-CHAIR
OF NPW CFO AFFINITY GROUP
Shaire Gadson and Shannon Luke at National Night Out in White Plains
WESTCHESTER NONPROFIT OPCON
Michael Goldman CFO of Child Care Council of Westchester, Jan Fisher Executive
Director of NPW, and Phil Morton CFO of Hope’s Door
CFO Phil Morton as featured panelist for “Streamlining Processes for
Nonprofits in Westchester”

Dating Abuse Awareness,
Intervention, and Prevention
LOVE SHOULDN’T HURTconfronts the issue of abuse in dating relationships.
During the year, our Youth Educators facilitate classroom workshops,
which conclude with an invitation to join Students Talking About Relationships
(STAR–our peer leadership component) and work with us on a coordinated
community response against abuse. For more than 20 years, we have empowered
young people with the knowledge to distinguish between a relationship
dominated by coercive power and control and one characterized by equality,
respect, and trust.
As we work with young people, we are inspired by what one young person in
the program had to say about our work:
Even after my ex-boyfriend choked me, I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t know
where to turn. I felt stuck. Then I heard about the teen program at Hope’s
Door. I not only learned how to protect myself but now I can help others
facing the same problem.
Next Step Economic
Empowerment Program
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, financial
abuse occurs in 99% of DV cases. By controlling financial resources, abusers
often force victims to choose between staying in the relationship or facing
economic hardship if they leave. In the Next Step program, survivors identify
their barriers to safety and independence and receive funds to pursue
educational and vocational goals.
LISA: I came to Hope’s Door with my hopes and dreams crushed by domestic
violence. I learned about the Next Step program and shared my dream of
becoming a pharmacy technician. First, I got a job at a CVS and then found
a program at Westchester Community College. Hope’s Door paid for my
classes and textbooks. With their emotional and financial support, I am
on my way to fulfilling my dream.

With THANKS
Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg offering donations
Assemblyman Chris Burdick delivers NYS support for Hope’s Door
Delta Sigma Theta
Opening night at Art Show: Bedford at St. Matthew’s
Raising awareness at the Westchester Women’s Summit
PCSB supports Hope’s Door
Operation Santa Claus – Yorktown
Junior League of Bronxville delivers care packages

THE SPRING GALA, at VIP Country Club, was a celebration of five years and 1,000 clients served through
the Hope’s Door Legal Center. We proudly recognized the efforts of State Senate Majority Leader Andrea
Stewart-Cousins, NY State Senator Pete Harckham, and NY State Assemblyman Chris Burdick. In helping us meet
the needs of domestic violence survivors they have contributed to our mission to empower victims to achieve
safety, independence, and healing from the trauma of abuse. We were honored with the personal stories of two
Hope’s Door Legal Center clients. The success of their journeys, guided by the trauma-informed legal services
they received, characterized authentically the critical change that can happen when a client reclaims their life. The
spectacular evening was a celebration of what can be accomplished when people come together to ensure that our
clients are well-supported as they start lives free from abuse.
Executive Director CarlLa Horton and the Hope’s Door Board of Directors
NY State Senator Pete Harckham, HD Executive Director CarlLa Horton, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea
Stewart-Cousins, NY State Assemblyman Chris Burdick
Stacey Neumann and Patti Reyes D’Agostino

Spring GALA
CarlLa Horton and the Hope’s Door Legal Center team
Nancy Simpkins, Caroline Shepherd, Laurie Sturz and Audra Cedrone
Hope's Door Staff
Donna Ruzzi and guests, raising paddles
in support of Hope's Door

GOVERNMENT
NYS Division of Criminal
Justice Services
NYS Office for the Prevention
of Domestic Violence
NYS Office of Children and
Family Services
NYS Office of Victim Services
NYS Senate Majority Leader
Andrea Stewart-Cousins
NYS Senator Pete Harckham
NYS Assemblyman Chris Burdick
Westchester County
CORPORATE
Aflac
Ameriprise Financial Advisors
Apple Bank
Ares Management
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Bleakley, Platt and Schmidt
Bling’s the Thing
Blue Note Jazz Club
Capitol Theater
Coldwell Banker
Diamond Properties
ECCO Development
Fairview County Club
Fifth Third Wealth Advisors
Glen Arbor Golf Club
Greenberg Traurig
JP Morgan Securities
Kohlberg and Company
Le Jardin du Roi
Morgan Stanley
Mt. Kisco Seafood
NLP
PKF O’Connor Davies
Raymour & Flanigan
Riggs Distler & Co.
Right Click Solutions
Spavia/Westchester Well Being
Tompkins Community Bank
Valley National Bank
Washburn/Carmichael
Wells Fargo Advisors
YogaSix Eastchester
FOUNDATIONS AND TRUSTS
Brian E. Kohn Family Foundation
Falbaum Charitable Fund
Harold E. Hirsch Foundation
Helen I. Graham Charitable Foundation
Houston Family Foundation
Howard Gilman Foundation
John and Patricia Klingenstein Fund
Louis & Anne Abrons Family
Foundation
Luisa Diaz Foundation
Not 4Gotten NY
Paul Family Foundation
PCSB Community Foundation
Phelps Healthcare Foundation
Screen Door Philanthropies
Shmerler Foundation Inc.
St. Faith’s House Foundation
Student Assistance Services Foundation
The Baker Foundation
The Harry Donenfeld Foundation
The Marshall Frankel Foundation
The Neel Foundation
The Sexauer Foundation
The Tyler Family Foundation
Thomas D. Klingenstein
& Nancy D. Perlman Family Fund
Union Savings Bank Foundation
COMMUNITY
914 Cares
Alpha Beta Delta Sorority
Breaking Ground Dance Center
Bronxville Teachers Association
Charity Gift Certificates
Gamma Sigma Sigma
Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson
JCCA
Junior League of Bronxville
Junior League of Central Westchester
Junior League of Northern Westchester
New Dawn Family Resource Center
Nonprofit Westchester
Office of Assemblywoman
Dana Levenberg
Operation Santa
Pace University
Pleasantville Children’s Center
Rotary Club of Chappaqua
Westchester Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Westchester Women’s Agenda
Women United of Westchester
Social Club
Women’s Civic Club of Katonah
Woodlawn Run for a Cause
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Gamma
Xi Zeta Chapter
INTERFAITH
Asbury United Women in Faith
Bedford Presbyterian Women’s
Association
Briarcliff Congregational Church
Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church
First Congregational Church of
Chappaqua
First Presbyterian Church of Katonah
First Reformed Church
Grace Episcopal Church
Jewish Endowment Foundation
Scarsdale Congregational Church
St. John’s Episcopal Church
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Stevens Memorial Methodist Church
Temple Beth Abraham
Temple Beth El
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
of the Hudson Valley
PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGY
FOR ANY INADVERTENT OMISSIONS.
PLEASE KNOW THAT WE DO
NOT LIST INDIVIDUAL DONORS

FINANCIAL Statement
Fundraising Events
Condensed Statement of Support, Revenue, and Expenses for the Years
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Condensed Statement of Support, Revenue, and Expenses
For the Ended Years June Ended 2020, June June 2019, 2021, June June 2020, 2022, June 2021, June June 2023, 2022, June June 2024 2023
Public Support and Revenue 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Public Support
Contributions and Special Events $348,535 $459,771 $532,594 $744,215 $438,500
Bequests $0 $27,000 $38,145 $37,512 $0
Other Public Support $62,188 $175,044 $129,460 $59,605 $30,000
Total Public Support $410,723 $661,815 $700,199 $841,332 $468,500
Government Support
DSS Shelter Fees $569,270 $404,033 $639,025 $474,633 $616,265
NYS Office of Victim Services $1,045,572 $1,263,826 $1,217,720 $939,052 $880,176
Westchester County Office for Women $380,883 $413,495 $361,354 $547,359 $545,832
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services $34,967 $42,441 $47,902 $48,974 $47,954
Other Government Grants $140,314 $113,806 $757,662 $553,820 $605,652
Total Government Support $2,171,006 $2,237,601 $3,023,663 $2,563,838 $2,695,879
Revenue
Interest Income $7,245 $4,375 $4,900 $17,142 $39,611
Other Revenue $420 $4,178 $808 $0 $6
Total Revenue $7,665 $8,553 $5,708 $17,142 $39,617
Total Support and Revenue $2,589,394 $2,907,969 $3,729,570 $3,422,312 $3,203,996
Expenses
Program Services
Shelter Program $776,618 $727,645 $836,099 $799,499 $847,720
Community Services Program $993,839 $1,154,608 $1,213,282 $1,150,877 $1,206,793
Legal Services $363,737 $396,667 $435,902 $544,233 $566,884
Total Program Services $2,134,194 $2,278,920 $2,485,283 $2,494,609 $2,621,397
Support Services
Management and General $293,752 $278,166 $291,578 $364,760 $440,653
Fund Raising $181,238 $174,811 $242,840 $239,035 $99,499
Total Support Services $474,990 $452,977 $534,418 $603,795 $540,152
Total Expenses $2,609,184 $2,731,897 $3,019,701 $3,098,404 $3,161,549
Excess of Support and Revenue $(19,790) $176,072 $709,869 $323,908 $42,447
Percentage for Programs 82% 83% 82% 81% 83%
Percentage Administration and Overhead 18% 17% 18% 19% 17%
Ending Net Assets $1,543,701 $1,719,773 $2,429,644 $2,753,773 $2,796,000

ADVOCACY in Action
Our Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Staff, survivors and dedicated volunteers are vital partners in our mission to end
domestic violence and to empower victims and survivors to achieve safety, independence, and healing from the trauma
of abuse.
CLOSING THE VOCA FUNDING GAP
Executive Director CarlLa Horton organized Board Members
and DV advocates in support of additional state aid to help close
the gap in Victims of Crime Act funding. We ap plaud Governor
Kathy Hochul and our state representa tives in the Senate and
Assembly for adding $134.4M in victim services funding.
LAUNCH OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AWARENESS MONTH
Advisory Council Co-Chairs Ira Schulman, Sheryl Dale, and guests
DV Advocates from across New York State
Board and Staff join together in Albany to advocate for survivors
ORGANIZING FOR THE NEW YORK ERA
Jill Deitch and Laurie Sturz
Advocates from the Westchester Women’s Agenda
Karen Burchetta and Joel Seligman

Our Leadership TEAM
CARLLA HORTON, MPA
Executive Director
PHILIP G. MORTON, BS
Chief Financial Officer
STACEY NEUMANN, ESQ.
Chief of Legal Services
and HR
JANMARIE BROWN, MS, LMFT
Chief Program Officer
PATTI REYES D’AGOSTINO, BA
Chief of Development and
Community Relations
ROSANA CACEDA, MSW
Director of
Community Services
DIANNE DeFILIPPIS, MS
Director of Administration
SHAIRE GADSON, BA
Director of Outreach
and Engagement
BRITTANY HODGINS, BA
Director of
Residential Services
MIA PERGOLIZZI, ESQ.
Senior Attorney
ZIOMARA ZEA
Assistant Director
Residential Services

www.HopesDoorNY.org
PO Box 262, 50 Broadway Hawthorne, NY 10532
888-438-8700 24/7 Hotline 914-747-0828 Tel 914-747-3825 Fax
Mission Statement
Hope’s Door seeks to end domestic violence and
to empower victims to achieve safety, independence,
and healing from the trauma of abuse.
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