Guiding principle of the organization

To improve the quality of life for women and their children who are oppressed and who are victims of domestic violence.

Yardstick of success

Making a difference in a woman’s life is our greatest measure of success, whether it is helping her learn English, how to ride a bus, or with major things such as visa and legal issues.

In terms of formally measuring success, we have recently adopted a method of program evaluation to monitor the progress of our clients. We have identified approximately 12-13 measurable outcomes that our clients are working towards at any given time. Examples of these outcomes include: Achieve food security; improve daily living skills; secure adequate housing; secure child care; secure immigration documentation; secure employment to maintain self-sufficiency, etc. For each of these outcomes, we track our clients’ progress according to four criteria: (1) Awareness of issue, (2) Education about issue, (3) Progress towards outcome, (4) Attained goal. We find that this serves to empower clients and to convey the message that no step forward is “too small” or “not enough.”

Goal yet to be achieved

Raise funds to hire two full-time staff members: Director of Client Services & Executive Director as well as a shelter for ASHA clients.

Best practical advice

SD: Have faith in yourself regardless of whatever obstacles or challenges come your way.

RD: Do not give up, get organized, work together as a team.

NR: Get involved in some social causes.

Supportive words from families of people who you have helped

A father who was visiting the U.S. said this to one of our advocates: “We are so thankful that people like you are here in this country to help my daughter. I don’t know what would have happened to her if you did not help her.”

Role Models

All women who have the courage to fight abuse; other organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and children

What motivated the people who started the organization?

There was a need in the community that women recognized, so they decided to start an organization in someone’s basement. The motivation was to find a way to help women who were suffering from domestic abuse alone and in silence, to help them lead a safe, violence-free life.

What keeps your organization motivated today?

The motivation really comes from our clients. When we see how the clients are able to improve their quality of life and come out of their crises with our help. That is what really keeps us going. Knowing that we can make a difference in someone’s life and providing help, support, and a space where immigrant women can feel safe and confident in a strange foreign land – these represent the greatest motivation for all of us at ASHA.

What do people in the organization like best about it?

SD: The bond of friendship and love that we as members of ASHA share with one another.

RD: The success stories of clients and their families; achieving baby steps to help our clients towards independence.

NR: ASHA’s mission and philosophy to empower women because empowering women makes a huge difference.

What do people in the organization like least about it?

SD: Struggling with the fact that we all want to do so much more for ASHA, but often are hindered by the reality that we all work full-time jobs and have family responsibilities outside of ASHA.

RD: Trying to raise money to keep the organization going.

NR: Having to defend what we do in order to counter misconceptions and misunderstanding of domestic violence; e.g., having to counter the false idea that we are “home-breakers.”