Leap to Success is an organization that educates and empowers women overcoming domestic violence, homelessness, and other challenges. Their year-long Transformation Leadership program helps women build self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and leadership skills. They serve over 100 women annually through this program and other confidence-building courses. Leap to Success collaborates with shelters and social services to refer and support women, with the goal of helping them acknowledge their value and inspire others facing adversity.

1. LEAP TO SUCCESS
WE TRANSFORM LIVES
www.leaptosuccess.org

2. Our Mission
We educate and empower women who
are overcoming domestic violence,
homelessness, and other major life
challenges to reach their greatest
potential.

3. Why Do We Exist?

Nearly 1 in 4 female victims of violent crime was
victimized by an intimate partner. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sept
2009)

1 in 3 teen girls in US are victims of physical,
emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. (Child &
Ad. Psychology, July, 2008)
38% of all victims of DV become homeless at some
point in their lives. (Baker, Cook and Norris, DV and Housing Problems, 2003)
 63% of homeless women have been victims of
intimate partner violence as adults. (Brown, Journal of American

Medical Women’s Assn., 1998)

In a 2006 report by the US Conference of Mayors,
44% of the cities surveyed identified DV as the
primary cause of homelessness.

4. Our Vision
We envision a world in which;
 Women acknowledge their own value and
personal power,
transform adversity to strength, and inspire
others to do the same.
 Families are safe, healthy, and loving places
for all members.
 Communities acknowledge, support, and
value
women, their voices, and their well-being.

5. Our Values
Speaking Out
 We bring domestic violence, homelessness, and
addiction into the light by speaking about them. We
are a platform for survivors to change community
norms and break generational cycles of violence,
dysfunction, and poverty.
Collaboration
 We know we can create much more in with others.
 We collaborate to leverage strengths and expand
reach.
Optimism
 We see what is possible. We stay focused on creating
solutions that help women reach their potential..

6. The Women We
Servewho are:
Women
• In homeless shelters and transitional housing
• Receiving services for domestic violence
• In substance abuse recovery programs
• At risk for homelessness
• Formerly incarcerated
• Experiencing other major
life challenges

7. Volunteers
Board of Directors
2014
Lauraine Esparza
Advisory Council Marti Hess
Wendy Hope
2009-2013
Filomena Antunes, Sandy Behe, Rene Tarver
Dana Bristol-Smith
Cheri L. Blair, Helice Bridges,
Michele Cooney, Lee Anne
Davis, Lauraine Esparza, Myra
Chack Fleischer, Kathe
Gogolewski, Marti Hess, Wendy
Hope, Viki Hurst, Lorna Riley,
Kari Ross Berry, Cat Virca, Edie
Willey, Lana Zakary

8. Staff & Program
Support
Dana Bristol-Smith, Executive Director
Instructors/Coaches
Michele Cooney, Outreach & Instruction
Helice Bridges
Edie Willey
Kelley Grimes
Beth Thorp
Viki Hurst
Simona Cherlin

9. Women Served
2011
2012
2013
160
142
140
119
120
100
83
80
60
40
20
0
1
2008
2009
2010
6 TL
8 TL
9 TL
2
2011
2012
2013
3
77 LTC + 6 TL = 83
75 LTC + 9 TL 35 Follow up = 119
94 LTC 8 TL 40 Follow up= 142

10. Our Programs
Transformation Leadership
A powerful year-long leadership
development program designed to help women:
• Achieve self-sufficiency and career success
• Build self-esteem and self-confidence
• Acknowledge and appreciate their own worth and well bein
• Speak up for themselves and their families
• Establish healthy boundaries and healthy relationships
• Take care of their physical, emotional, and mental health
• Share their stories of overcoming adversity to empower
and inspire others

11. Leap to Confidence
An empowerment program that helps women build
• Higher self-esteem and self-confidence
• Presentation skills for job search and interviews
• Increased motivation and improved outlook on life
• Ability to deal with stress and difficulties
• Belief in themselves and what they have to offer
As a result of a class assignment, I got an informational
interview that led to a recommendation, which led to
my job as a receptionist in a law firm!
– Connie

12. Graduate Snapshots
Lana Zakary, 2008
Erica Green, 2009
I am a single mother of
four, survivor of domestic
violence and after leaving my
husband my children and I
lived in domestic violence
and homeless shelters for
two years.
I am a recovering
Alcoholic/Addict who is
almost 15 years clean and
sober.
Since graduating, I have
served on the Leap to
Success Advisory
Council, and was Chair of the
San Diego Family Justice
Center VOICES Committee. I
am a published author and
empower women through all
that I do.
I work with women parolees
and their children. My
resolve to empower and
lead other women to
success has been enhanced
by being part of this
program.
In 2012 Erica received her
Masters degree in Social
Work.

13. Graduate Outreach
YWCA, 2009
Brenda & Ruth
2009, 2010
Miramar Brig
2009 - 2013

14. Community Partners
The organizations that refer and nominate women to
our programs
San Diego Central
Center for Community
Solutions
Community Resource
Center
Dress for Success
Father Joe’s Village
Home Start
Interfaith Shelter Network
Jewish Family Services
Salvation Army
YWCA of San Diego
County
North County
Center for Community Solutions
City of Oceanside Neighborhood Srvc
Community Resource Center
Family Recovery Center
Lifeline North County
Serenity House of North County
Solutions for Change
Women’s Resource Center

15. Funders & Sponsors
2012 Vagina
Monologues
$25,000 1st Prize

16. Fabulous Fundraising Events
Leap into Fashion
The Vagina Monologues
Tallest Tree 2013 LJP
Circle of Hope

17. How Can You Become
Involved?
• Become a subscriber to our monthly E-newslett
• Like our Facebook Page
• Make an online donation
• Become a volunteer:
•Hospitality
•Marketing – social media
•Corporate outreach
Email: info@leaptoscucess.org
www.leaptosuccess.org
760-726-5272

18. Thank you for your interest
WE TRANSFORM LIVES
www.leaptosuccess.org