After 2,500 entries from 36 countries were reviewed by the Anthem Award Academy -- which honors the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies, and organizations worldwide -- DomesticShetlers.org was named as a silver award winner for developing a service that addresses how dramatically differently domestic violence victims seek help today compared to years past.
"When we launched DomesticShelters.org in 2014, there wasn't a searchable database of shelters and hotlines or a place with the array of topics and tools that we provide that touches nearly every domestic violence experience," explained Ashley Rumschlag, President & CEO of Theresa's Fund, the 501(c)3 which operates DomesticShelters.org. "Just like most parts of society, victims use the Internet to learn and solve challenges. The innovation that is DomesticShelters.org has become an essential, respected national resource for victims and advocates, and we're delighted that the Academy saw our work as leading edge and fulfilling an unmet need."
The website has helped more than 15 million people in less than 8 years, and almost every minute of every day, the service is helping between 50-100 people. Originally developed as a shelter and local hotline finder, DomesticShelters.org has evolved rapidly to offer textual and video content on hundreds of domestic violence topics, free monthly webinars, an awards program honoring the best in the domestic violence field, and a way to donate wish list items directly to shelters in need.
"We never stop listening to victims, advocates and shelter operators and are always looking for new ways to make their lives more successful. Innovation is a driving force in all of our daily conversations. We never stop thinking about what's next. We wish we had more time in the day and more funds because our list of ideas is always growing," added Rumschlag. If you would like to donate to Theresa's Fund to fund new innovations in the domestic violence field, learn more here.
Anthem Award winners will be honored at the Voices Virtual Conference on Feb. 28th at 7 pm eastern time. The conference held the same day is a first-of-its-kind bringing together over 50 social impact leaders and activists from the non-profit, business, entertainment, sports and advertising industries on one stage to share their efforts to make an impact on society.
About The Anthem Awards
The Anthem Awards, the Webby Awards newest initiative, was developed to recognize the breadth of social good work (online and offline) around the globe by honoring the organizations, brands, and people creating long-lasting impact; including, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; Education, Art, & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment, & Climate. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities. Founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ. Hopin is the Official Event Partner of The Anthem Awards. Anthem Voices is Sponsored by Omidyar Network.
About Theresa's Fund and DomesticShelters.org
Theresa's Fund is an Arizona-based 501(c)3 non-profit charity started in 1992 by Preston V. McMurry, Jr. that changed the landscape of domestic violence services in Arizona. In 2014, it developed the DomesticShelters.org concept as a way to expand its reach to people across the U.S. and Canada. DomesticShelters.org is the first online and mobile searchable database of programs and shelters in the U.S./Canada, and a leading source of helpful tools and information for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence. It is also the host of the Purple Ribbon Awards, the first comprehensive awards program honoring the countless heroes of the domestic violence movement. Learn more at DomesticShelters.org.
