Berks Women in Crisis

Description

In 1976, twelve dedicated women met at the YMCA in Reading, PA, to begin the monumental task of providing services to women victims of domestic violence. They met to discuss the details of providing hotline, counseling, and temporary housing services to victims. They were pioneers locally and statewide, as they sought to find solutions to end family violence and to help all victims. They attended the first meeting of the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence held on November 12, 1976, in Lancaster, and they became one of the Coalition?s first members. They worked tirelessly, establishing the framework to make families safe?piece by piece. They pooled their resources and doggedly pursued the support of the greater Reading Community. They did not give up, and the community responded. Berks Women in Crisis is the product of the inspirational leadership, determination and insight of our ?Founding Mothers.? The mission of Berks Women in Crisis is to provide supportive services for victims and to eliminate domestic and sexual violence in Berks County. BWIC is the lending organization in Berks County for assisting victims of domestic and sexual violence. BWIC raises awareness of domestic and sexual violence and promotes safety for women and all served by providing an immediate safe haven and ongoing support system. The goal of BWIC is to improve the quality and safety of victims? lives by providing supportive services, advocating for peace, and ultimately eliminating violence in Berks County. For the victims we serve, we provide comprehensive services in a safe and secure setting.