Mission, Vision, Values
WC&S DNA Statement
We are advocates, grounded in fostering a community of safety, healing, and empowerment for anyone affected by domestic violence.
WC&S Mission
We will strengthen our ability to meet the individual and evolving needs of those affected by domestic violence by investing in the growth of our people, deepening community engagement, and amplifying the voices of all survivors.
WC&S Vision
We exist to end domestic violence and create safe spaces for help, healing, and hope.
WC&S Values
- Safety: We actively work with individuals and communities to protect against physical, emotional, psychological, economic, and sexual abuse.
- Uplifting Others: We inspire hope through listening, believing survivors, encouraging creative expression, and providing resources to plan for the future.
- Compassion: We practice wisdom and patience to imagine each individual’s experiences without judgment.
- Courage: We cultivate bold strength and resilience to venture forward in the face of pain, fear, and grief.
- Equity: We stand up, speak out, and take action for diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.
- Survivor-Centered Advocacy: We prioritize the needs and wishes of survivors on their healing journeys by creating a supportive, affirming environment that treats all survivors with dignity and respect.
- Stewardship: We build and continuously improve our organization’s systems to manage and protect the resources entrusted to us.
Living Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Beginning in 2020, Women’s Center & Shelter embarked upon a journey to develop mission, vision, and values statements that accurately and meaningfully encompass the breadth and scope of our work. Input from WC&S staff members, clients, committee members, and the Board of Directors was collected through various conversations and exercises. Thank you to Newton Institute for assistance on this collaborative project.
We continue to live out our mission, vision, and values to ensure that they are ingrained in every part of our work. For example:
- Staff and board participate in action alerts for DV-related legislation and encourage our community to get involved.
- Staff attend ongoing, engaging training for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many staff members participate in the Equity and Action Collaborative and/or the Diversity Committee.
- Staff take a person-first approach for interacting among ourselves and with the clients we serve. Each of us is a whole person and not defined by our situations, roles, or labels.
Read more about how we live out our mission, vision, and values through Our Approach.
