Our History
On March 8, 1975, International Women’s Day, the Women’s Center, Inc. opened its doors at 808 Carolina Street in Melbourne, Florida, and on September 4, 1975, the Women’s Center became an authenticated non-profit organization.The Women’s Center takes pride in its progressive vision of women’s issues. It is a well-established, United Way agency that has, since its inception,
consistently provided quality services to women and their families in Brevard County, Florida. Additionally, the Women’s Center partners with educational institutions in the community to provide learning opportunities for those clients interested in expanding their employment potential.Now located at 1425 Aurora Road, Melbourne, the Women’s Center is growing to be more than just a warm inviting place for women in the community to go for their counseling and supportive needs. During the past decade, the Women’s Center has grown to become a multi-service agency dedicated to
providing comprehensive services to meet the needs of women and their families in crisis and transition. Services are designed to target the cause of the crisis, not just the symptoms.
Our Mission
To assist in creating safe, healthy, self-sufficient lives by providing support, education, counseling, information and services to survivors of domestic, dating and sexual violence and to those suffering the ill effects of poverty, homelessness and mental health challenges.
Our Vision
- To be a progressive center, serving our community.
- To expand and grow to meet the changing needs in women’s lives.
- To help women and families help themselves to develop safe, healthy and self sufficient lives.
- To provide the gift of hope and courage, changing lives for the better – forever.
Our Impact
"Words can’t express the gratitude I feel for all the help and support you have given me and my children. After participating in the transitional housing program for a little over a year, I am very proud to say that I am now a homeowner – something I couldn’t have accomplished without all of you! Together, we were able to provide my children with the gift of home security. "
Brevard's Domestic Violence Facts:
- In 2010, Brevard County experienced 6 Domestic Violence fatalities.
- 3,828 domestic violence offenses were reported to law enforcement in Brevard County. We know that many more victims are not reporting to the police or accessing services due to reasons such as shame, fear, or being prevented from doing so by their abusers. For this reason, we may never know the true extent of domestic violence in our county or in the state or country.
- In 2010, 1659 victims of Domestic Violence applied for an injunction for protection in Brevard County.
- The Women’s Center Victim Services provided assistance to 1224 victims in 2010 with safety planning, legal advocacy support, assistance with injunctions, with the address confidentiality program, and with free empowerment focused counseling.
