Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence records

In June of 1985, Commissioner Sherry Schulman established the DeKalb County Task Force on Domestic Violence. Its goals were to: investigate the scope of the problems associated with domestic violence in DeKalb County; identify available resources, and determine the need for additional resources to serve victims of domestic violence; and prepare a report for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners that would include recommendations for action.

After several months of study, the Task Force determined a need for additional resources, system changes, and a greater emphasis on community education. In the fall of 1986, the Women's Resource Center was created, spurred by $10,000 in funding from the county. It was started in a single room at the Equal Opportunity Services building with one part-time advocate who led support groups. Members of the Task Force volunteered child care services until someone could be hired.

In early 1987, the Center opened its first safehouse. Today, the WRC's Safehouse Program provides temporary housing for women and children at a secure and confidential location. The program is designed to help those who reside at the safehouse to reclaim their personal strengths, work toward their goals for the future, and transition into a safe and stable living situation.

Other services include a 24-hour hotline, support groups, consultations with volunteer lawyers, and advocacy services for families, children and youth. It also provides educational programs in schools and the community. WRC helps families who require supervised visitation by providing a safe environment at Nia's Place. WRC's Making Change program assists women who have experienced financial abuse or poverty to become engaged with their finances, and to build mental, physical, spiritual and financial stability.