For over three decades, Laura’s House has stood as a place of refuge and renewal in Orange County. What began in 1994 when local citizens refused to look away from the devastating impact of family trauma has grown into a comprehensive sanctuary for healing.
“Laura’s House was founded in 1994 after a group of local community members recognized the devastating impact domestic violence was having on families in Orange County,” says CEO Margaret Bayston, who has led the non-profit for over 25 years. “At its heart, Laura’s House was founded on a simple but powerful belief: no one should have to face domestic violence alone, and everyone deserves the opportunity to build a life defined by safety, dignity, and hope.”
As South Orange County enters the season of giving, the organization turns its attention to the neighbors, volunteers, and brave individuals who define their ongoing work.
Gratitude Built on Community
For Margaret, the core of Thanksgiving is deeply tied to the surrounding network of support that keeps their doors open. “This year, more than anything, we are thankful for our community,” Margaret shares. “We are thankful for the survivors who trust us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We are thankful for the staff and volunteers who bring compassion and commitment to this work every day. And we are incredibly grateful for the donors, businesses, foundations, community partners, and supporters who believe in our mission and invest in the work.”
That collective spirit is clearly visible in initiatives like their Hope 100 project, which brings together 100 local members to help complete their capital campaign, address critical facility needs, and clear mortgage debt.
“To me, the real milestone is not simply reaching a fundraising goal,” Margaret reflects. “It is seeing what happens when local people decide that the safety and well-being of their neighbors is worth investing in. Every gift represents someone saying, ‘This matters to me, and I want to be part of the solution.’”
A Spectrum of Healing and Prevention
To serve local families effectively, Laura’s House provides a full continuum of care, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, case management, and group therapy.
Yet, lasting change requires looking beyond immediate crisis response. Through their HOPE Prevention & Education programs, Laura’s House works directly with young people to teach the foundation of healthy relationships, consent, and open communication. They also offer intervention programs for individuals who have used abusive behaviors, recognizing that breaking the cycle requires addressing every part of the equation.
“Over the past 30 years, we have learned that ending domestic violence requires more than responding when someone is in crisis,” explains Margaret. “Safety is the first step, but lasting change also requires healing, education, prevention, and accountability. Our work has evolved to meet families where they are while addressing the broader cycle of violence within our community.”
Bringing Thanksgiving to Life
Neighborly support remains the lifeblood of Laura's House, and local residents looking to express gratitude this season can extend their support in several meaningful ways. Financial contributions allow the non-profit to respond wherever the need is greatest throughout the year, while holiday donation drives help supply incoming families with essential resources during the winter months.
Giving back can also mean volunteering time at events, assisting with outreach, or simply taking a stand in daily life.
“There are so many meaningful ways to support Laura’s House, and they do not all look the same,” says Margaret. “And perhaps most importantly, we encourage people to learn more about domestic violence and talk openly about healthy relationships. Share our resources. Know the warning signs. Teach young people what respect looks like. Sometimes the most powerful thing a person can do is simply refuse to remain silent.”
As Margaret points out, domestic violence is not happening somewhere else—it touches every zip code and crosses every socioeconomic background. Yet, when a community comes together with empathy and intent, real transformation occurs.
“Laura’s House exists because our community believes that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected,” Margaret emphasizes. “After more than 30 years, that belief continues to be at the heart of everything we do.”
...the real milestone is not simply reaching a fundraising goal. It is seeing what happens when local people decide that the safety and well-being of their neighbors is worth investing in.
At its heart, Laura’s House was founded on a simple but powerful belief: no one should have to face domestic violence alone, and everyone deserves the opportunity to build a life defined by safety, dignity, and hope.