ABOUT WOMENSAFE
Our Mission
WomenSafe’s mission is to provide emergency shelter and support services to survivors of domestic violence throughout Northeast Ohio.
We are a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit domestic violence shelter and resource center in our 44th year of service to survivors of domestic violence.
WomenSafe responds to the needs of survivors and provides education in the community aimed to reduce the incidence of domestic violence and make the community aware of what help is available.
WomenSafe’s Timeline
1980
WomenSafe was founded in 1980 by a group of citizens who were concerned about local women and their children who were living in violent homes. WomenSafe first provided emergency shelter to abused women and their children with the help of volunteers who provided shelter in their own homes. In November 1980, WomenSafe opened its own shelter, using a rent-free apartment, attached to the Geauga County Sheriff’s Department.
1982
Due to the increased traffic flow at the Sheriff’s Department, lack of space and expansion of services, WomenSafe found it necessary to relocate its shelter. WomenSafe rented a house located on the Chardon Square in March 1982.
1986
Having once again out grown its facility, WomenSafe purchased a home outside of Chardon Square. At that time, WomenSafe’s confidential location housed both the emergency shelter and part of its administrative offices. Additional office space was donated at the Eltech building in Chardon to provide much needed space for administrative personnel and agency volunteers.
2007
In October 2007, WomenSafe opened “the Green House” a disclosed shelter that houses all administrative personnel, shelter staff, the emergency shelter, and all outreach services. This allows the agency to further expand the reach into the community to show that domestic violence still exists and that services are still available.
2012
WomenSafe, The Resale Shoppe opened its doors in Chesterland. The Shoppe is run by a team of 75+ volunteers and is overseen by several part-time Shoppe managers. Success led the Shoppe to expand in 2018 into its current 4500 sq. ft space. WomenSafe survivors are able to shop for themselves, feel empowered to find things that fit their style, and use their creativity to repurpose items donated, all at no cost to them.
2019
In continued partnership with the Cleveland rape Crisis Center, WomenSafe opened a satellite office in Lake County making it easier for Lake county residents to attend counseling and court advocacy appointments. The new satellite office is located at 8334 Mentor Ave., in Mentor.
PRESENT
WomenSafe continues to provide life-changing services to survivors of domestic violence in Northeast Ohio and beyond.