Women’s Rights and Assistance

Mary Ann Takemoto and Ginny Baxter, Co-Program Vice Presidents 

WomenShelter was incorporated in 1977 by Dr. Virginia Corbett, who donated the house that was used as the first supportive housing facility.  Dr. Corbett was a local psychologist and activist who became frustrated when she realized that her clients who were victims of domestic violence had no place to go when they wanted to leave their batterers. The 4-bedroom, 11-bed supportive housing facility was one of the first in Southern California, part of a growing movement to provide assistance for battered women and their children.  WomenShelter was originally funded by CEDA, a federal grant program.  Staffed by a dedicated group of women, many survivors of domestic violence themselves, WSLB was a safe haven for women and their children. There were no offices or outreach center then.  In fact, the staff worked from TV trays in the house’s living room. In 1984, WomenShelter moved into a new building, which continues to serve as the agency’s 10-bedroom, 31-bed supportive housing facility. A new supportive housing facility is under  construction.

During the ‘80s and ‘90s, WomenShelter began offering individual counseling, group counseling and other support groups in community centers, including Houghton Park in North Long Beach and St. Mary Medical Center in downtown Long Beach. There was a need for permanent offices for outreach and administration, but resources weren’t available, so the agency continued serving the community in collaboration with other organizations such as the YWCA of Long Beach.

WomenShelter was under the umbrella of the YWCA of Long Beach until 1994 when it was reorganized as The WomenShelter of Long Beach (WSLB). The agency began to thrive and sought new ways to expand services. In 1999, WSLB opened its innovative community-based, store-front counseling and resource center to provide easily accessible outreach services to victims of domestic violence in the community. The Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC) was the first such facility in the Greater Long Beach area. The DVRC is a place where survivors and victims can come and receive non-judgmental, compassionate services, and work on empowering themselves.

Throughout the agency’s history, there is one constant. WomenShelter continues to be committed to providing compassionate, supportive services and housing to victims of domestic violence.

Please join us on Saturday, Nov. 5th as Nadia Parada, from WomenShelter LB shares the history, mission and accomplishments of this important non-profit.

October is Domestic Violence Month; we‘ll learn what we can do to end this centuries-long struggle for many women.

Visit our Website for meeting info: https://longbeach-ca.aauw.net/