Dear DVRP Supporter,

DVRP has undergone a number of transitions recently, including the departure of our executive director of seven years, and the turnover of two staff positions that were filled last year. Despite the staffing changes, DVRP has managed to continue providing its excellent services to ensure that culturally and linguistically responsive services for domestic violence are within reach for the local Asian/Pacific Islander communities.

Thanks to careful management, DVRP has been in a sound position to navigate the compounded effects of our internal transitions and the impact of the current financial crisis. The latter unexpected development has reverberated throughout the nonprofit community, as you are probably aware. However, due to long-standing practices of remaining extremely frugal with our spending, in the past year we still managed to weather:

• The loss of a $70,000 government grant, what had been our largest single source of revenue (representing one-third of our annual budget);

• The revocation of two foundation grants totalling approximately $40,000 that are contingent upon having an executive director in place;

• A steep decline in the normally steady stream of individual donations, especially after the September fallout in the broader economy.

DVRP has fared well despite these circumstances thanks to the enormous dedication of the staff, board, advocates and volunteers. They have stepped up to handle a variety of tasks that were previously within the domain of the executive director, or have been re-shuffled as we attempt to cover the gap. This determination and hard work, combined with a limited use of part-time consultants whose costs are continually monitored, has allowed DVRP to continue its full-service operations. Without having to pay for an Executive Director salary this past year, DVRP was cushioned against the blows of sharply reduced funding.

DVRP is now at a turning point in its current transition process. The organization, in order to be truly effective, needs to hire an executive director and ensure that funds are available for the associated full-time salary. To that end, we have embarked upon a series of initiatives that are strategically aimed at bringing increased funding and stability to DVRP and its operations. First, we have installed Jaime Nguyen as Interim Executive Director to see us through this phase of the transition. Jaime stepped down from the Board in early April to take on this role and has already demonstrated her tireless commitment to DVRP as a past Advocate and also Vice- President of the board.

Second, the DVRP board is mounting a comprehensive search for the perfect candidate to become our new, permanent executive director.

Third, we have assembled our ranks to bring renewed focus to finding sources of funding, despite the prevailing economic environment. Our team includes a grantwriter consultant, the board’s Fundraising Committee and Resource Development Committee, and most importantly: you.

We encourage you to participate in the DVRP team by making a contribution today. Enclosed you will find a donation envelope if you prefer to pay by check, or you can contribute using a credit/debit card by visiting our website at http://www.dvrp.org. It is no surprise if your ability to donate has been hampered by the financial situation at hand; however, even modest amounts have a profound impact at DVRP. Our prudent spending practices assure that your contributions will go a long way. As always, we appreciate your continuing support of DVRP in its mission to provide assistance to Asian/Pacific Islander survivors of domestic violence in the greater Washington metropolitan area.

Thank you,

Nausheen Hassan

Board Secretary