In 1978, a group of local women began meeting informally to discuss the needs of women in Wayne County, Ohio. Some of the women participating in the group had specific needs that were not being met at the time, and others were aware of women who were trapped in abusive relationships.

One concern, which repeatedly surfaced, was the need of services for women in crisis. There were few resources available to them and there was virtually no place in Wayne County where a woman could find refuge while exploring legal and financial avenues which would empower her to re-establish her life. This need was crucial for women who were attempting to flee an abusive partner.

Consequently, the group made assisting women in crisis particularly battered women and rape victims, their sole purpose. Thus began the enlisting of volunteers interested in organizational planning, committee work, providing shelter, and community education regarding the needs of women in crisis.

As funding and community support increased, Every Woman's House gradually expanded its services to include crisis intervention, a 24-hour hotline, counseling, support groups, and victim advocacy. In 1982, a local resident offered Every Woman's House the use of an eleven-room house. The house permitted Every Woman's House to provide short-term shelter to women and their children who are escaping violence in their homes. It could accommodate four women and their children, not to exceed a total of 14 persons.

In October of 1999, Every Woman's House moved into the lower level of Gault Liberty Center (administration) and Julia's Place, the new shelter. Julia's Place has twelve rooms and can accommodate a total of up to 44 people, or twelve women and their children. One of the rooms is handicapped accessible. Every Woman's House continues to offer a variety of services, such as domestic violence support groups and the 24-hour hotline.

Each year hundreds of volunteers donate nearly 15,000 hours of their time to Every Woman's House. EWH has many rewarding opportunities in which you can help heal our community from the effects of domestic violence and sexual assault. Some of these opportunities include:

Shelter monitor: assist shelter staff by answering phones, helping clients, and basic office work.

Hospital Advocate: Provide support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault during medical exams at the hospital.

Mentor: Provide guidance and support to women as they transition out of the shelter to their new life free from violence.

Community Educator: Assist the Community Education staff by representing Every Woman's House in schools and community events.

Babysitter: Provide childcare for shelter clients during counseling sesssions or job interviews.

Office Volunteer: Assist staff with such tasks as filing, computer work, and other general administrative duties.

If you are interested in volunteering with Every Woman's House, contact Blake Swartz, Volunteer Coordinator, at (330) 263-6021 or access a volunteer form from the following website: http://www.everywomanshouse.org/getinvolved/volunteer.html

Every Woman's House is a non-profit organization dedicated to the treatment of survivors of interpersonal violence and the prevention of such violence in our community.

Donations enable us to serve our clients better and are fully tax deductible. They can be made in-kind, such as clothing, toys and the like, and financially. If you wish to donate and make a difference in the life of another, please contact us at 330-263-6021.

In-Kind Donations:
Our community has been very generous with in-kind donations in the past. The shelter constantly needs new and gently used items for clients in the shelter, as well as those who are ready to venture out on their own.

Adult Clothing (all sizes, men/women)
Children's Clothing (all sizes, boys/girls)
Small Household Appliances
Small Furniture