Basic Organization Information
Witness Justice
- Also Known As:
-
Witness Justice
- Physical Address:
-
Rockville, MD
20847 2516
- EIN:
-
04-3670246
- Web URL:
-
www.witnessjustice.org
- NTEE Category:
-
P Human Services
-
P62 Victims' Services
-
F Mental Health, Crisis Intervention
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F99 Other Mental Health, Crisis Intervention N.E.C.
-
M Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness and Relief
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M99 Other Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness, and Relief N.E.C.
- Year Founded:
-
2002
- Ruling Year:
-
2002
- How This Organization Is Funded:
-
U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
-
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health
-
The Berwind Fund
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Mission Statement
Support and advocacy for victims of violence and trauma. We address gaps in our systems and programs that survivors experience in the aftermath.
Expert Assessment
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Impact Summary from the Nonprofit
In the 10 years since Witness Justice was organized, we have provided direct support for thousands of survivors, with millions benefitting from our very popular Website (www.witnessjustice.org). We have created award-winning programs like www.TrainingForums.org, providing free training to service providers around the country, and www.GlassBookProject.org, which was named one of the top five mental health innovations in the country by Mental Health Weekly. Our advocacy work has contributed significantly in addressing psychological trauma more comprehensively, in addressing victim rights consistently and with enforcement, in preventing family crisis for returning veterans but addressing family safety after combat stress and trauma, and in addressing the mental health impact of trauma.
Witness Justice has done a significant amount of work, often with very little funding. One example of this has been the creation of the national Coalition Addressing Trauma, where Witness Justice facilitated the formation. Bringing together constituent groups of survivors of violence, abuse, neglect, disaster, terrorism and war, together the collective advocacy has meant greater public understanding of the nature and impact of trauma and how our systems need to be more supportive. While there wasn't funding in place to support this effort, the timing with policymakers and Administration was crucial, so Witness Justice mobilized to create the Coalition.
Financial Statements
Audited Financial Statement is not available for this organization.
Leadership
Helga Luest
Term:
Since
Oct
2001
Profile:
Helga Luest, MIM
Helga Luest is a recognized expert in the field of trauma, including
post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma-informed care, behavioral health
responses to trauma, vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, the healing
process, navigating the criminal justice process for victims, victim rights,
and the needs of friends and families of survivors. She is a national keynote
presenter and trainer. Luest survived an attempted murder in 1993 and, more
recently, she experienced domestic violence. As the founder and President/Chief Executive Officer of Witness Justice,
Luest leads advocacy, program development, and contract initiatives, including
subcontracts to provide communication and outreach activities for numerous
federal agencies. She is currently spearheading a new advocacy group
called the Coalition Addressing Trauma, aimed at bringing survivors of abuse,
neglect, violence, disaster, terrorism and war together to collectively address
where our systems fail. Luest received the distinguished
U.S. Congressional Eva Murillo Unsung Hero Award for her innovation, efficacy
and advocacy, along with many others awards and recognition. Luest holds a BS in
Marketing from American University and an MIM in International Management from
the University of Maryland University College. She also has certification in
private investigation and women’s self defense.
Leadership Statement:
As the founder of Witness Justice, I have seen our organization evolve over a decade into an organization that thinks outside the box to address the needs of survivors of violence and trauma. Our unique approaches in programs and in advocacy have led to award-winning efforts that have made a significant difference in the lives of so many survivors and their support networks. Even in this difficult economy, we remain committed to do as much as we can, with the budget we have -- and many of our staff and volunteers put extra time and energy in to carry initiatives forward, regardless of funding. In this spirit of intended positive social change, Witness Justice will continue to lead the way in public education, the development of effective and efficient programming, and advocacy that leads to policy, practice and budget that best support the needs of survivors of violence and trauma.
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