Avalon Center

Avalon could not support survivors of abuse and their families without the support of our state, municipal, foundation, civic and religious partners. A list of just a few of these generous, community-minded organizations can be viewed here. Comprehensive lists of donors are included in our Annual Reports, which are cataloged here. In 1978, a study... group of local women concerned about violence against women began a task force to study the issue and conduct a needs assessment. It's first location was in the basement of St. Stephen Lutheran Church. Avalons first service, the Helpline, began in 1980 and was answered in the basement of the local United Methodist Church. Avalon was originally known as the Williamsburg Task Force on Battered Women. The WTFBW was incorporated in December 1980, and appointed a director. The organization was certified as a tax-exempt, non-profit organization. Shelter was first provided through a series of safe homes in the community. Twenty victims were served the first year. As the demand for services grew, a two-bedroom home off Ironbound Road was leased in 1983. One bedroom served as an office for administrative work and answering the Helpline. The shelter and Helpline were staffed primarily by volunteers and part-time staff. The WTFBW became a sexual assault crisis center in 1985. In 1985 the current 5-acre site was purchased and the existing house became the four-bedroom, 16-bed shelter. An apartment in a converted garage became a one-bedroom transitional apartment. The rest of the space was used as an administrative offices. The name of the WTFBW was changed to Avalon: A Center for Women and Children in 1990. As more services were provided and the existing shelters ability to provide safe, secure shelter lessened, the Board of Directors approved a plan to embark on a campaign to raise funds to build a new emergency shelter and six apartments. The Capital Campaign formally began in 1994. The first formal fundraiser was done by the area realtors. Construction of the project began ...Read More