September 24
How NCJW Aids Victims of Domestic Abuse
September 24, 2:00 pm
*Registration will close September 22nd | 10 PM
AVDA, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, is an organization founded by NCJW Greater Houston Section, 40 years ago. NCJW continues to support AVDA as it provides essential services to domestic abuse victims as well as advocacy and education programs to prevent domestic violence. The pandemic has impacted AVDAs client base by creating additional strife for domestic abuse victims. AVDA’s services are more critical than ever. AVDA’s CEO Maisha Colter and Director of Development Lauren Summerville will give an overview of AVDA programs and services. Additionally, they will share their plans to recognize NCJW at their 15th Annual Home Safe Home Gala with the Faithful Founders Award and will show their 40th Anniversary video.
About Maisha Colter, AVDA CEO
With more than 11 years of service to AVDA, Maisha Colter became AVDA’s Chief Executive Officer on August 1, 2019. She has dedicated her professional life to advocating for the needs of children and families in crisis. After obtaining a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Public Policy as well as a Masters in Social Work from New York University, Colter became a licensed social worker in Brooklyn, NY, where she tirelessly worked with children and families involved with the Child Protective Services. She pursued her law degree from Rutgers University and graduated in 2001. In 2003, she moved to Texas, learned about AVDA, and reached out to the Executive Director to volunteer and was instead hired as the agency’s only staff attorney in 2004. She remained with the agency for almost four years and returned in 2012 as Director of Litigation to lead a staff of attorneys and paralegals who fight on behalf of victims of abuse, later becoming Director of Legal Advocacy Program.