Who We Are
Fort Bend Women's Center: Standing With Survivors Since 1980
For more than 45 years, Fort Bend Women's Center has been a safe place for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. We are a trusted part of this community, and we are here for anyone who needs us. Our help is always free and confidential.
A Community Built on Safety and Trust
Our Mission
We believe every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to heal. Together, we can empower survivors to find hope and thrive in our community. That belief guides everything we do, from the first phone call to the long work of rebuilding a life.
0k + Survivors Supported
Over the years, we have walked beside more than 51,000 survivors. Each one is a person who found safety when they needed it most. Behind every number is a story of courage, and we are honoured to be part of it.0Years of Service
Since 1980, we have grown from a small local effort into a trusted community institution. Decades of experience mean we know how to help, and we bring that knowledge to every survivor who reaches out.Supporting
Survivors
Our advocates stand with survivors at every step. We provide emergency shelter, counselling, legal advocacy, and support for children and families. Whatever a survivor is facing, they do not have to face it alone. Help is available 24 hours a day at (281) 342-HELP (4357).
Healing
and Empowerment
Safety is only the beginning. We help survivors rebuild confidence, find stability, and plan for the future. Through counselling and steady, patient support, healing becomes possible and hope takes root again.
FREE
and Inclusive
Every service we offer is free and confidential, and everyone is welcome. Survivors of all genders, backgrounds, and circumstances will find support here, and no one is turned away. If you or someone you love needs help, call (281) 342-4357. We are here, and we are ready to listen. To support survivors in your community, make your donation today.
Because we believe EVERY survivor deserves the chance to thrive
History
Timeline
1980 | New Beginnings
In 1980, Pat Altman a Rosenberg Attorney, Timothy Sloane, Assistant District Attorney, and Paulette Greene, a Rosenberg businesswoman, recognized the need for domestic violence services in the community and initiated the development of the Fort Bend Women's Center, Inc. (FBCWC). Since October 1980, FBCWC has responded to the needs of women who seek a life free of mental, emotional, and physical abuse. Soon after the Center's inception, a telephone hotline was implemented, which provided individuals with emergency counseling and referral services. The hotline laid the foundation for other programs aimed at counteracting the effects of family violence.
1980
1981
As time progressed, increased concern for the health and safety of women and children led to the acquisition of a shelter. A rented home in Stafford, Texas offered survivors the tangibles of a shelter, food and clothing, and the intangibles of respite, protection, and caring reassurance for themselves and their children.
1981
1986
A sexual assault component was added in 1986 by Board President Jean Ann Hartland and was expanded to include a part-time staff person. Also added was a P.A.V. (Personal Accompaniment Volunteer) program and a Speaker's Bureau, which covered such topics as rape trauma syndrome, prevention, types of rape, and rape myths and facts. The Sexual Assault Program also offers professional organizations, such as police departments, a sensitivity awareness training to assist officers working with sexual assault survivors. The program offers several support groups including incest survivor, sexual assault survivors, adult friends and family, and female adolescents. Also in 1986, a grant from The George Foundation made possible the permanent acquisition of a shelter facility and an increase in the shelter's capacity from 21 to 30 residents.
1986
1989
1989, 1990, 1991 were banner years for expansion, including the following Center service: a new Thrift Shop yielded over $32,000 in 1989 during its first year of operation. By 1995 income for the Shop had grown to $300,000. The hotline expanded to a 24-hour service. Increased networking with Polly Ryon Memorial Hospital provided immediate assistance to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. A 3,000 square foot home, donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Lipinski and renovated by The Knights of Columbus, was moved to the current shelter site and converted into a facility for mothers with teenage boys.
1989
1992
In 1992 a children's program was added to work actively with client's children, provide assessment tools, parenting skills, experimental field trips, and learning opportunities for children and their parents. Because many clients were leaving the shelter with insufficient skills to maintain an independent household, a transitional housing program was added. An adjunct to the children's component and funded by the Hogg Foundation, the program provided clients with rental assistance, in-home visits, and other support for an 8-month period after leaving the shelter. The program reduced the rate of women returning to the batterer from 65% to 10%.
1992
1993
In 1993, life skills services were added to the shelter program including attire for interviews, resume preparation, and a computerized GED training program. Phase I of shelter renovation was also completed and the Thrift Shop moved to larger quarters at 416 Highway 90A.
1993
1995
1995 was another banner year. The Thrift and Resale Shop moved and expanded to open an "As Is Shop." specializing in reduced price merchandise. Board President Cyndi M. Shofner added a "Sweet Charity" furniture pick-up service. The Thrift and Resale Shop, As Is Shop, and Sweet Charity furniture pick-up sales exceeded all funds received from the county, state and federal governments combined. A major reorganization of the Center occurred in 1995, including a new management staff and upgrading of educational and licensing. The Director of Sexual Assault was made a full-time position, enabling further expansion of the Sexual Assault Program.
1995
1996
In 1996 Phase II of the shelter renovation, and installation of a 2-room building for the children's program was completed. In 1998 FBCWC's focus became a three-tiered approach to domestic violence: 1) continuation and expansion of Shelter programs, 2) increased education in the schools down to the elementary level to stop intergenerational violence by males, 3) non-resident counseling, child-care, literacy services, job training, case management and other supportive services that address the multiple needs of women who leave to begin new violence-free lives.
1996
2001
2001 marked the opening of the agency's new state-of-the-art shelter. The new facility was built to house a capacity of 60-65 women and children. The capacity is a 50% increase over the previous shelter. The new shelter also has added features such as an on-site clinic and learning resource center. Also, the children's area more than doubled. A teen room was also built in so that teen special needs may be addressed. Further, 50 units of transitional scattered site, transition in place, housing for approximately a year in length were added for survivors to access safe housing while working toward self sufficiency plans.
2001
2003
The Thrift Store expanded in 2003 and opened a second location in Stafford and was renamed PennyWise Resale Shop. The Resale Shops currently account for 26% of the agencies funds and continues to provide clothing and furniture to clients and their children.
2003
2009
The wellness and stability program was developed and added in 2009. The funding for this program provides housing for DV survivors who have mental health disabilities as a result of abuse.
2009
2014
The Administrative Offices and the Richmond PennyWise store were relocated to a brand new facility in May 2014.
2014
2018
The Rio Bend Community was purchased and the existing houses were converted to 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for clients in the Wellness and Stability Program. The Joe C. and Dorothy B Watkins Resource Center was built and opened in 2021 allowing for the expansion of our case management, housing, and legal aid programs.
2018
Feb 1 @ 12:00 AM
TDVAM
Watch our social media accounts for the signs of teen dating violence and educate yourself and your teens. Love = Respect!