The Women's Center

The Women's Center - Capital Campaign

THE CAMPAIGN
Individuals who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence and sexual assault deserve a place that is safe and provides adequate, quality living and program space.  They deserve a place that is conducive to their healing so that they may progress towards the next step…taking charge of their lives, becoming self-sufficient and living violence free.

The proposed project is a culmination of 35 years of service and growth in the community with these underlying principles in mind.  The Women's Center Capital Campaign addresses immediate needs for existing programs, takes into consideration growth and expansion for future needs and provisions to ensure that the investment we make now will be protected for years to come.

RENOVATIONS  THE NEED & THE PLAN
After several years of planning and evaluating options and needs, The Women's Center purchased a much larger building located at 610 S. Thompson Street in Carbondale, Illinois, that is adjacent to the current domestic violence shelter. At the center of this campaign are the renovations for The Women's Center at this location which will provide for increased and improved shelter program space, a unification of programs, provide for meeting and training space, offer better accessibility to services, and a safer, more supportive environment to the individuals we serve today and to those we will serve in the future. The cost of the renovations is $1,200,000.

A NEW HOME FOR THE NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER PROGRAM

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

• 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
Churh of the Good Shepherd, UCC

IMPROVED SPACE FOR PROGRAMMING AND OPERATIONS

Completed renovations will:

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

NAMED GIFT OPPORTUNITIES
Many opportunities are available to honor and recognize the name of an individual, family, organization or business.  Choosing one of the named gift opportunities acknowledges not only the ones being recognized, but also the survivors that you are helping to create hope for today and well into the future.

 

Named gift opportunities are available for the Saving Lives…Building Hope Capital Campaign. Please contact Camille Dorris, The Women's Center Executive Director at 618-549-4807 ext. 231 to learn more about gift opportunities.

WAYS OF GIVING
The Saving Lives…Building Hope Capital Campaign will accept a variety of contributions in accordance with The Women's Center Capital Campaign 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. Campaign pledges can be payable over a three- to five-year period.  We encourage you to consult your financial advisor to help you arrive at the best possible outcome for your generous investment to this project.

ENDOWMENT
The Saving Lives… Building Hope Campaign would not be complete without provisions to ensure a vital future for the Center.  Initially, a $300,000 endowment will be created with a goal to grow that fund to $1,000,000 over the next ten years.  The establishment of an endowment fund will help sustain existing programs, maintain the facility, and meet future program needs in order to continue our mission well into the future. 

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

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June 12, 2007 Campaign Update