Agency Spotlight: Women's Hearth

Inside a storefront with big windows clad in lacy curtains, women who’ve experienced a world of hurt find a respite from the cold.

Some visit briefly to take a shower and get a break from the demands of being homeless in the unrelenting winter chill, while others come for companionship or to resurrect their self-esteem after enduring years of abuse.

For Rose, a domestic violence victim who has battled homelessness, the Women’s Hearth on West Second Avenue is a lifesaver.

"I’ve slept under a bridge and under cars. It builds a different attitude in you," said Rose, who is in her 40s.

"This place kept me alive. There were several times when I wanted to commit suicide."

Women’s Hearth is both a comfort and a vehicle of change for women who’ve weathered tremendous challenges and loss. The center serves 100 to 150 women a day who are disabled, homeless or facing other personal and financial challenges.

"Sometimes when you go home, it’s so depressing. This place is like home for me because I spend more time here than at home," said Cheery, a 54-year-old widow who lives alone.

The center provides accommodations for grooming, a computer lab for boosting marketable job skills and links to programs that help clients earn General Equivalency Diplomas. Women can take exercise, art and writing classes, and participate in a variety of groups that help them embrace sobriety, tackle self-esteem issues and learn to have healthy relationships. They can also get free health screenings.

"A lot of women come to get connected to other services," said Mary Rathert, site director. "We put a lot of emphasis not only on life skills but also on support and 12-step groups."

Women’s Hearth is part of the Transitions program, which also operates Miryam’s House, EduCare and the Transitional Living Center. The nonprofit is sponsored by the Dominican Sisters, Sisters of the Holy Names, the Sisters of Providence and the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.

Women who are struggling find a welcoming smile and a pot of coffee, cocoa or tea brewing at the Women’s Hearth. Thanks to a partnership with Second Harvest Inland Northwest, women in need also receive wholesome snacks and can pick up healthy foods at a weekly food bank. Recently, Tammy was able to select strawberries, salad and other fresh produce to help her through the month.

"I would never be able to afford vegetables. We try to get them at the store but just can’t afford them," Tammy said.

Because Second Harvest supplies the agency with food, Women’s Hearth can devote more of its funds to providing an array of life-changing services. Rathert said the items they get from Second Harvest serve a crucial role in helping Women’s Hearth build community, because community often centers around food.

"We’re sure grateful," Rathert said, adding, "It’s just a wonderful, wonderful support.

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