WAA Executive Director receives "40 Under 40 Award" from Philadelphia Business Journal
WAA’s Executive Director, Cynthia Figueroa, received Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2008 “40 Under 40 Award.” Each year the Philadelphia Business Journal honors 40 young business leaders in the Philadelphia area who are committed to professional excellence and community involvement. Traditionally, only two leaders of non-profit organizations are selected each year.
Philadelphia Business Journal is hosting an awards banquet on Thursday, May 22, where Ms. Figueroa and the other recipients will be recognized. All the winners will be profiled in the journal’s May 9 issue.
Ms. Figueroa has served as the Executive Director of WAA since 2002. During this time, she has helped expand and enhance services for victims of domestic violence in Philadelphia; increased WAA’s emergency shelter capacity by 49%; and more than doubled the agency’s operating budget.
Ms. Figueroa also advocates for domestic violence victims on a daily basis, at both a state and local level. She has worked with Mayor Michael Nutter to advocate for victims of domestic violence; most recently serving on Nutter’s Behavioral Health Transition Team.
Annual CLUW Event Supports WAA Services
The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) continues to be generous and steadfast supporter of WAA’s work. Since the start of their involvement with WAA, CLUW has raised significant funds to further WAA’s mission and expand services available to domestic violence victims in the community.
The Philadelphia Chapter of CLUW has been holding an annual benefit for WAA since 1998. This year, CLUW raised a record $4,402 for WAA programs and services.
Kathy Black, CLUW’s Philadelphia Chapter President explained that CLUW connected with WAA because of its continuing concern for victims of domestic violence. “We appreciate that WAA is the only agency in Philadelphia which serves this population exclusively,” she said.
Founded in 1974, CLUW is the only national organization for union women. Its members are dedicated to promoting affirmative action in the workplace; strengthening the role of women in unions; organizing unorganized women; and increasing the involvement of women in the political and legislative process.
Pregnancy Support Program for Shelter Residents
Pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience for any woman. It is particularly challenging for victims of domestic violence who are homeless because of the abuse. They are away from their home, family and friends. WAA’s emergency shelter has recently implemented a program to help its pregnant residents feel educated, supported, and empowered during this important time.
The group for pregnant women meets twice a week and includes support groups, educational sessions, and prenatal yoga.
Each session is unique. One week, doulas (childbirth assistants) gave a presentation about free doula services in Philadelphia. Another week, the group watched and reviewed a childbirth education video. Group discussion topics have included what to expect in labor, nutrition throughout pregnancy, information about C-sections, and parenting styles.
Perhaps most importantly, the women are able to provide each other with general support throughout the process. “It’s been a really successful group,” says Sarah Lopata, Supervisor of Case Management Services at the emergency shelter. “It is always well attended, and the women respond very positively to having something special for them during this time in their lives.”
Domestic Violence and Pregnancy*
- For women in abusive relationships, violence tends to increase during pregnancy.
- Women with unplanned pregnancies have a two to four times greater risk of being a victim of violence than women whose pregnancies were planned.
- Pregnant and recently pregnant women are more likely to be victims of homicide than to die of any other cause.
*Family Violence Prevention Fund, endabuse.org
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