Letter from the Executive Director, Barbara Bennett

 

       As we moved toward the end of our third decade of service to women in St. Louis, we found ourselves growing once again.  During 2005 we increased our ability to provide crucial services for women who have experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. 

       With funding from the MO State Services to Victims Fund, we were able to add a full-time Case Manager to our staff.  She works with women on challenges of daily life:  employment, housing, legal and healthcare issues.

       In addition, our Support Services Therapist position was increased to full-time.  This allows us to offer more groups and other supportive services to our clients.  For instance, we established a Clothes Closet to provide appropriate clothing for women who participate in our Work Readiness program.

       In July our eighth annual golf tournament, co-sponsored by the St. Louis Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), cleared over $55,000.  Our fourth annual Holiday Boutique, featuring 26 local artists selling wonderful jewelry, pottery, paintings, knitted goods, and photographs cleared over $10,000. 

       During the fall, Quilt National 2005 was held in a wonderful new venue, The Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles.  QN is our biennial fundraiser and, with the sponsorship of 500+ women, over $112,000 was raised to fund our services.

       In addition, we are using a mission-based fundraising model which focuses on increasing our individual donors.  We held informational meetings (the “411” on Women’s Support) at the agency throughout 2005.

       Major support from the Missouri Foundation for Health and an anonymous donor continued for 2005. 

       During the summer, we began The Men’s Project.  Men from across the metro area joined a committee with a challenging goal.  They are committed to raising the awareness of men about the scope and severity of violence against women and enlisting them as our allies in creating a culture in which such violence is rejected.

       Every day, we are reminded that our success is dependent on the concern and generosity of our friends across the community.  We sincerely thank you for your support.