About LAWS
In 1984, LAWS was founded by three Loudoun County women with only $3,000 in donations. The organization was incorporated under the name Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice, Inc. and began doing business as LAWS. In 1985, the founders opened the shelter itself—the only place in Loudoun County where women and children fleeing domestic violence could find refuge.
Since then, LAWS has expanded to provide a full array of comprehensive services to all adult, youth and child victims of domestic and sexual violence. In addition to providing emergency shelter, LAWS also delivers assistance to victims at our Community Services Center where therapy, legal services, support groups, advocacy, and community outreach are provided. LAWS also operates a thrift store in downtown Leesburg called The Resourceful Woman and runs the Loudoun Child Advocacy Center. The Center is a public/private partnership among Loudoun County agencies and organizations dedicated to child victims of abuse and/or neglect.
On average, LAWS provides direct services to more than 1,000 adult, youth and child victims of domestic and sexual violence each year. LAWS has a staff of approximately 30 employees and 75 volunteers and its Board of Directors represents a diverse group of community leaders who provide governance and oversight to the organization.
LAWS seeks to empower victims of domestic and sexual violence so that they may live lives free from fear, anxiety, and danger. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Our Mission
The mission of Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice/LAWS is to provide victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse with safety, hope, and empowerment services to live as survivors free from the effects of violence.
LAWS’ vision statement is as follows: We envision a community free of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Officers
Chair, Terry Allen
Keller Williams Realty
Vice Chair, Brenda MacEoin
Realtor, ERA Teachers
Treasurer, Bob Fiolek
CFO United States, Lafarge (retired)
Secretary, Deborah Owings
LCPS Teacher and Equity Lead (retired)
Directors
Deborah Owings, LCPS Teacher and Equity Lead (retired)
Lisa Williams, Founder, TLJN Consulting
Steven Fraser, President & CEO, The Marketing Management Group, Inc.
Paul Siker, Managing Partner, The Artisan Group, Inc.
Karina Giglio, Director of Advancement, Loudoun Country Day School
Dawn Crowley, Founder, House Cleaning Heroes
Alison Shea, Vice President of Sales, Limbach
CEO
Debra A. Gilmore, JD, MPA, PMP
Financials
LAWS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is Loudoun County’s only provider of domestic and sexual violence services and provides services and programs at no cost to victims in need. LAWS receives government grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, the Virginia Department of Social Services, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, and the Loudoun County government.
LAWS is also supported by the United Way of the National Capital Area (#8145) and the Combined Federal Campaign (#23867); by generous contributions from individuals, private and corporate foundations, and community groups; by special fundraising events; and by our thrift shop, The Resourceful Woman.
To learn more, please review the below documents.
