DECEMBER UPDATES
“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan
We Need You! Can You Join Us?
The Women’s Center has operated at full capacity since we first opened our doors, and we have always struggled to find adequate funding for our comprehensive services. The past few years have seen a reduction in government grants which are so important in helping us operate. At the same time, we continue to see increases in the need for our services. This combination is truly straining our ability to help the survivors who come to us.
2nd Annual Writing & Art Challenge
Submissions Due Feb 5th
The Writing and Art Challenge was created by the MCWC Youth Advisory Committee as an avenue for teens to start talking about dating & relationships. It is meant to create a safe environment to explore and discuss the impacts (both positive and negative) of common dynamics found in these experiences. The Writing and Art Challenge is open to all middle school, high school & college students who reside in Montgomery County. This includes students attending public school, private school, alternative education, homeschool, etc. Participants may enter a maximum of one submission in each category(writing/art).
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Staff Spotlight
Training Hearts & Minds
A huge congratulations to our newest group of staff, interns & volunteers who completed our Advocacy Training!! This training was a commitment of over 45 hours which allows staff, interns & volunteers to work directly with agency clients.
Volunteer Spotlight
GENERATIONS OF GENEROSITY
Thank You to the Coulson Tough Elementary School 4th grade for choosing Montgomery County Women’s Center as the beneficiary of their “Generosity Project”. Pictured: Michelle Dacey & Katrina Solt
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi
SHOUT OUT To The Moreno Family! This amazing group gathered gifts all year as a family and provided gifts to all our shelter and transitional housing clients.
A “Beary” Merry Christmas!!
Jennifer Smith and her daughter brought Christmas Cheer in the form of Teddy Bears!!! An amazing donation of 36 adorable bears from Pam Grace Creations!!
Caring Kids!
Thank you to these Salem Lutheran School students who hosted a drive this month and supplied our agency with 500 pajamas!!
Amegy Bank Gives Big!
Thank you to all the wonderful employees at Amegy Bank for choosing to support MCWC families this holiday season.
Warm Hearts!
Marie Olson hand crochets the nicest, softest blankets with a cute beanie sticking out of the top. She just moved here and is excited to continue supporting MCWC and our families!!
Coffee, Cars & Charity!
What a FABULOUS event!!! Thank you to  Woodlands Performance & Suspension, LLC  for hosting this amazing community event to collect toys for local charities. We are honored to be the recipient of this year's toy drive.
SHARE A FAMILY & SHELTER SANTA EVENT
Our Annual “Share A Family” & “Shelter Santa” Christmas events are one in which the community comes together to create the miracle of Christmas for families that may not otherwise be celebrating. It is truly inspiring to see the dedication, year after year, of the community groups (new and returning) that spend months diligently fulfilling the needs of others and helping to create memories that will last a lifetime!
Corvette Club
All the amazing gifts waiting for clients to pick up.
Zach Lovett with his truck full of toys!
St Mary’s Catholic Church in Plantersville, TX.
Eastern Starr, Willis Chapter, Karen & Travis
The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe Sandy Miller
Sweet treats provided by a local National Charity League (NCL) Group.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
A big thank you to Guy Lewis and his team for bringing Christmas to the shelter and for inviting Mrs. Claus over to bring holiday cheer to shelter residents.
Shelter residents had a surprise visit from a VERY jolly man in red!! Thanks to The United Methodist Church in The Woodlands Santa, along with a group of volunteers, came to the shelter with gifts and Christmas activities for all!!
The Learning Center
The Learning Center is a place where we will feature videos and articles to assist you in learning more about domestic violence, sexual assault and its impact on victims, their families and the community.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE AND A CHILD’S DEVELOPING BRAIN
Interested in learning more about how Exposure to Violence Affects a Child's Developing Brain?? This video discusses the impact of violence on the development of the child’s brain. Development experts discuss how children’s brains develop and grow and how exposure to violence and chronic stress can leave a lasting impact.

Find this video and more on our BRAND NEW YouTube Channel!!
While post-concussion symptoms are common in women who have experienced intimate partner violence, many women hide their symptoms and little research has been done, meaning the long-term health risks of millions of women are unknown.
THE QUIET CRISIS KILLING BLACK WOMEN
In the U.S., black women face higher rates of domestic violence than do women of all other races, except Native women. In Dallas County, the most likely type of person to be killed by a romantic partner is a black woman, age 20 to 29, just like Delashon. Black women are four times more likely than their white peers to be murdered by a boyfriend or girlfriend, and twice as likely to be killed by a spouse. And they are seven times more likely to be slain while pregnant than white women.
Customer Appreciation Day!