DAWN's mission is to end domestic violence by empowering survivors and fostering communities where abuse is not tolerated.

Description:
DAWN fulfills its mission by providing comprehensive services to adult and child survivors of domestic violence. Services include: 24- hour crisis line; Community Advocacy (both English and Spanish); Women's Support Groups (both English and Spanish); Legal Advocacy (civil legal matters and immigration issues); Court Accompaniment; Community Education & Advocacy Training (both English and Spanish); Emergency Confidential Shelter; Transitional Housing; Transition to Permanency Program; Kids' Club; Middle and High School Education and Outreach Programs; Safe Nights, hotel program and Safe Moves, moving and storage services for survivors.

History:
DAWN has provided culturally relevant supportive services to victims of domestic violence in King County, Washington since 1980.

DAWN was started by two domestic violence survivors who were attempting to find help for a friend who was a victim of domestic violence. Although these women contacted numerous social service agencies they could not find a provider that specialized in domestic violence.

The two women began talking to city officials, police officers, and domestic violence survivors and all agreed that South King County needed a domestic violence provider. A local church became aware of these efforts and provided $500 in start up funding and a small office.

In January 1981, an organizational meeting was held and the decision was made to concentrate on offering crisis line services. A volunteer recruitment/community education workshop was held and volunteers began offering “safe homes” to women and children. This program opened with four homes available to women and children in the greatest need of protection.

In the spring of 1982, DAWN moved to donated space in another community church that was large enough to house the agency’s first support groups and childcare services. And in 1983, the agency moved to its first office and began operating two phone lines with a small staff of six. Services expanded to include a legal advocate who did court accompaniments, answered procedural questions, helped women get protection orders, made referrals to attorneys, and coordinated pro bono legal clinics.

In 1993, the agency opened a 25-bed shelter. The location of the shelter was, and is to this day, confidential in order to protect the safety of victims, their children and DAWN staff members.

As a result of the courage and perseverance of two domestic violence survivors, DAWN has been able to help thousands of women in need. But we would not be here today with out the support of our volunteers, donors, community partners, and friends.

DAWN continues to expand and refine its services every year, we encourage you to visit our website and learn more about our work.

Contact people:

Lee Drechsel, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Melissa Arias, Development Director, (phone), (email) Alicia Glenwell, Director Of Community Programs, (phone), (email)

Address:

PO BOX 88007 Tukwila, WA 98188