Lauras House

I wouldn’t recommend this company to guide you with legal services. They have no idea how to keep you safe they are only able to provide you with the basics of how to file for orders of protection. Most things in court require the contact of your abuser which could lead to your abuser finding you stalking you or even attacking. The staff I met with today called me over sensitive when I because concerned that I didn’t have an appointment with them they didn’t even know I was coming in. The front desk staff took call after call then made negative comments about how I am lucky to get an appointment cause someone canceled. I wasn’t treated with respect at all. I can’t express how not helpful Laura’s house staff was today they didn’t offer me even a friendly place to come talk about my on going case that’s 10 years. I’m very afraid of Laura’s house giving advice to women that might be the legally correct situation for them but not worth the risk violations of protection orders happen all the time protection orders will not keep you safe you need to be full educated on how orders can also cause harm ! I felt that if I did what Laura’s house recommends as steps to protect myself I would be in more danger . Laura’s house might not be a good option if you have a serious physical threat . It wasn’t helpful for me at all. In fact I wonder how much they make on the shelter that seem to be what they push clients into the most I’m not in a shelter need but I definitely don’t have an agency supporting me and my situation.

I Heard that lauras house help women and children,
i need help for a girl with 6 children,that comes to work with bruises, she really does not talk and she but I was told that her boy friend beats her, and today she came with a face almost desfigured,police said she defends the guy,I am afraid she will be killed one of these days, I am sure she can't press charges because she does not speak English and can't take care of all these kids by herself. what can I do as a boss she does not wanna lift her head let alone tell me what's happened to her.

I've been concerned with the subject of domestic emotional and physical abuse for a little over a year and a half. I wanted something done about it, so I began writing, wanting my words to affect. Not knowing how to get my words heard, I did what I could. My mom began volunteering at Laura's House and told me about it, how she gets to be apart of the change. Not knowing I had a similar passion I told her id been looking for something like this. Now my mom and my little brother and I volunteer every saturday where ever we are called. We've met staff and been to the offices and have falling in love with the cause. We've made some of our best friends at Laura's House.

My mother's name is Lucy there was no Laura's House when she and her children needed it. I didn't know about Laura's House when I needed it. When I was free physically and emotionally from yet another abusive relationship I wanted a place where my voice, my experience could be shared. Where all of the lessons learned could be put to use. I was watching TV and came to a public service program about Laura's House and knew I had an answer to my prayer. I contacted Laura's House by email immediately and began volunteering within two days that was January of 2012. There is a place for everyone to help, my young adult children all volunteer as well. We help Marissa P., Lois in the Retail Store, at events. We are signed up for the 40 hour Domestic Training Program. Two of my sons want to be therapists. We need Lauars's House so woman and children can learn that love can come in the form of hugs not hits that hope can come in the form of a smile not a sneer, where words of encouragement are heard not words of degradation. I believe knowledge is power Laura's House helps to empower. Sincerely, Ronda

I first learned of Laura's House a few months ago when a volunteer from there gave a presentation to a group of Girl Scouts which I attended with my 14-year-old daughter and a few other girls from our troop. After the excellent presentation, my very shy daughter was eager to talk about it, even skipping out on going to attend a birthday party because she felt what she had seen was too serious to put aside for something 'trivial as a party'. While we have a close relationship, I have never seen her open up and want to talk about such serious issues. I've tried and it was always difficult to get her to talk! But since this presentation, she has been more willing to discuss everything with me, and told me her concerns about of a couple of girls in her school. She took the hotline phone number to school, and organized our troop to collect donations of items for Laura's House. She is already thinking that when she is older maybe she'd like to get more involved in helping there. She keeps commenting about how she doesn't understand why schools don't include these presentations as part of sex education -- as she says, they will talk to us about STDs, but they won't tell us how to recognize relationship red flags and defend ourselves in a bad relationship? I credit Laura's House with helping my daughter become a more mature and aware person.

I left my home with my daughter and cat in tote. I didnt know where I would go or where I would do. A kind woman picked me up and we made numerous calls looking for help. She knew of Lauras House. After a few short interviews I was taken into their shelter and given a place of not only safety from my abuser but from my own inability to understand what had happened. I was given rules and guidelines, I was educated to the cycle of abuse and the signs to look for in any relationship. I was provided a place where I was understood, listened to and provided for; supporting my emotional needs and those slightly less important as far as providing clothes and things such as shampoo and a toothbrush. Things I hadnt thought of taking with me when I left. I thank Lauras House for making me aware of the steps I needed to take enabling me the hope of a peaceful existence. It has been four years since I left - and I still know that counseling services are available for me should I need. That is alot when you are uncertain and expecting your abuser to be released. THank you Lauras House...if it were not for you, I dont know where I would have ended up. :)

As one of the county's strongest homeless advocates, HomeAid has not only been instrumental in building buildings to house its homeless neighbors, but counts it a privilege to have played a part in expanding the capacity of its service provider partners. A sterling example of this synergy has been the partnership of HomeAid Orange County with Laura’s House as a united force working together to change lives.

We have seen that each time HomeAid has invested in Laura’s House that the organization has grown and has had a greater impact in the community. The vision and purpose of Laura’s House is strong and effective and we have been honored to have been a part of the story of Laura’s House.

In looking back over the nearly 18 years of our partnership, we are pleased in the knowledge that in some measure HomeAid has had a significant role in assisting Laura’s House with its efforts to end the cycle of domestic violence for those who enter their system of care.

Thank you for giving us that opportunity!
Scott Larson Executive Director HomeAid Orange County

As an abused child, I was lost and all I could think to do was to pity myself because no one else would. In volunteering for Laura's House, I have found my story to share with the world--and in volunteering to save others who were equally as clueless in where to go next, I ended up saving myself as well.

As a volunteer at Laura's House, I see how much they help and how much this help means to those women who need it. They really do extend their hand and give hope!

Laura's House represents to me a safe way establishment for women of any race, creed ,or color that are in dire need of assistance in getting out of an abusive relationship and finding their way to a safety net. which Laura's House provides.You will find that the staff provide a very caring concerning and loving manner for all their needs. They are all well trained in the field for dealing and rendering immediate care for these women who are in an abusive situation some with children and some without. Laura's House is extremely organized from the time they make contact with you till the time they find you a safe place haven. Also there is counseling available as well and child care . I am an advocate for this establishment and would highly recommend it to anyone that has the need to get out of a highly abusive household.The women that work there are always there with an open heart and a guiding spirit to a better life..

I'm free thanks to the shelters and safe havens that reach out and help heal women and children transform and be set free...

It has been such an amazing honor to walk beside women full of courage and strength that are dedicated to stopping the cycle of DV. Laura's House is a God send to woman and children in need.

I received legal help, counseling services, and classes here. What I learned was earth-shattering for me. It changed my life forever. I learned how to love and respect myself, set boundaries, and recognize abuse. In my changes I divorced my abusive husband, and learned more about being the best parent I can be. I'm truly happy now - happier than ever before even in childhood, because I now know that my childhood was inflicted by a controlling and manipulative mother and sister.

It may sound cliché, but I feel free. It's as if a chronic pain I've had for so long I didn't even know it was there has been removed. And I'm empowered to truly enjoy life in a way I never dreamed possible before. I know, it all sounds so cliché - but it really is true.

And what's strange is that in so many ways, people would think my life has turned for the worse. I now am dealing with a bankruptcy, home in foreclosure, very ugly divorce. People find it odd that I'm so chipper w/so much going on. But I realize that none of those things are what truely matter.

Old friends notice huge changes in me "Where is that shy girl?" Now people seem more attracted to my personality - and I have more friends than ever. I got a new job, and I've received alot of appreciation, accolades, and I was literally floored when someone described me as confident! Me???

What I do know is that I'm now comfortable in my own skin, am not so concerned with trying to impress, and just am OK with being me. I guess that's what it's feels like to be confident. :D

I moved to CA when I fled from an abusive marriage in MI in 1997 w/three children, ages 8, 9 and 10 in tow. Laura's House provided me with recovery counseling, child care, food and hope for our futures. They were there for me and my children and filled a painful and needy gap that no else could or did. They did it in a way that respected my limitations and ministered to my battered self esteem. I needed them alot at first and then eventually less and less. I try to be there for others now through opportunites to volunteer for Laura's House. It is gratifying to be able to give anything back to an entity that has meant so much to so many. May God bless Laura's House and the service they provide to the many sorrowfully wounded.

No one intends to enter an abusive relationship. In fact, abuse is not always obvious. Over time, as in my case, I didn't realize that my self esteem was eroding and that I had been manipulated over years to the point of isolation. Abuse can be a dirty little secret, often denied by perpetrators as well as victims. It is often undetected by family and friends, and is unacknowledged by portions of society. The many types of abuse not only damage the spirit, the mental health, the emotional state of the receiver(s), but at it's worst, it can destroy the life of it's victim.

When abuse becomes a reality, the option to get help through an organization such as Laura's House can literally be a life saver.

Marissa Pressley and Laura's House have been a partner of Fristers for several years. Marissa's expertise on identifying and breaking away from domestic violence situations, her passion for empowering women and her speaking style, are making a life-changing difference in the lives of our teen moms at Fristers. We are so thankful for Marissa!

Laura's House is an incredible organization offering hope, safety and healing to those they serve. Marissa Presley is an incredible inspiration to all that hear her speak and heart HEART program is reaching young hearts and souls, educating and enlightening them about teen violence. I wish that I had that opportunity when I was their age. I am certain I would not have spent 8 years in an abusive relationship if I had. I love this organization and their mission. It is truly a work of art.

To me, Laura's House is a place where people are there to help those in need when they have no where to turn to, or when they most need support. I admire Marissa Presley, who is one amazing person who works for Laura's House, and who is very passionate, and dedicated to helping abused women and families. It is thanks to her, that I have now made my goal to be someone who grows and is able to become better no matter the hardships in life are, and by taking those sufferings and make them into something positive, not only for myself, but specially for helping those who have not found their way yet.

Laura's House, giving me the chance to help so many to not have to go through the pain, humiliation, and suffering that I had once had to go through. Being a victim, survivor and now given the opportunity to become an advocate.

Laura's House delivered a presentation to my high school seniors about healthy relationships. The girls were empowered to examine their own lives and relationships and make healthier choices for themselves.

Laura's house is amazing!! The organization helps so many people in so many ways!!! Including our teens. They benefit so much from Mrs. Presley! She promotes awareness and positive love!

When Marissa Presley came to one of the high schools in Orange County to talk to the students about teen dating violence and domestic violence, my whole world was changed. I felt that someone knew exactly what I was going through and was so relatable. The girls were so grateful for her and that one hour that she shared with us was enough to shake us to our core and affect us for the rest of our life. Thank you to Marissa and all the staff at Laura's House for your amazing work!

My children and I very suddenly found ourselves in a dangerous situation in our own home. We had to leave abruptly when my husband became violent and refused to get help. I received counseling at Laura's House, as did my children. I was reassured that I was doing everything I could for my children by removing them from an unsafe home. I also received long-term education in a group of battered women where I learned about a lot of warning signs and things to anticipate and protect against as my husbands violence escalated in response to my attempts to escape from the situation. I also received support from other clients who shared similar stories of being exiled from all of my in-laws who wrote pages and pages of unsubstantiated lies in support of my husband and horrible reports of how I ruined my marriage. It was nice to know I was not alone.

I met a prevention specialist at my school and when she mentioned about helping out with women and children whom have been victims of domestic violence I wanted to do it and i still am.Im glad to help out at this organization in any way possible.

Laura's House helped me sort through the rubble, get back on my feet, and resume a normal existence. They were there for me when it seemed like everything had gone into an irreparable tailspin, when the notion of the things I'd survived was too much to bear or look at. The wonderful staff and volunteer family embraced me immediately and held me close until I was strong enough to trust my own legs again. Thank you all.

Story of a Domestic Violence Survivor, Laura’s House carried and guided me with their helping hands in a new direction, a new beginning, a new me. This process involved grieves of the past and hopes for a better future. Taking step by step, like a child exploring the beauty of this world. How difficult it was at times. Laura’s House gave more than just Shelter they made it a home for me and all the endless women and children who are seeking refuge inside their walls over the years. Many caring and loving people contribute in making this difference. It was a learning process of many different areas of life. A growths process I do not want to miss. Laura’s House not only made me a stronger, they made me also a better person. We survivors could learn from each other. I even formed some lasting friendships. Laura’s House also educated me how to help and guide other women in need. Through Laura’s House, I received extensive legal counsel in different legal matters. Court papers were filed for me. I was accompanied to Court by their Legal Advocates at different occasions. I received one on one counseling sessions with their Counselor, and I attended group counseling sessions. Most of all, Laura’s House applied for a Grand with another Non-Profit Organization, which helped me to take care of medical needs. There are so many endless other good things to tell.....that Laura's House did for me over the period of one year. I always will be grateful for everything that Laura's House did for me. Anne Sabel