Courtney Thomas

Founded in 1971, Newhouse is Kansas City’s first and oldest nonprofit domestic violence shelter. We are the only domestic violence shelter situated in the urban core of the metro. Our 88-bed emergency facility is located within a 3.5-mile radius of where 85% of the violent crimes prosecuted in Jackson County occur. We are rooted right where our community needs us most. Newhouse serves our community’s most vulnerable and historically underserved populations using evidence-based practices and a unique “no time limit for care” approach. This positions survivors for a high rate of long-term success and significantly reduces the probability that a survivor will return to their abuser. Recruited by the Board of Directors in 2019 to lead the transformation of this lifesaving organization, in less than 12 months, amidst a global pandemic, led the total rebrand, new operational practices, and developed the strategic plan. Stabilized its financial position, built staff infrastructure, and grew new donor revenue by 128% in the first year. Architected the plan, raised additional funding, and executed $1.2M shelter renovation in year two. With our innovative and committed team, raised the funds for a $3.2M capital expansion, grew total revenue by 107% (from $2.9M to $6M), and event income by 215% ($310K to $978K) over a three-year cycle.