Our Mission

The mission of A Woman's Fund, Inc. is to eliminate violence against women and children, and, until that happens, to provide safety and support to survivors of that violence as they take control of their own lives.

A Woman's Fund started in 1971 as two separate groups: A Woman's Place, which offered shelter for women escaping domestic violence, and Champaign County Women Against Rape (now Rape Crisis Services). These small grassroots organizations grew out of a commitment to provide women with safety and support in crisis situations. In 1979, the two organizations merged, and in 1993 the Education and Prevention department (now EVE) was added.

In 1996, the agency moved into its current facilities, which include emergency and transitional housing for up to 35 women and children and office space for counseling, advocacy, outreach, training, and AWF administrative functions. In 2001, Rape Crisis Services moved to a separate office near downtown Champaign.

Battering. Rape. Incest. Child Abuse. Controlling. Threats. Insults. Any attempt by one person to exert power and control over another. The roots of this violence can be found in racism, homophobia, classism, ableism, ageism, and sexism.

With education and activism that reaches thousands each year.

Freedom from violence and injustice. A place to rebuild.

Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, partners and spouses, children and grandparents - anyone can be affected by domestic and sexual violence.

Sexual and domestic violence violate a person's right to control their body, sexuality, decisions, and safety. We help people regain their feelings of control and hope. We don't judge or lecture - we support, listen, inform, and empower.

When we create a world where no one is treated as inferior or as an object, there will be no more violence against women and children.