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Founded in 1975 as a membership organization for women, the Women's Center soon broadened that mission as its volunteers responded to requests for help. Working with other community groups to develop critically needed services, the Women’s Center evolved into a multifaceted social service agency, with programs supported by the United Way of Northern Fairfield County, the Housatonic-Shepaug United Way, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, and every municipality in its service region. The Women’s Center is a member of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (CONNSACS).
The Women’s Center is a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, the Women’s Center has 28 full and part-time employees and a large corps of volunteers trained and certified under state guidelines. An advisory council of business and community leaders serves as a resource to the board for special questions and projects.
The Women's Center provides crisis services and community education to individuals, families, and organizations in 13 municipalities in Fairfield County and Litchfield County, Connecticut.
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People Served
7/1/10 to 6/30/11
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| Bethel |
2,380
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| Bridgewater |
144
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| Brookfield |
1,009
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| Danbury |
13,229
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| New Fairfield |
2,667
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| New Milford |
2,894
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| Newtown |
1,816
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| Redding |
88
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| Ridgefield |
1,372
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| Roxbury |
91
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| Sherman |
366
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| Washington |
797
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| Other Connecticut |
682
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| Other/Unknown |
162
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| Total |
27,697
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Vision Statement
Our vision is to end the violence against women, men and children and to foster equality and empowerment for all.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to serve the needs of individuals, families and the community with prevention, crisis intervention and support services with regard to domestic violence, sexual assault and other major life crises.
Women's Center Milestones
1975 Founded by volunteers, the Women’s Center opens in Danbury.
1976 First paid staff position established, funded through CETA.
1979 The “Battered Women’s Services” program established.
1981 “Rape Crisis Services” established at Women's Center.
1982 Women's Center opens a shelter for battered women in a rented house.
1984 “Women’s Resource Services” established to expand support and education.
1987 New shelter opens in a home purchased and renovated by the Center.
1993 Shelter mortgage is paid in full.
1997 Center buys a building to establish a permanent, affordable headquarters.
1998 Women's Center begins preparations for its first capital campaign.
2000 The Quarter Century Campaign, an all-volunteer effort, is launched.
Renovations to expand the counseling/administrative headquarters begin.
2002 Renovations add counseling rooms, support group rooms, and work space.
2003 Women’s Center building at full capacity.
2004 Crisis services and community education provided to 19,648 adults and
children.
2005 Women's Center celebrates three decades of service to individuals, families,
and the community.
2006 Professional Development Director position is established.
2007 Campus Advocate position is established at Western Connecticut State University.
Annual Report
To see the Annual Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, click here.
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