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Our History
From humble beginnings in 1981, EDVP has grown to become one of the
largest providers of domestic violence services in Washington State.
The first services we offered was a support group for battered women
along with two volunteer safe homes followed a year later by a 24 hour
crisis line.
Over the years, EDVP has helped more than 100,000 people affected by
domestic violence. Learn about our history by clicking on the links
below and reading about our highlights and milestones.
Key Milestones in our History
Click on the dates below to learn more.
1980's |
1990's |
2000's
1981: East King County Council of Social and Health Services received
$15,000 Community Development Block Grant from the City of Bellevue for
planning domestic violence services. At this time, there were two agencies
in the Seattle Area but none serving East and North King County.
1982:
Two unrelated domestic violence murders on the Eastside caused a
public outcry and resulted in increased attention on domestic violence.
Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP) was incorporated. The first
support group was started, safe homes established and coordination with
Bellevue Police Department began.
1983: The 24 hour crisis line, additional support groups and homes were
added. The volunteer program began. EDVP published educational materials for
distribution by police officers and established office space.
1984: The US Attorney General’s Task Force on Domestic Violence identified
EDVP as a role model for coordinated community approach. A children’s
counseling and a transitional program were added. EDVP organized the first
annual ‘Catch a Rising Star Auction and Dinner’ fundraiser to supplement
government funding with private donations.
1985-1987: EDVP grew with the growing need in the community and moved into a
confidential location supported by a grant from the City of Bellevue. EDVP
became member of United Way. A counseling group for adolescent victims and a
transitional safe home project were initiated. The first 5-year strategic
plan was developed.
1988: EDVP was instrumental to piloting the advocacy program for protection
orders. EDVP received an award from King County Women’s Group for addressing
post traumatic effects of violence.
1989: EDVP focused on prevention efforts training local police, judges, fire
& rescue and other social human service agencies. Demand for EDVP’s services
continued to increase by 50%. EDVP participated in King County Human
Services’ planning process to address family violence.
1990-1991: EDVP cooperated with King County and Harborview Hospital’s
domestic violence program to develop comprehensive services for families.
The first children’s support group began and legal advocacy services started
to increase victim’s access to lawyers and help navigate the criminal
justice system. EDVP launched the Community Advocacy Program and grew to 24
staff and an operating budget of over $700,000.
1992: A new strategic plan, mission, philosophy and goals were set for the
next three years. EDVP opened the Eastside’s first confidential shelter
housing multiple families and provided comprehensive services.
1993-1996: The confidential shelter provided 5,400 safe nights, community
programs served over 700 individuals. Inter-agency collaborations on teens
and housing were started with Youth Eastside Services and Housing Authorities.
1994: The federal Violence Against Women Act was passed and provided more
funding. Private funding grew as well with coordinated public fundraising
efforts. The ‘Strike Out Family Violence Bowl-a-Thon’ was initiated. EDVP
expanded Community advocacy outreach into 14 local jurisdictions and
programs into the North end of the service area. Crisis line calls increased
to 6,500 with 3,500 case management follow-ups.
1996-1998: The agency strengthened its infrastructure for stabilization and
growth, partly with a $3.9 million capital campaign, which also resulted in
a new transitional housing program called ‘My Friend’s Place’, new
administrative offices, a new computer network and facility management
maintenance reserve. The Catch a Rising Star Auction raised over $100,000.
The EDVP Foundation was incorporated. EDVP invested in speaker’s bureau
creating new partnerships to educate health care professionals, businesses,
the criminal justice system, schools, religious communities, social service
providers and civic groups. EDVP coordinated the traveling Washington State
Silent Witness Exhibit in 1997.
1999: The Community Housing Program was implemented, creating the
Hotel/Motel Voucher Program where families receive advocacy and emergency
housing services during short stays in motels until shelter space is
available. With the help of United Way, EDVP set up a permanent housing
project and the third annual fundraising event the “Safe Passage Breakfast”
was added.
2000: With a staff of 75 (full- and part-time), EDVP provided services to
over 3,000 individuals. A grant allowed EDVP to launch the first domestic
violence program web site in Washington State. EDVP’s Rising Star Guild was
formed.
2001: EDVP participated in the pilot program to place a domestic violence
advocate into the DSHS office and pioneered an eight-week long children’s
program that helps children understand violence in different places, stay
safe and find peaceful solutions to conflict. Over 4,000 healthcare workers
were trained as well as the ‘When domestic violence comes to work’ campaign
was launched with local organizations. The donor system was changed to an
online solution to increase its effectiveness.
2002: Client needs continue to grow. The turn away rate was 8 to 1. The
first Survivor Celebration was held to raise awareness during October’s
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
2003: EDVP launched a new strategic plan and increased visibility in King
County through community outreach, trainings and media coverage. The murder
of a prominent physician on the Eastside increased attention to domestic
violence and resulted in increased crisis line calls.
2004: My Sister’s Home moved from a communal living model to scattered site
apartments which resulted in doubling the capacity of My Friend’s Place
(transitional shelter) so stays could be extended to nine months. Combined
with a Rental Assistance Program this improved the quality of transitioning
from homelessness to permanent housing for survivors and their children.
2004: The murder of Crystal Brame (wife of Tacoma’s Chief of Police) became
national news. Calls to EDVP’s 24 hour crisis line increased beyond
capacity. EDVP assisted Washington State Legislature and local police
departments to implement new policies around law enforcement officers
identified as abusers.
2005: The number of families moving to transitional or permanent housing
increased from 30 to 73%. EDVP formed a teen support group and expanded
services to the Spanish-speaking community.
2006: New grants were received that enabled EDVP to update security systems
at all three sites. EDVP worked to expand the ‘Housing First’ model to
support the King County’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. The turn away
rate increased to 19 to 1. EDVP served as a role model for other domestic
violence agencies nationwide.
2007: New and innovative initiatives were implemented in order to better
meet the growing needs of victims of domestic violence. EDVP’s Coming Home
Program, in partnership with United Way and Downtown Action to Save Housing,
created permanent housing and supportive services for homeless, chemically
dependent victims of abuse and their children.
2008: A new outreach program specifically for the Latina population was
implemented. EDVP lobbied legislature for increased funding, batterer
accountability and to better support legal advocacy efforts.
2009: The new Permanent Housing Program provides rental assistance,
advocacy, support and referrals for survivors who have a history of mental
illness or chemical dependency. Long term assistance helps create financial
and housing stability. With Board of Directors input and direction EDVP’s
new strategic plan was implemented. EDVP’s new web site launched courtesy of
a generous grant from the Taproot Foundation.
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© 2009 Eastside Domestic Violence Program 1-425-562-8840