News & Stories
A Beacon of Hope for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Image description: A person holds a small decorative house model in both hands. The light-colored wooden house features detailed windows, a front door, and a pitched roof, symbolizing safety, shelter, and home.
For more than 40 years, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) has been assisting victims of sexual and domestic violence, providing survivors and their children with the necessary resources, support, and care to remain safe.
As the region’s primary service provider for these survivors, WRC has built a strong network of community partners across sectors, including a grant partnership with us that’s supported by donors, like our Board Director, Elise Loud.
In 2025, WRC received one of our Community Funds to support transitional housing for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, which went toward phase three of its Home Safe Home project to build 10 separate apartments.
“Home Safe Home provides safe, affordable housing for survivors for up to two years, paying what they can afford for rent,” said Juliette Schultz, WRC Executive Director. “Funds from the Community Foundation grant are supporting the partial completion of one of the apartments within the transitional home.”
Providing safe and affordable housing for survivors has been at the forefront of WRC’s efforts, and thanks to a longstanding relationship with the Community Foundation, Juliette knew partnering with our organization was the right approach to addressing this local need.
In 2025, WRC provided support to 23% more survivors than in 2024, illustrating a surge of individuals fleeing violent homes and needing emergency shelter. The WRC also saw 50% growth in the number of survivors living at its transitional home.
“In recent years, we have seen an increase in survivors reaching out,” shared Juliette. “Survivors are not only seeking immediate refuge but also long-term transitional housing to rebuild their lives. This is why projects like Home Safe Home are so critical—they directly respond to the intersection of rising violence and rising housing instability in our community.”
Efforts that address homelessness and safety for families resonate with community members, inspiring them to directly support nonprofits or to get involved with organizations that can make an impact. Elise Loud is one such donor who is helping make a difference in the lives of survivors by giving to our Community Funds.
Elise, a monthly donor, became involved with us several years ago, motivated to support meaningful, equitable, and place-based work in her region. Elise proudly supports our flexible, responsive Opportunity Fund and strongly believes in contributing to a fund that has supported the WRC’s work.
“I am grateful that the WRC exists, grateful to the survivors, and grateful to the Community Foundation for setting up funds that dignify, empower, and support our community,” said Elise. “I want to support needs that I might not personally have experienced or be aware of. It’s great that we have Community Funds, like the Opportunity Fund, that allow the community to name its need.”
Knowing that needs exist in her community fuels Elise to remain involved and to encourage other community members to connect with causes they can positively impact.
“I know there are neighbors in my community who are struggling,” added Elise. “I want my donation to respond to community needs. I want my community to identify and meet our needs with Community Foundation support. That is empowerment, that is belonging, that is responsiveness and philanthropy, and I’m grateful to play a small role in this.”
The versatility and responsiveness of Community Funds enable our grant partners to act quickly. When we address pressing community needs, such as the WRC’s Home Safe Home project, we strengthen our commitment to our region by providing immediate action and support—two key hallmarks of our Community Funds grant opportunities.
“Community Funds are vital because they provide flexible, responsive support that strengthens the fabric of our regional community,” said Juliette. “For organizations like the WRC, these funds make it possible to address urgent needs, such as safe, affordable housing for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, which ultimately has a dramatic effect on the health and well-being of our community.”
By working together, we have the opportunity to change lives and provide safe homes and refuge for those who need it most.
Writer: Alex Dailey