congratulations to lacasa. [applause] >> we often say that we are only as strong as the community that supports us. we talk about bringing community into our work. often times our work is in confidential spaces. comemestic violence is challenge -- domestic challenge is scary and bat. we only solve this when we bring it out to the light. the next speaker is cassandra pogie. show brings this to the light every day. she is an employee at black rock and one of the strongest allies in the community. she addvo indicates for survivors -- advocates for survivors. we are lucky to have her with us today. [applause] >> thank you. i am cassandra pogie. i am a survivor of domestic violence. i was in a relationship for two years. she was charming and created the illusion and he was good to me and i started to fall for him. as things became more serious he was jealous. he introduced intimidation and isolation. i was trapped with someone who used manipulation and violence to control my life every day. i became a shell of mysel

>> good morning and welcome to lacasa. we are so honored to have so many community members here today. i am the deputy director here. this has been a very long journey to this moment today. i thank you all. we would not be here with each and every one of you. i have a lot of wonderful people speaking today and the amazing work that the organization does in the community. i would like to start by introducing our board president. michelle is the board president of casa d casa de las madres. as a member of the board for over 10 years she has helped guide us through the unprecedented growth. as chair of finance committee she helped strengthen the position to creativity and passion for ending domestic violence in san francisco. i will hand it over to michelle. [applause] >> thank you for that lovely introduction. we are just thrilled today. this is such an exciting and special moment. i started volunteering about 15 years ago and joined the board 10 years ago. in year i was honored to be made the board president when our previo

. >> right away, just be patient, and then, everything will be >> good morning and welcome to lacasa. honored to have so many community members here today. i am the deputy director here. this has been a very long journey to this moment today. i thank you all. we would not be here with each and every one of you. i have a lot of wonderful people speaking today and the amazing work that the organization does in the community. i would like to start by introducing our board president. michelle is the board president of casa