Reaching out to Women in Need

The new Women's Center located in downtown Waukesha

"When women thrive, all of society benefits,

and succeeding generations are given a better start in life."
-Kofi Annan

Our second choice for January was The Women's Center. A local safe haven for women and their families throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Since 1977 their mission has been to "provide safety and support to women and their families and to facilitate their development." With Todd's $31, and some bargain shopping I was able to purchase $52.00 worth of food for just $31.00! The items donated came directly from The Center's pantry wish list .

4 million American women experience a serious assault by a partner during an average 12-month period.

Through ongoing support from the community and other organizations like The United Way, The Women's Center is able to provide free and comprehensive services designed to address the issues of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse. The center is able to provide a full spectrum of services to women and their families in need. Events & Communicatons Coordinator, Amanda Hunter says one of the biggest misconceptions about the women that who use their services is that they are all of the same class and social status. "Women of all races, ethnicities and classes utilize our services," says Hunter.

1 out of 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime.

Sister House Shelter-provides safe, short-term housing and support to women and their children who are in imminent danger of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse and sexual assault counseling is available to women and children survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Transitional living provides safe, affordable housing and support services to women and their children while they make the transition from an abusive environment to independent living.

Seventy-four percent of all murder-suicides involved an intimate partner(spouse, common-law spouse, ex-spouse, or boyfriend/girlfriend). Of these, 96 percent were females killed by their intimate partners.

Legal advocates help victims of abuse or harassment file temporary restraining orders and injunctions and also offer support to victims at court hearings. The Women's Center's community educator speaks to small and large groups in the community about domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse. A 24-hour Crisis Line staff at The Women's Center answer questions and offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On the average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends every day.

Employment counseling workshops and counseling are available to help men and women obtain or retain employment. The Family Support Project offers a variety of services designed to teach families positive ways to deal with stress, manage behavior, and communicate effectively. Emergency respite and onsite childcare provides parents and caregivers a break during stressful times or emergencies by using licensed daycare centers and foster-care homes.

1 in 5 female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. Abused girls are significantly more likely to get involved in other risky behaviors. They are 4 to 6 times more likely to get pregnant and 8 to 9 times more likely to have tried to commit suicide.

TWC is making a difference one woman at a time, but they need our continued support. "The most beneficial thing the community can do to help is to donate funds. However if this is not possible, The Center is very grateful for donated goods (in kind donations) and volunteers, who help with various duties that make it possible for our organization to succeed," states Hunter. The Centers biggest fundraising event, the Anniversary Luncheon, is getting ready to take place April 25. For information on participation or on how you can help support the women and their families who so desparately need these services please contact TWC of Waukesha at 262-547-4600, or click on the link above. By email mail@twcwaukehsa.org . If you live in Southeastern Wisconsin and you are in need of help contact the Crisis Line at 262-542-3828 there is someone available to help you 24 hours a day.