June 13, 2023, WHW
The video features a reflective and heartfelt conversation celebrating the 50th anniversary of Women Helping Women, looking back at how a grassroots volunteer effort transformed into a major life-saving organization.
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The Founding Mission: One of the original founders explains that the organization started with a group of women meeting at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Women’s Center. After constantly receiving calls regarding sexual assault, divorce, and domestic battery, they envisioned creating a dedicated counseling center to assist these women.
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Early Milestones & Collaboration: In its early days, the group successfully advocated for General Hospital (now University Hospital) to begin conducting rape exams. They also gained critical cooperation from the local police department.
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The Original Hotline: The hotline began in a single office room furnished with just a bed, a telephone, and a chair to ensure around-the-clock, 24/7 coverage by volunteers.
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Evolution of Impact: The organization has drastically scaled its legacy over 50 years:
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Expanded services from two counties to four counties.
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Grew prevention programs to saturate nearly 60 schools.
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Handled approximately 15,000 hotline calls and 30,000 crisis responses in the previous year alone.
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Expanded their staff from 17 to 90 members.
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Established the national model DVERT (Domestic Violence Enhancement Response Team) to focus specialized resources on marginalized survivors
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Representative Mentioned
Current Executive Leadership: Kristen Shrimplin President/CEO) interviews the founder, offering profound gratitude for her 50-year living legacy.
