Dear Community,

It is with great pleasure that we announce Julie Rems-Smario is now the full-salaried Executive Director for DeafHope.  Julie was one of the eight founders of DeafHope in 2003.  DeafHope is the product of many volunteer hours by more than a dozen people.  We have leveraged many in-kind services to provide much-needed services for Deaf survivors of domestic and sexual violence.  Julie has lead this organization in the right direction with the guidance of our strategic plans based on our vision for DeafHope and the needs of Deaf survivors.

Through Julie’s leadership, DeafHope has been blessed with national recognition and many accomplishments.  To name a few:

• A strong partnership with the Alameda County Family Justice Center which includes co-locating our offices with Oakland’s District Attorney and the Oakland Police Department’s Special Victims Unit
• Blue Shield of California Foundation grants to fund an advocate position
• Starbucks Grants for Giving and Verizon Foundation grants to fund our children’s art therapy program.
• Additional grants from different organizations, OVW contracts, and fundraising efforts such as Glimmer of Hope dinners, Golf Charity, and Tea Parties, all of which support services and community education efforts.
• Recognition and awards from the eWomen Network (“International Humanitarian of the Year” for 2007 which came with a donation of a new van) and CNN (one of three “Community Crusader Heroes”)
• A redesigned website
• Launched “Door to Hope” - our Capital Campaign to build a much needed shelter for Deaf survivors. 

Since the beginning, Julie has been focused on securing funding for DeafHope to provide services to Deaf survivors, which we’ve been able to do for over 500 individuals.  Julie has always put DeafHope’s needs above her own, making sure we have two salaried staff members and funds for client services.

Last year, the DeafHope Board was able to start paying Julie a very minimal salary.  Julie balked at receiving a salary, again because of her concern that DeafHope have funds for staff and client services, but the Board was adamant. 

Through Julie’s time, effort and achievements, DeafHope has received national recognition, as noted above through the eWomen Network and CNN. 

By a unanimous vote, the DeafHope Board of Directors granted Julie the Executive Director position as a full-salaried position starting January, 2008.

As a part of the current strategic plan, the Board of Directors is aggressively working to expand services, including the addition of more advocate positions to meet the high demand of survivor needs in Northern California.  Domestic violence hits too close to home for so many:  one in four women will experience domestic violence and Deaf women are at greater risk due to an inaccessible system - law enforcement, judicial system, shelters, etc.

Our mission at DeafHope is to end domestic violence and sexual assault for Deaf women and children through empowerment, education, and services. 

Sincerely,

DeafHope Board of Directors:
Kate Kovacs, Chair
Amber Hodson, Vice-Chair
Ken Arcia, Treasurer
Natalie Williams, Secretary
Judy Alexander
Wanda Witczak