Women's Outreach was founded in April of 1992 by Susan Davis, and a handful of other abuse victims. At that time, this small group stood as the only open outlet for abused Women and Children in Wayne County, North Carolina. From that point on the group gained influence, support, and momentum rapidly...not only surviving, but thriving on the principle of supporting, loving, and encouraging the abused along their path to recovery. Plans were laid for expansion to give full support in the area and into other communities that lacked Domestic Violence support programs.
In 1993 this small band of volunteers Incorporated as a Non-Profit to become 'Women's Outreach, Inc'. They began a journey with unimaginable obstacles and challenges. The mission statement was amended to include support to abused males as well. In March of 1993, a larger Board of Directors was elected and a thrift-shop opened on Center Street. "Outreach Treasures"(renamed from Treasure Hut) has remained their primary source of funding throughout the years, also growing and thriving until the loss of their building in 2006. Instead of opening another shop, the group has opted to experiment with on line sales, and an ebay store. It is their hope to raise the fund to re-open a retail facility to once again be primarily self-supporting.
Since this volunteer organization began, Women’s Outreach has provided furniture, household goods, clothing, diapers, transportation, job placement, child care, counseling, food, and many other necessities, including love and friendship to thousands of victims. They began a ‘food pantry’ in 2002, while expanding their support to displaced homemakers, and the homeless. Those who receive assistance from Women’s Outreach are never asked to financially contribute for the items or other sources of comfort provided, and not one worker at Women's Outreach has accepted a pay check.
Because of the community’s overwhelming support, Women’s Outreach has been able to sponsor birthday parties, Easter egg hunts with yearly Easter baskets, cook-outs/picnics, Halloween parties, Christmas celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners, toys from Santa, seminars, the "Dress for Success" program, make-overs, family portraits, and much more. Their focus has been on the children. As innocent victims with no voice, children often suffer the most from Domestic Violence. A ‘life-size’ Candy Land game at one children’s outing proved to be most innovating and fun for all.
The purpose of the organization is to help victims of Violence find permanent housing, employment, and belief in themselves; regain independence, heal damaged self-esteem, remember and realize their Dreams, goals, and feel safe again. Women’s Outreach is not a shelter, although it does at times provide temporary housing, but instead offers long term support and commitment to Women leaving shelters and Women (over 97%)who choose not to go to shelters. Women’s Outreach supports and encourages Women to seek safety and security in Domestic Violence Shelters. They acknowledge and applaud the important roles these organizations play in the lives of Domestic Violence victims, and in the war against Domestic Violence. They encourage everyone to support their local Domestic Violence programs either through donations, volunteering of time, services, and financial support.
Women's Outreach is not a Religious organization. We do however, encourage victims of Domestic Violence to return to the church of their beliefs. This gives them a "family" to turn to for help and guidance,for their physical needs, emotional strength, and peace in their hearts.
Women’s Outreach, Inc. Would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to our community, and all who have given their over-whelming show of love through the years. The True HERO'S are the Volunteers, the supporters, and the victims who had the courage to step out and say 'I will be abused NO MORE'. We ask for your continued support, prayers, and encouragement during these trying times we are experiencing due to the loss of our building. Our goals have not changed, and transitional housing will be a reality in the very near future.
So, "WHO IS WOMEN’S OUTREACH"? I am Women’s Outreach... YOU are Women’s Outreach... Together...those of us who CARE....are ALL....WOMEN’S OUTREACH! Together we can make a difference!
