From a grassroots series of safe rooms in volunteers' houses to a full-time dedicated 28-bed shelter, The Willow has grown over time.
Now we find ourselves at a breaking point. Our shelter is full.
Each month we receive over 30 requests we must turn away due to lack of space. We have the opportunity to grow again, into a second house with an additional 20 beds.
Help us continue to be a safe space for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in our community by donating to the Growing Forward capital campaign.
Time to Grow
We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.
We have already raised over 80% of our overall $700,000 goal, but there is still more to be done. your donation will help to:
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Purchase and renovate the old shelter
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Repair flood damage and replace damaged items at the current shelter
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Provide food, bedding, furniture, and supplies for the new shelter.
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Cover new staff and training for the new shelter
"You gave me a place. You helped me believe in myself. The Willow helped me with a home. A new, safe home."
A View Inside
The Team
MEGAN STUKE
Executive Director
Megan has been Executive Director of The Willow since 2018, and with the Willow since 2016. Megan enjoys being a mom to her two kids and participating in whatever her community has to offer. She's grateful to be a Lawrencian and a KU grad.
JOHN CONNOLLY
Board President
John has served on the Board of Directors for The Willow since 2017, and took over as Board President in 2019. John works as a Graduate Academic Advisor in the Graduate Affairs office at the University of Kansas. John is also a wedding officiant who has done seven ceremonies to date.
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WILL AVERILL
Director of Communications
Will Averill has been at the Willow as Communications Manager since 2016, and before that in roles as diverse as online marketing, management analysis, and school registrar. In his spare time, Will writes plays and does comedy shows.
LISA PELOFSKY
Co-Founder
Byrne Pelofsky
A Kansas City native, Lisa has more than two decades of experience with fundraising and more predominantly, grant writing. ... Lisa is a highly sought presenter for numerous classes, workshops and training seminars on fundraising and grant writing.
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LEILA AHVARHOUSH
Development Coordinator
Leila has been producing events and working as a Development Coordinator for The Willow since 2018. She has previously worked as an events coordinator, event planner, and currently works as a wedding planner when she's not creating amazing events for The Willow!
For press inquiries, contact waverill@willowdvcenter.org | (785)331-2034 ext. 105
Our Board
JOHN CONNOLLY
President
JACQLENE NANCE-MENGLER
Vice President
MELIA STOCKHAM
Secretary
ANGELA MOTSINGER
Treasurer
SIERRA TWO BULLS
Board Member
LUA K. YUILLE
Board Member
BETH O'NEILL
Board Member
MELIA STOCKHAM
Board Member
MEGHAN HERIFORD
Board Member
CHRISTY BLANCHARD
Board Member
JULIE KELLEY
Board Member
SHANNON PORTILLO
Board Member
The Willow was the first domestic violence center in the state of Kansas, opening in 1976. Today, we answer 3,900 crisis and referral calls per year, house 300-450 adults and children annually, and serve over 3,500 of our neighbors and friends throughout Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties.
All services are free and confidential and available to all residents of Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties in Kansas.
The Willow was the first domestic violence center in the state of Kansas, opening in 1976. Today, we answer 3,900 crisis and referral calls per year, house 300-450 adults and children annually, and serve over 3,500 of our neighbors and friends throughout Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties.
The Willow Blog
