By Deborah Reed
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org
Nearly 20 people per minute experience physical violence by an intimate partner in the United States, and one in three women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. (National Coalition against Domestic Violence)
Leading with cultural sensitivity and awareness, Puertas Abiertas has helped Latina women live healthier lives free of violence since its inception in 2019. Now under new leadership, the nonprofit continues to provide a vital service for the Latinx community by offering resources for those escaping domestic violence and human trafficking situations.
Claudia Annoni stepped into the role of Executive Director at Puertas Abiertas in October 2025, bringing with her over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for providing crucial resources to immigrant families.
“The meaning of Puertas Abiertas is Open Doors,” said Annoni at a recent presentation hosted by the Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids. “Keep in the back of your mind what that means and what that means for participants and our guests because, for so many, doors are closed.
“[We are empowering] families to make healthy choices and live free of violence.”
Opening doors
While Puertas Abiertas focuses on providing services for female victims of abuse, trafficking and discrimination in the Latina community, no one is turned away. Regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, Puertas Abiertas opens its doors to all in need.
With 60+ partnerships with community organizations, the nonprofit offers services such as therapy; support groups; food, clothing and housing assistance; employment and resume building assistance; and a 24/7 Spanish domestic violence hotline.
The nonprofit is currently expanding the programs they offer and recently obtained funding for a new youth program providing coaching for teens on workforce development and emotional health.
“Some of our youth are becoming adults in their home,” Annoni said. “Sometimes their parents are removed from home and the older kids take on the full responsibility. So we support them, give them all kinds of tools that may be helpful for them.”
All care offered through Puertas Abiertas is person-centered, trauma-informed care (PCTIC).
“We all experience some type of [trauma],” Annoni said. “Some, we were able to handle it in a way that was positive, some others, we probably couldn’t.
“In client-centered care, my reality is not your reality. If I want to help you with what works for me, it may not work for you. That is why the team is guided and trained in person-centered, trauma-informed care. We don’t tell anyone what to do. We guide them, we work with them.”
Evening of Hope
Dedication vs. Challenges
Current immigration policies have noticeably impacted the nonprofit’s funding and the attendance of those seeking assistance.
“We serve with federal funding,” Annoni explained. “When it comes to federal funding, there is clear language that the only community members we can serve are American citizens.”
Because those seeking assistance are required to provide proof of citizenship, many community members are unable to receive the help they so desperately need, Annoni continued.
“We are very fortunate that there are local community foundations, local family foundations, and a lot of other supporters that see the importance of the work,” Annoni said.
Despite the challenges, Annoni’s dedication to bringing healing and dignity to those around her remains steadfast. When asked why she chooses to do this work, Annoni cited humanity.
“Seeing the suffering of others impacted me. I wouldn’t do anything different because it is my passion.”
Help with the mission
Though Annoni has devoted her career to championing trauma-informed and culturally responsive programs addressing mental health, violence prevention and systemic barriers facing the Latinx community, Annoni is fully aware that she cannot do it alone.
“We cannot do this alone,” Annoni said. “I like to open doors to others and to say, be with us, help us to resolve these issues, be part of the change, be part of what we do.”
With a smile, Annoni went on to say, “It’s okay if you don’t speak Spanish; I do. We do it together.”
Information on how you can support/partner with Puertas Abiertas can be found here.
An Evening of Hope fundraiser gala will be held at the Kent Country Club on May 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Attendees will enjoy an elegant and inspiring evening that includes:
- A welcoming cocktail reception with a complimentary drink included
- Dinner and program
- Stories of resilience and community impact
- Time to connect with fellow supporters and partners
“Yes, it is a fundraiser, but what we want to create is hope,” Annoni said. “Hope for the team that we work with, hope for the community.”
More information and Evening Hope tickets can be found here.
Watch this special episode of WKTV’s Nuestra Gente with host Yeli Romero and Claudia Annoni, Executive Director of Puertas Abiertas: Nuestra Gente con Yeli Romero.
