Human Options in the Press

Human Options in the Press

Philanthropy: Serious Fun, Serious Mission
June 11, 2018 – Orange County Business Journal
Human Options hosted its Serious Fun Gala on May 19 at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach.
Read more>

Orange County Bar Association Awards $10,000 Grant to Human Options
March 30, 2018 – Stu News Newport
Human Options was presented a $10,000 grant to support its legal advocacy program.
Read more>

Community Council: Human Options
March 29, 2017 – KIIS FM 102.7
Human Options CEO Maricela Rios-Faust discusses domestic violence, obstacles to leaving, housing for survivors, and more.
Read more>

Pacific Life Foundation Presents $10,000 Grant to Human Options
March 16, 2018 – Stu News Newport
Human Options was presented a $10,000 grant to support its core services and programs.
Read more>

Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund Awards Grants to Local Charities
February 23, 2018 – The Capistrano Dispatch
Human Options was awarded $10,000 to support its legal advocacy program.
Read more>

The Sunday Journal: Human Options With CEO Maricela Rios-Faust
February 19, 2017 – KOST 103.5
The Sunday Journal with Kari Steele interviews Human Options CEO Maricela Rios-Faust.
Read more>

Big Buzz: Human Options Appoints Locals to Board of Directors
February 8, 2018 – Newport Beach Independent
Human Options welcomes two new board members: Joe Ferrentino, partner at Newmeyer & Dillion in Newport Beach, and Newport Beach resident Kerri Summers, legal assistant at Call & Jensen.
Read more>

Laguna Niguel Attorney Helps Rebuild Families by Providing Free Legal Advice through Human Options
February 2, 2018 – Orange County Register
Family law attorney Michael Morris is one of nine Orange County attorneys that are part of our Human Options legal advocacy program.
Read more>

Irvine Police Deliver Holiday Spirit to Domestic Violence Victims
December 17, 2017
The Irvine Police Department and Team Kids bring joy to the children of families in Human Options’ emergency shelter and transitional living programs.
Read more>

New Law Gives Domestic Violence Victims a Better Choice
December 6, 2017 – Orange County Register
How can we provide lifelines to these more than 10 million women and men annually caught in the cycle of abusive relationships? For most, the solution lies in giving them back economic control of their lives.
Read more>

Orange County Hairstylists Can Help Limit Domestic Violence
November 6, 2017 – Daily Pilot
Human Options CEO Maricela Rios-Faust provides a commentary on how hairstylists can help preventive measures to combat domestic violence.
Read more>

‘Cut it Out’ Program Aims to Stop Domestic Violence Through SoCal Hair Salons
October 17, 2017 – ABC 7
A new program for salon professionals that teaches stylists how to detect signs of abuse in their clients aims to break the cycle of domestic violence in Southern California.
Read more>

Human Options Partners With Irvine Football to Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence
October 4, 2017 – Orange County Register
They’re not old enough to vote, but that didn’t stop football players from five Orange County high schools, including Irvine High, from supporting Human Options in raising awareness for domestic violence.
Read more>

Meathead Movers Helps Women Literally Move Out of Domestic Relationships — For Free
July 31, 2017 – The Tribune
“He’s coming home tomorrow afternoon; now’s my chance to get out. Will you help me?”
Read more>

Girl Scouts Name Leadership Honorees
July 24, 2017 – Orange County Register
Human Options Board President Kerri Sonenshine has been named one of the Girl Scouts of Orange County’s 2017 Celebrate Leadership honorees.
Read more>

Coalición promete ayuda más rápida a víctimas de violencia domestica en Santa Ana
July 13, 2017 – La Opinión
Una colaboración entre la organización Human Options y el departamento de policía de Santa Ana (SAPD) permitirá que un consejero llegue al lugar donde se encuentra la víctima en el momento que pide ayuda.
Read more>

Human Options Raises $678,000 at Newport Beach Fun Gala
June 15, 2017 – The Current
The event brought together more than 375 influential community leaders honoring their work to break the cycle of domestic violence.
Read more>

‘New Life, New Beginning’: Moving Service Aids Domestic Abuse Survivors
June 11, 2017 – NBC Los Angeles
For one Orange County mother, the move is one of her first steps toward independence.
Read more>

Lake Forest Resident Scharrell Jackson Honored as Top Entrepreneur
June 1, 2017 – Orange County Register
Human Options Board Member recognized at the National Association of Women Business Owners for her leadership efforts.
Read more>

Human Options Raises $678,000 at Gala to Help Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence
June 1, 2017 – Stu News Newport
The Orange County-based nonprofit honored longtime strategic partner and past board chair Julie Hill with the 2017 DOVE Award.
Read more>

Escondido Attorney Honored for Work With Domestic Violence Victims
May 23, 2017 – San Diego Union Tribune
Christina Helwig of Escondido has spent the past five years doing pro bono work for clients in shelters in Orange County, as well as many others who are dealing with difficult immigration issues.
Read more>

Kudos to Steve Churm!
April 25, 2017 – Newport Beach Lifestyle
FivePoint Holdings’ Chief Communcations Officer Steve Churm carried on the vision of his mother Carolyn Churm, who co-founded the Irvine-based nonprofit Human Options in the fight against domestic violence.
Read more>

Charity Spotlight: Steve Churm Honored by Human Options
March 26, 2017 – Newport Beach Independent
Churm is a visionary, a leader, and a man with a good heart and charisma to spare. He also is spearheading the charge for local businessmen to take a stand against domestic violence as the leader of the Human Options Men in Motion Campaign.
Read more>

Men in Motion Help Raise More Than $500,000
March 20, 2017 – Orange County Business Journal
Orange County businessmen are taking a public stand against domestic violence by partnering with Human Options for the Men in Motion campaign.
Read more>

Meathead Movers in Support of Human Options
March 14, 2017 – Greer’s OC
Meathead Movers, the Orange County-based student athlete moving company, works with leading local domestic violence prevention nonprofit Human Options, to help move these victims out of abusive situations.
Read more>

‘El amor no debe doler’; una organización enseña a estudiantes cómo evitar la violencia entre parejas adolescentes
March 5, 2017 – Hoy
Los estudiantes de Fountain Valley High School aprendieron sobre los efectos de la violencia entre parejas adolescentes y cómo romper el ciclo de relaciones tóxicas a través de “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” (El amor no debe doler), una presentación de Human Options.
Read more>

Nonprofit Honors Businessmen’s Effort Against Domestic Violence
March 3, 2017 – Daily Pilot
Human Options held a reception in Newport Beach to honor Orange County businessmen who have participated in a campaign to combat domestic violence.
Read more>

Nonprofit Gives Fountain Valley High Students a Lesson About Teen Dating Violence
February 24, 2017 – Daily Pilot
Fountain Valley High School students learned about the effects of teen dating violence and how to break the cycle of toxic relationships through our “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” presentation.
Read more>

Three Newport Residents Appointed to Human Options Board
February 3, 2017 – Newport Beach Independent
Human Options announced the appointment of three Newport Beach residents to its 2017 board of directors: Kerri Sonenshine, president; Mike Morris, secretary; and Scott Allen, treasurer.
Read more>

Steve Churm The Business Case for Prevention of Domestic Violence
January 23, 2017 – Orange County Business Journal
The devastating consequences of abusive relationships also affect employers.
Read more>

Luncheon Helps Human Options Raise Funds and Awareness of Domestic Violence
January 10, 2017 – Orange County Coast Magazine
Human Options celebrated its 35th anniversary by hosting its annual Fall Luncheon for Domestic Violence Awareness at the Hotel Irvine.
Read more>

Human Options Legal Advocacy Program Supervisor Sara Behmerwohld Costa Mesa Resident Named Women’s Policy Instiute State Fellow
January 7, 2017 – Daily Pilot
The Women’s Foundation of California recently chose Sara Behmerwohld, Human Options’ Legal Advocacy Program Supervisor, as a member of the 2016-17 class of Women’s Policy Institute state fellows.
Read more>

John Baayoun, division president for Lennar California Coastal, Janet Price, marketing manager for Lennar California Coastal, Human Options CDO Ann Duncan Levy and Human Options CEO Maricela Rios-Faust attend the Human Options 2016 Annual Meeting on Dec. 1 at the Center Club in Costa Mesa. Aliso Viejo Homebuilders Lauded For Aid to Women’s Shelter
December 13, 2016 – OC Register
Human Options honored Aliso Viejo-based Lennar for its ongoing commitment since it helped to build an emergency shelter more than a decade ago.
Read more>

Stephanie Argyros, the Honorable Sheila Prell Sonenshine (ret.) and Julia Argyros at the Human Options 2016 Annual Meeting Human Options Honors Laguna Resident, Honorable Sheila Prell Sonenshine, at 2016 Annual Luncheon
December 9, 2016 – Stu News Laguna
The honorable Sheila Prell Sonenshine (ret.), a Laguna Beach resident, was one of those honored at the luncheon for her involvement with Human Options since the organization’s start in 1981.
Read more>

Miranda Jones, Human Options Peer Navigator Miranda Jones, a Fullerton Resident and Veteran, is a Resource for Military Families
December 7, 2016 – OC Register
Miranda Jones, a former Army sergeant who now works as a Human Options peer navigator, offers safety, healing and a way forward for veterans and military families suffering from domestic abuse.
Read more>

The Irvine Police Department partnered with Human Options to fill the holiday gift lists of kids who have suffered through domestic violence. Irvine Police Deliver Holiday Gifts to Domestic Violence Victims
December 2, 2016 – OC Register
Donning Santa Claus hats, Irvine police officers on Thursday delivered gifts and the holiday spirit to children in a domestic violence emergency shelter.
Read more>

Nancy W. Dahan, Human Options Board President Newport Lawyer Honored as an Everyday Hero
November 30, 2016 – Daily Pilot
Family-law attorney and board president of Human Options, Nancy W. Dahan was recently honored with the Everyday Hero Award by the Orange County Women Lawyers Assn.
Read more>

Human Options Board President Nancy W. Dahan with Fall Luncheon Co-Chairs Stuart Haskin and Karen Rager-Takeda So Many Reasons to Celebrate
October 31, 2016 – Orange County Business Journal
Human Options celebrated its 35th anniversary by hosting the annual Fall Luncheon for Domestic Violence Awareness.
Read more>

Santa Ana HS players don purple socks in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Santa Ana Football Team Takes a Stand Against Domestic Violence
October 6, 2016 – OC Register
Santa Ana High School football players partner with Human Options to wear purple socks in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Read more>

Human Options Chief Development Officer Ann Duncan Levy Irvine Nonprofit Selects New Officer
September 22, 2016 – Irvine World News
Human Options welcomes Ann Duncan Levy as its new chief development officer.
Read more>

Meathead Movers help move victims of domestic violence free of charge. Moving Company Specializes in Relocating Victims of Domestic Violence
August 1, 2016 – OC Register
Meathead Movers, a company employing primarily student athletes, move domestic violence victims free of charge.
Read more>

Everyday Hero: Irvine’s Sue Parr reaches out to women on Human Options’ domestic violence hotline
July 10, 2016 – OC Register
Sue Parr of Irvine has been volunteering for the Human Options domestic violence emergency hotline for the past 10 years.
Read more>

Once Homeless, These People Now Have a Place to Call Home, Thanks to O.C.’s New Approach
June 28, 2016 – OC Register
Local nonprofits provide permanent supportive housing in Orange County.
Read more>

A Sanctuary and a Community
June 1, 2016
Read about our Costa Mesa Family Resource Center in the latest issue of Heart of Hoag.
Read more>

O.C. Program Urges Expanded Approach to Identifying Domestic Violence
May 31, 2016 – OC Register
Learn how local healthcare providers are working toward identifying domestic violence in Orange County.
Read more>

OC-Based Agencies Give DV Survivors a Voice During Multimedia Exhibit
February 5, 2016
VOICES, a multimedia installation designed to immerse exhibit visitors into the world of DV makes its California debut.
Read more>

OC Nonprofits Breaking The Cycle of Abuse
January 3, 2016 – OC Register
Human Options’ retiring Founder & CEO Vivian Clecak speaks with Orange County Register on breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.
Read more>

Human Options Founder Vivian Clecak to Retire After 34 Years
August 27, 2015 – OC Register
Human Options founder Vivian Clecak to retire after 34-years ensuring safety of domestic abuse victims.
Read more>

Human Options Announces Retirement of Founder Vivian Clecak
August 21, 2015 – Daily Pilot
Human Options’ board of directors announced this week that founding CEO Vivian Clecak will retire on January 30, 2016 after 34 years of service.
Read more>

Human Options’ Annual Serious Fun Benefit Nets $394,000 to Stop Domestic Violence
July 27, 2015 – Newport Beach Lifestyle
Human Options’ annual Serious Fun benefit netted $394,000 to stop the cycle of domestic violence in Orange County.
Read more>

Human Options Supports Domestic Violence Prevention
July 24, 2015 – Daily Pilot
The Irvine-based organization netted $394,000, while honoring two dedicated local citizens, Keith Swayne and his daughter Anne Swayne Kier for their support of Human Options programs.
Read more>

The 2015 Dove Award
June 9, 2015 – Examiner
Keith Swayne and Anne Swayne Keir accepted the 2015 Dove Award at Human Options’ Serious Fun Gala.
Read more>

Local Teens Renovate House for Human Options
March 27, 2015 – Newport Beach Indy
Teens from the National League of Young Men- Newport Chapter spent their Saturday renovating a housing facility for Human Options.
Read more>

Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign Targets Youth
February 7, 2015 – Examiner
Human Options launches Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Read more>

Battered Lives: Santa Ana’s Ongoing Struggle with DV
February 1, 2015 – Voices of OC
CEO Vivian Clecak discusses the prevalence of domestic violence in Santa Ana and Orange County.
Read more>

Domestic Violence: Careful, the Kids are Watching
January 4, 2015 – Indian Country
CEO Vivian Clecak explains the impact of domestic violence on children.
Read more>

Shopping Cops Brighten Holidays for Kids
December 19, 2014 – Daily Pilot
Human Options partnered with the Irvine Police Department to brighten the holidays for the children at our emergency shelter.
Read more>

Most Influential 2014: Maricela Rios-Faust
December 18, 2014 – OC Register
Chief Operating Officer Maricela Rios-Faust was named one of Orange County’s Most Influential of 2014.
Read more>

Domestic Violence: You’re Not Fooling Anyone But Yourself
December 12, 2014 – Indian Country
CEO Vivian Clecak discusses why victims of domestic violence cover up their abuse.
Read more>

Furniture Donation Gives Tustin Family a New Beginning
December 3, 2014 – OC Register
Bassett Furniture furnished the home of one of our transitional housing residents with $13,000 worth of furniture.
Read more>

Human Options Raises Awareness
November 18, 2014 – Daily Pilot
Human Options Luncheon for Domestic Violence Awareness raised more than $250,000 for victims of domestic violence.
Read more>

OC Students Use Their Socks to Take a Stand Against Abuse
October 25, 2014 – OC Register
Human Options invited football teams at five Orange County high schools to get involved in our Stand Against Domestic Violence initiative by wearing purple during at least one football game.
Read more>

Vivian Clecak: Call to Action to End Domestic Violence
September 16, 2014 – OC Register
CEO Vivian Clecak calls for action to end domestic violence and encourages everyone to move from outrage to change.
Read more>

High-Profile Cases Spur National Dialogue on Domestic Violence
September 17, 2014 – ABC7 News
Dir. of Development Nora Caldwell and Board Member Steve Churm discuss domestic violence and what Human Options has been doing to break the cycle.
Watch video>

Is This the Wake-Up Call for Domestic Abuse?
September 20, 2014 – OC Register
CEO Vivian Clecak pushes for changes from the NFL and lawmakers on the front page of The Orange County Register.
Read more>

Press Kit

For more information on Human Options programs, services and events, contact Melissa Walker, Fund Development Manager, at 949-737-5242, ext. 317 or mwalker@humanoptions.org.

For media or public relations inquiries, please contact Emilie Perkins, Director of Public Relations at Reveille, Inc. at emilie@reveilleinc.com.

Human Options Overview
Human Options Timeline
Facts at a Glance

Human Options in the Press

This Campaign has ended. No more pledges can be made.