On March 31, 2017 Daya welcomed 300 participants to its annual gala luncheon held at the Junior League in Houston. The event was chaired by Annu Naik, Farida Abjani, and Dr. Sippi Khurana. Stephanie von Stein was this year’s keynote speaker, and KHOU news anchor Rekha Muddaraj was the mistress of ceremonies. A courageous Daya client also spoke, sharing her story of survival.

​

This year’s gala theme was “Around the World in 80 Days,” telling the story of two strangers who embark on an adventure filled with difficult challenges and extraordinary accomplishments. This journey is much like the one experienced by Daya clients, who overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles with the assistance of advocates and volunteers. 

​

At the gala, Daya celebrated 21 years of support from volunteers and donors who have helped the organization grow to become an invaluable professional resource for the city of Houston. The empathetic crowd honored the thousands of families who have regained their independence and safety because of Daya’s help.

​

Special keynote speaker, Stephanie von Stein, a successful businesswoman and survivor of domestic abuse, informed the attendees that domestic violence and verbal and sexual abuse occur in all neighborhoods and socioeconomic groups. In fact, one in three women still experiences domestic violence worldwide. This is a serious public health concern that requires tremendous investment from the community to tackle. Attendees renewed their commitment to the many South Asian families affected by family violence. 

​

About Daya Inc.

Daya Inc. is a Houston nonprofit that supports South Asian women and families who are trying to break the cycle of domestic and sexual violence and reclaim their lives. In 1996, seven friends established the Daya helpline to provide culturally specific services to South Asian survivors of intimate partner violence. 

​

Today, Daya provides their clients with trauma-informed counseling, in-depth safety planning, housing and financial assistance, and advocacy for high quality legal representation, education, and health. These services are all provided from a multi-lingual multi-cultural perspective.

​

Daya also believes building awareness and exploring complex cultural taboos will ultimately lead to prevention. Daya provides education and training to the community with a focus on building advocates, increasing awareness, supporting survivors, and empowering the next generation of men and women to prevent violence in the community.

For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, please visit www.dayahouston.org

​

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Daya helpline from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

at 713-981-7645.