The Women's Center's Capital Campaign Was a Huge Success

The Capital Campaign Provided individuals who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence and sexual assault a place that is safe and provides adequate, quality living and program space.  They space has been conducive to their healing and many have made progress towards the next step…taking charge of their lives, becoming self-sufficient and living violence free.

A NEW HOME FOR THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER PROGRAM

The north end of the building at 610 S. Thompson Street was renovated in order to relocate the current Domestic Violence Shelter Program to this improved facility. 

Space renovations included:

• Increase sleeping and living areas for residents including increasing the bedrooms from 7 to 10 allowing the facility to accommodate 40 women and children
• Reduce the number of people/families expected to sleep in one room
• Provide for privacy and quiet living areas for study and family time
• Increase the number of communal bathrooms from two to six including a wheelchair accessible shower
• Create a kitchen and dining area, which has always been a traditional gathering area for residents, that has the space and equipment necessary for large group food preparation and can handle the amount of wear and tear that they receive
• Better accessibility to offices and residential space with the addition of an elevator
• Heightened security and safety through upgrades in the monitoring and alarm system, a privacy fence enclosing the outdoor children’s play area, and the installation of a sprinkler system
• Create a more comfortable and hopeful atmosphere

“The Women’s Center is a refuge to women and their children in times of crisis. I am so thankful that it is such an established part of our community providing a safe home, encouragement, and support for so many even as it works to educate the larger community.”

Rev. Kim Magwire
Church of the Good Shepherd, UCC

IMPROVED SPACE FOR PROGRAMMING AND OPERATIONS

Completed renovations included:

• a separation of functions within the building to protect anonymity and confidentiality of those seeking shelter versus those seeking walk-in services
• a group activity space for adults and children
• a confidential counseling and advocacy space
• a private area to answer crisis hotline calls, complete intakes, and provide emotional support for new residents entering the shelter
• a resource library and two large multipurpose rooms
• Allowed for future office space and storage
• Improved overall operational efficiency

On behalf of our Board of Directors, Staff and our program participants, thank you for ensuring the success of our Saving Lives…Building Hope Campaign.

We Still Need Your Help

The Women's Center, Inc. relies heavily on state and federal funding. Unfortunately, due to the State Budget Crisis, we have experienced a reduction in State General Revenue funding totaling $135,993 over the last two years.

Due to the uncertainty of state funding and the economic downturn, it is more important than ever to receive support from the communities we serve. Your generous contribution will help us achieve our mission of ending domestic violence and sexual assault against women and children in southern Illinois.

WAYS TO GIVE

The Women's Center's Annual Giving Campaign offers a one time gift, or two or three-year pledge option that focuses on sustaining the programmatic and operational aspects of The Women’s Center, Inc.Your generous contribution will allow us to plan for the future and help us to achieve our mission of ending domestic violence and sexual assault against women and children in southern Illinois.

The Women’s Center Annual Giving Campaign will accept a variety of contributions in accordance with The Center’s Gift Acceptance Policy.  Gifts may include, but are not limited to, outright gifts of cash, securities, real property, Irrevocable Charitable Remainder Gifts and Irrevocable Charitable Lead Income Gifts, life insurance, and in-kind gifts. We encourage you to consult your financial advisor to help you arrive at the best possible outcome for your generous investment to this project.  Gifts may be given “in honor” or “in memory,” please let us assist you. If you have any questions about ways to give please, contact the Center’s Executive Director at (618) 549-4807 x 231.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

ENDOWMENT

Hope for 919

Building an Endowment for the Women's Center to End Domestic Violence in Southern Illinois

The Little Black Dress Party Major Underwriters: River Radio, 1187 Creative, The Great Boar's of Fire, Mediacom and SouthernTicketsOnline.com are launching an Endowment Program for the Women's Center in conjunction with the 2010 Little Black Dress Party. 919 represents the number of women and children in southern Illinois who were served by the Women's Center's Domestic Violence Program during the last fiscal year (July 2009-June 2010).

Their goal is to build an endowment that will give the Women’s Center the ability to continue to provide services to women and children in southern Illinois, who are victims of domestic violence, and to give the center the ability to improve those services in the future. (Click on donations tab, then Hope for 919 for more information)

DONATING

If you would like more info on donating please fill out the following form and we will get in contact with you.