Daya Houston

For 30 years, Daya has been rooted in strength — building trust, cultural understanding, and survivor-centered care for domestic and sexual violence survivors across Houston.

The 2026 Daya Gala: Rooted in Strength - A Celebration of Growth, Resilience, and New Beginnings, will honor this legacy while embracing purposeful growth. Guests will enjoy a lively reception, followed by a moving program and dinner, and a special 30th anniversary celebration — so be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

We are honored to welcome keynote speaker Alka Joshi, internationally bestselling author of The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, The Perfumist of Paris, and her newest novel, Six Days in Bombay.

📍 Sugar Land Marriott
📅 Friday, September 18, 2026
🕕 6 PM Reception | 7:15 PM Program & Dinner

Sponsorship opportunities and more details at dayahouston.org/gala2026.

Thank you to H-E-B for serving as the Presenting Sponsor this year. Your geneorus support helps make healing, hope, and lasting impact possible for survivors.

Just a week away! Come celebrate AAPI Heritage month with us at our Movie & Filmmaker Talkback with actor, writer, and producer Rashmi Rustagi!

Watch Rashmi's powerful film, Designed by Preeti at the comfort of your home and then join Daya on Monday, May 11th at 7pm CT for an intimate virtual conversation with Rashmi herself about healing and reclaiming power after leaving an abusive relationship.

Link to Purchase Film: https://designedbypreetimovie.com/watch/

RSVP for Discussion: https://bit.ly/4cmqK88

Join us tommorow for our May Chai & Chat at Ananda Rasoi, a restaurant located within the peaceful grounds of the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands, on May 3 from 12:30 - 2:00 PM.

In a setting that invites calm and reflection, we’ll gather over chai and conversation to build community, share stories, and create space for connection. Surrounded by serenity, this is a moment to pause, be present, and find comfort in community.

Whether you come to listen, share, or simply be, you are welcome here.

Our quarterly newsletter is out! Missed it in your inbox? Read it here at https://conta.cc/4n5T6sc.

Inside this issue, learn about:
🤍 Employee of the Quarter spotlight
📖 A look back at Daya’s growth and journey over the years
🎉 Upcoming events, staff highlights, and client stories
🧺 Alternative modes of holistic healing we provide at Daya
📅 Save the Date: The 2026 Daya Gala is scheduled for Friday, September 18th — sponsorship packages now available! Come celebrate Daya's 30th Anniversary with us!

💌 Stay in the know: sign up for our newsletter at bit.ly/dayaemail

Tune in to our Chai Time segment on Monday, May 4th @ 11 AM | Chai Time Radio 103.5 FM.

Join Daya’s Director of Community Safety, Swati Narayan, and Director of Development and Outreach, Charanya Ravikumar, for a meaningful conversation celebrating May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, while also recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month.

This segment will explore the barriers survivors continue to face—especially within South Asian and AANHPI communities—and discuss how to approach conversations around abuse and mental health in ways that are respectful, honest, and culturally grounded.

Today is Denim Day. Held annually on the last Wednesday during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Denim Day is a global movement that protests sexual violence, supports survivors, and challenges harmful victim-blaming myths.

The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court overturned a r**e conviction, arguing that because the survivor was wearing tight jeans, she must have assisted in removing them—thereby implying consent. In response to this unjust decision, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in solidarity, sparking what would become an international day of awareness and advocacy.

Each year, Daya honors Denim Day to remind our communities that there is never an excuse—clothing or otherwise—to justify sexual violence. We believe that every action must be rooted in consent, respect, and accountability. Together, we stand with survivors and work toward a world free from violence.

Join us for our May Chai & Chat at Ananda Rasoi, a restaurant located within the peaceful grounds of the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands, on May 3 from 12:30 - 2:00 PM.

In a setting that invites calm and reflection, we’ll gather over chai and conversation to build community, share stories, and create space for connection. Surrounded by serenity, this is a moment to pause, be present, and find comfort in community.

Whether you come to listen, share, or simply be, you are welcome here.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage month with Daya!

Just 2 weeks from today, we are excited to host a Movie & Filmmaker Talkback with actor, writer, and producer Rashmi Rustagi!

Watch her powerful film, Designed By Preeti, from the comfort of your home and then join Daya on Monday, May 11th at 7pm CT for an intimate virtual conversation with Rashmi herself about healing and reclaiming power after leaving an abusive relationship.

Link to Purchase Film: https://designedbypreetimovie.com/watch/
RSVP for Discussion: https://bit.ly/4cmqK88

Our hearts are so full from this past weekend! 🤎

Thank you for making Brown Bodies, Bold Stories. such an inviting, welcoming space. A special thank you to Brazos Bookstore and to all our incredible speakers who shared their voices and stories so powerfully. ✨