The Support Center was founded in September 1978 with $21,000 in Title I funding and a powerful mission: to educate the community about domestic violence and to support survivors in breaking free from cycles of abuse. From the beginning, the organization focused on empowerment, safety, and access to information.

In its first year, dedicated volunteers were recruited and trained, safe homes were established, and support groups for survivors were launched. These early efforts laid the foundation for a community-based response to domestic violence.

Due to its early success, Title I renewed funding in the second year and expanded the program’s focus to include sexual assault. At that time, The Support Center became the only organization in the county providing comprehensive services to survivors of sexual violence. As demand grew, so did the organization’s commitment—despite ongoing financial uncertainty.

By the third year, funding for staff positions had ended, but reimbursement from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) allowed The Support Center to lease a shelter. Office space was shared with the Displacement Homemakers Program and the Rural Women Employment and Training Program, strengthening community partnerships.

In May 1980, The Support Center received a three-year grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, providing stability and allowing services to expand. In 1983, the organization officially incorporated and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. That same year, a permanent shelter was purchased and fully renovated with support from the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development. The shelter was named in honor of longtime volunteer Elinor Buob.

Through decades of fluctuating funding, staff and volunteers remained guided by an unwavering belief: no survivor in Okanogan County should ever go unheard, unsupported, or unsafe.

Our Mission Today

For more than 40 years, The Support Center has provided vital services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. It remains the only accredited and qualified Sexual Assault Program in Okanogan County.

The Support Center serves primary and secondary victims of abuse, as well as individuals impacted by other crimes. The Support Center Foundation owns and operates the domestic violence shelter, providing safe housing for those who are in danger or fleeing abuse.

Today, The Support Center employs approximately 8 staff members and relies on dedicated community volunteers to operate its 24-hour Crisis Line. Volunteers and staff routinely give their time evenings, weekends, and holidays, often serving shifts of 10 to 24 hours.

All staff and volunteers receive extensive training and certification through the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and related victim service organizations. The Support Center also provides training for most law enforcement agencies throughout the county.

Advocacy, Outreach, and Specialized Services

The Support Center is proud to employ bilingual advocates fluent in English and Spanish, ensuring services are accessible to more members of our community. Advocates assist clients with:

• Domestic Violence Protection Orders

• Restraining and Anti-Harassment Orders

• Parenting Plans and Dissolutions

• Triple P Parenting Classes

• Address Confidentiality Programs

• Related legal documentation

The organization is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors representing diverse professional and community backgrounds, reflecting the populations we serve.

Outreach services have expanded over time to reach rural and underserved areas, including the Colville Indian Reservation and all county schools. Since 1990, The Support Center has provided specialized services for child survivors, offering weekly support in schools and at the office.

Qualified staff members deliver evidence-based prevention and education programs, including:

• Second Step

• Talking About Touching

All presentations and trainings for schools, agencies, and community groups are provided free of charge.

Serving Marginalized Communities

The Support Center also offers direct services, outreach, and mobile advocacy for all populations.

Commitment to Healing and Empowerment

All advocates and staff provide information, resources, and compassionate support to every individual seeking help. The Support Center offers a wide range of healing and education programs, including:

• Boundary Power

• Journey Beyond Abuse

• Anger Management

• Healing the Trauma

• Repairing Our Roots

• Safety Planning

…and many more.

For more than four decades, The Support Center has stood as a trusted pillar of safety, advocacy, and hope in Okanogan County. Guided by compassion and resilience, we remain committed to empowering survivors, strengthening families, and building a safer community for all.