Agency Beliefs

1. Everyone has the right to live in a safe environment.

2. No one should be forced to submit themself or their children to domestic violence.

3. No one is the property of another person.

4. Domestic violence and sexual assault are not private matters; they are criminal offenses and public issues.

5. Domestic violence and sexual assault are issues affecting people of every income level, race, religion, sexual orientation, age and social background.

6. Women's Aid Service, Inc. is opposed to ALL forms of abuse.

7. We support equality of all people, and we work to interrup the cycle of violence.

8. We are dedicated to the empowerment of the survivor, allowing them to make their own choices.

History of the Agency

Women's Aid Service (WAS) was founded in 1977 as a pregnancy support service, and was funded by the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. In 1979 a lack of support and funding threatened the agency's closure. However, due to Michigan's political climate, funding was available for programs providing services to domestic violence victims. WAS applied for and received some of this funding, and as a result severed the agency's affiliation with the Catholic Church. Our first facility was a rented shelter house in Mt. Pleasant and services were then, as now, provided to clients from Clare, Gratiot, and Isabella Counties. In 1988, our current Mt. Pleasantshelter was purchased, and in 1989, we bought the Alma shelter, which opened in January 1990. In 2001 we purchased and opened a shelter in Clare County.

Goals of the Agency

Emergency shelter services and crisis intervention for domestic violence victims continue to be the core services offered. And, although services are provided for all members of the violent home, the primary client of this organizaion is the abused person.

The goals of WAS are to : 1) provide crisis victims with a safe house where they can feel at ease, 2) identify those issues that create feelings of crisis, 3) help inividuals in crisis achieve workable solutions, 4)provide options and referrals to victims and thier families, 5) increase community support, and 6)provide intervention services to all members of the family.

Agency Funding

The financial picture of WAS has consistently improved over the years. Currently, we are funded by a branch of the Michigan Department of Human Services, the Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board (MDVPTB), the Salvation Army, United Way, F.E.M.A., V.O.C.A., M.S.H.D.A., MDCH, private donations and agency fund raisers.