Press Release: Texas Advocacy Project Welcomes 8 New Members to Its Board of Directors

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT INFORMATION
VP of Development and Communications
Jennifer Poteat, MSHCT, EMPL
512-225-9596
[email protected]

Texas Advocacy Project Welcomes 8 New Members to Its Board of Directors

AUSTIN, TX, February 17, 2022 – Texas Advocacy Project (TAP) is a statewide non-profit organization devoted exclusively to providing legal solutions, social services, and access to justice for survivors of abuse. TAP recently named eight new members to its Board of Directors: Hope Bartolotta, Hema Chugh, Reema Desai J.D., Sharon Dobbs J.D., Lisa M. Jukes, M.D., Julia McKenzie, Jessica Warren J.D., and Ashley Womack. The Board of Directors of Texas Advocacy Project enables the organization to carry out its mission, stop violence, and wrap the client with a holistic set of services to ensure a future free from abuse.

In addition to these new board members, Texas Advocacy Project has formally launched an Advisory Board.  This group is made up of former board members who have chosen to continue their service and commitment to the organization, as well as other community members with skills and passion for the mission who offer invaluable resources to TAP. Members of the 2022 Advisory Board include:  Jose M. Rangel, J.D., Chair, Peter Black, Marla Broaddus, J.D., Beryl Crowley, J.D., Denise Davis, J.D., Julie Graham, MJ Hegar, Erin Huddleston, Matt Matthews, J.D., Linda Phan, Leslie Rhode, Susan Salch, J.D., Alex Schoch, J.D., Kelly Thorstad, M.D., Michelle Simpson Tuegel, J.D., Julienne VanDerZiel, and Andrew Weber, J.D.          

“We are excited to utilize the unique talents and dedication that each of the incoming board members brings to supporting survivors in Texas,” said Board Chair Michael Marcin. “Throughout the pandemic, TAP has continued to seamlessly serve thousands of victims of domestic, dating and child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.  As the organization celebrates the fortieth year of serving clients this year, it is imperative for the Board to continue to contribute a diverse set of business and professional leadership skills to guide and oversee this organization.” 

Along with demonstrating a commitment to TAP’s vision that all Texans live free from abuse, these board members have made TAP a philanthropic priority, and have the skills and business acumen to lend professional expertise that will assist TAP in reaching its mission to provide quality, accessible services to its clients statewide.      

Issue Summary:

• Access to legal services is statistically proven to be the only social service that decreases family violence in the long-term. We know legal services work; a victim with a protective order is 80% less likely to be re-victimized.
• More than 1 in 3 women and more than 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
• There are an estimated 313,000 victims of human trafficking in Texas.
• Post-Covid research out of The University of Texas at Austin found that: 1) Survivors’ greatest unmet need is for mental health services and 2) More legal aid is needed.
   

About Texas Advocacy Project:
Established in 1982 as a non-profit, Texas Advocacy Project’s mission is to end dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Texas. Texas Advocacy Project empowers survivors through free legal services and access to the justice system; and advances prevention through public outreach and education. Our vision is that all Texans live free from abuse. In 2021, TAP provided legal services in 5,042 cases, serving 10,891 Texans. If you or someone you know needs help, call 800-374-HOPE or visit TexasAdvocacyProject.org.

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