We provide services in 31 languages, including:

AWS provides this extensive language support through our Multi-Lingual Access Model (MLAM) Program. Twice a year, AWS recruits bilingual, bicultural women from unserved and underserved communities to become paid, on-call language advocates or “MLAMs.”  Language Advocates provide critical services to AWS; they serve as the communication bridge between advocates and residents, provide emotional support for women and children, and accompany residents to important meetings, such as immigration and medical appointments, court hearings, and legal proceedings.  

AWS is also the lead agency for the City-wide MLAM Program in San Francisco: through AWS’s pool of language advocates, five other anti-violence agencies including WOMAN, Inc., Rosalie House, Brennan House, APILO, and CUAV are able to give their clients comprehensive language support. AWS’s MLAM program has been recognized nationally, and AWS provides technical assistance, training, and a manual to help other programs across the country replicate the MLAM program. AWS has provided technical assistance and support to language access programs across the country.