LAWS announces Clarke as new CEO

LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services announces Samantha Clarke as its new chief executive officer. Clarke will lead the nonprofit on a strategic path forward to expand the organization’s mission and bring new, transformative advancements to domestic violence and sexual assault services, prevention, care, and healing in Loudoun County.

For more than 40 years, LAWS has been providing free and confidential life-saving services to all adults, youth, and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. LAWS serves Loudoun County with comprehensive, survivor-focused, trauma-informed services that include crisis response, emergency shelter, legal and court advocacy services, therapy and long-term empowerment, and prevention education to stop violence before it starts.

A strong community partner with Loudoun County Government and other community service organizations, LAWS provides services to more than 1,000 individuals annually. In 2024, it provided more than 3,000 nights of emergency shelter, 4,000 hours of survivor assistance and advocacy, answered more than 1,100 emergency hotline calls, and reached more than 3,800 youth and youth-serving adults with prevention education.

“LAWS is continually evolving survivor services and prevention to create a future where domestic and sexual violence is eliminated. Samantha’s visionary leadership, commitment to compassionate care for all people, and her ability to build relationships across multiple community sectors is an incredible asset to help LAWS succeed in this vital mission and take us into the future,” said Terry Allen, LAWS Board Chair.

“I am thrilled to serve in the role of Chief Executive Officer at LAWS, especially because now is such a critical time to ensure our organization and our commitment to survivors remains fortified and on a bold path forward,” said Samantha Clarke, MSW, MPA. “LAWS has built strong cross-sector partnerships and effective programs that have allowed our prevention and life-saving services to endure for four decades. I truly believe the most effective response happens when government, nonprofits, and the community work together, and I am excited to continue and grow this community-centered work.”

Under Clarke’s leadership, LAWS will actively move forward with plans for developing a new 26,000-square-foot shelter and community services center in Loudoun County. This unprecedented $10 million investment will deliver survivors a state-of-the-art facility based on the latest advancements and national best practices in domestic violence sheltering and response. It will provide a holistic approach to healing and stability and fully integrate community-based services for access to on-site care, employment services, job training, financial empowerment, and more. This initiative will build upon and strengthen LAWS’ existing strong community partnerships, ensuring a seamless network of support that empowers survivors on their path to safety, stability, and independence.

“The new shelter project is a top priority for our future and an example of how LAWS is evolving to ensure Loudoun County is at the forefront of effective survivor response and support,” added Clarke. “I am eager to take LAWS forward to achieve these goals of advancing innovative, trauma-informed services and strengthening community partnerships. We will set a new standard for survivor response, one that prioritizes safety, empowerment, and lasting healing for all who seek safety and stability after violence.”

The new facility will weave together emergency shelter and short-term housing, creating a continuum of care that supports survivors beyond crisis intervention. By integrating safe housing with comprehensive survivor and community partner services, LAWS will ensure survivors have the resources needed to rebuild their lives. This transformative project is made possible through a strong public-private partnership, leveraging community collaboration to create lasting solutions for those in need.

LAWS is dedicated to ensuring that Loudoun County has a highly skilled, survivor-focused, and coordinated support system. With a bold vision and strong leadership, LAWS is committed to building a future where the Loudoun County community is free of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and child abuse.

To learn more about LAWS, how to access services, and to get involved in the mission, visit www.lcsj.org.