Our mission is to provide compassionate leadership and a comprehensive range of trauma-informed services that empower individuals and families affected by family and sexual violence. We are committed to promoting safety, healing, and long-term well-being for both adults and children through direct support, advocacy, and connection to essential resources.
With support from Big Green, we are building our Empowerment Food Garden to continue to offer a range of tangible and emotional benefits for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Our food garden offers a sanctuary of healing, empowerment and renewal. A space where survivors have an opportunity to nurture themselves by nurturing plants, reclaiming their strength and independence in a supportive and sustainable environment.
Friends of Women (FOW) Program Overview
FOW is committed to providing comprehensive, survivor-centered services through four major programs:
- Family Violence Program
- Community Education and Prevention Program
- Sexual Assault Program
- Supportive Housing Program
These programs work together to advocate for victims’ rights, promote healing, and foster long-term stability for individuals and families impacted by family and sexual violence.
________________________________________
1) Family Violence Program
FOW offers critical, life-saving support to victims and survivors of family violence. This includes a 24-hour emergency shelter available to both adults and children, with stays typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. However, we do not impose a maximum length of stay, understanding that every survivor’s journey is unique. Survivors receive essential services such as food, clothing, transportation, crisis counseling, personal advocacy, and comprehensive case management. Additionally, we provide information and referrals to other necessary community resources. Our crisis hotline operates 24/7, offering immediate support for individuals facing urgent situations. Through crisis intervention case management, survivors are connected to legal options, advocacy, and long-term support. Our child advocacy services ensure that children who have experienced violence receive the specialized care and attention they need. The goal of our Family Violence Program is to enhance victim-defined safety, support survivors emotionally and physically, and provide a holistic approach to their recovery and restoration.
________________________________________
2) Community Education and Prevention Program
FOW is committed to changing the narrative around family and sexual violence through education and outreach. Our Community Education and Prevention Program empowers individuals and communities to recognize the signs of domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual assault, as well as understand the risk factors that contribute to these issues. Through structured education and awareness initiatives, we aim to not only increase knowledge but also empower caring adults to respond effectively to outcries of victims. By fostering a culture of intervention and support, we hope to prevent violence before it occurs and build safer communities for all.
________________________________________
3) Sexual Assault Program
FOW provides dedicated services for survivors of sexual assault, including confidential crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and emotional support throughout the recovery process. Survivors have access to specialized therapy services, both individual and family therapy, to address the deep emotional and psychological impact of sexual violence. We also offer crisis intervention case management, ensuring survivors have the necessary resources and legal options to navigate their healing journey.
________________________________________
4) Supportive Housing Program
The Supportive Housing Program is a cornerstone of FOW’s commitment to long-term survivor recovery. Through this program, survivors and their families can access medium-to-long-term rental assistance, utility deposits, security deposits, and transitional housing. Our goal is to help survivors move from crisis to stability by providing the resources needed for safe, stable, and affordable housing. This program also promotes self-sufficiency and economic stability, providing the foundation for survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity. By connecting survivors with essential resources and offering ongoing support, we empower individuals to regain control over their lives and secure a brighter future.
________________________________________
Overall Objective
At FOW, we are driven by a commitment to support survivor agency and the right to self-determination. By enhancing access to education, intervention, housing, and economic support, our services create pathways for lasting safety and stability. We believe in the strength of survivors and strive to provide them with the tools they need to heal, grow, and thrive. Our comprehensive approach ensures that survivors not only survive but are empowered to reclaim their lives and their futures.
2024 Impact Report Data:
Served 1,354 survivors
Responded to 11,003 crisis hotline calls
Sheltered 204 survivors (emergency shelter)
Provided 7,050 emergency shelter bed nights
Supported and Provided 16,337 bed nights through supportive housing projects
Reached 10,492 community members through outreach efforts