Making Safety Possible: The Power of Flexible Financial Assistance
June 11 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm CDT
Join HCDVCC for updates on the Harris County Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF), an innovative countywide initiative led by HCDVCC since 2023, and a conversation about how flexible financial assistance helps survivors get safe and stay safe. Through partnerships with 19 grantee agencies across Harris County, DVAF provides timely, survivor-centered financial support for urgent safety needs.
From emergency hotel stays, rent, childcare, transportation to safe family or community, and medical costs to tailored supports such as internet access for virtual counseling, phone plans, or pet care, these flexible dollars help remove barriers that can stand between survivors and safety.
Hear from DVAF grantees who are helping make safety possible for survivors across Harris County by providing timely, flexible support when it matters most. Together, we’ll explore how direct financial assistance strengthens safety, stability, and long-term healing.
Featured Speakers
Laura Zavala-Membreno, LPC-S | Director, Anti-Violence Program, Montrose Center
Laura leads survivor-centered services for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and hate violence. A trauma-informed counselor, advocate, and educator, she brings deep expertise in crisis response, prevention, and building systems rooted in safety, dignity, and healing.
Joy Green, J.D. | Executive Director, Justice for All Immigrants
Joy is an immigration attorney with nearly 15 years of experience representing survivors of domestic violence and individuals navigating humanitarian immigration cases. As Executive Director of Justice for All Immigrants, she helps ensure immigrant survivors can access safety, legal protections, and pathways forward.
Lisa Longoria Bourgoyne, M.Ed., LPC-S | CEO, The Landing
Lisa brings nearly 30 years of experience supporting children, families, and survivors of exploitation and trafficking across Houston and Harris County. A respected trauma-informed leader, she is known for building compassionate systems of care that foster healing, dignity, and restoration.
Moderator: Shannon Falk, MSW | Project Manager, HCDVCC
Shannon manages the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund at HCDVCC, partnering with 19 agencies across Harris County to provide flexible financial assistance to survivors fleeing domestic violence and sexual assault. With over 20 years in social work and deep expertise in coordinated systems response, Shannon brings both frontline experience and countywide insight into what survivors need to reach safety.
Open to service providers, advocates, community members, and anyone interested in strengthening survivor safety in Harris County. No registration required.