History

Womansplace was founded in 1976 by Carol Kemp Nill, a McKeesport resident, as a social center for local women. However, it soon became apparent by the volume of telephone calls that the most important issue facing the women who approached the center was that of violence in their homes. Volunteers at the center began directing their energies toward learning more about abuse so the could offer sources of relief to battered women and their children. This effort transformed Womansplace from a social center to a volunteer-operated peer counseling center.

By 1977, it became apparent to all volunteer staff that a permanent staff was needed to continue current services and to expand services to battered women. The center received a VISTA grant and was provided with VISTA volunteers to serve under professional supervision for 3 years. In 1980, two major events in the center’s history occurred: Womansplace recieved tax exempt status and the center decided to officially become a center for victims of domestic violence. The following year, the center started a sheltering network, which consisted of a 24-hour hotline, emergency transportation, and safe home shelters. In 1981, Womansplace became a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and secured funding for the first professional staff.

Womansplace then opened its first shelter in a rented apartment. As demand for services grew, the agency responded by purchasing a building in 1987. The renovation and expansion project was completed in 1990. The shelter is fully handicap accessible including an elevator and wheelchair shower facilities. With this new building, Womansplace increased thier capacity from 10 to 27 women and their children.

Womansplace has been a catalyst for changing the lives of victims of domestic violence since 1976. Womansplace employs 28 trained staff members who are supported by 10 trained volunteers to carry out the following programs and direct services: 30 day emergency shelter, 24 hour crisis hotline, 2 year transitional housing program, legal, medical and children’s advocacy, counseling, community outreach and prevention education programs. Each year, 3,000 to 4,000 victims of domestic violence receive services provided by Womansplace.