ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
To empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault by offering safety, support, and community awareness.
OUR VISION
We envision a socially just community where all voices are heard, where all gender identities are made to feel safe, and where all acts of domestic violence, sexual assault, and oppression are neither accepted nor tolerated.
OUR CORE VALUES
Fairness
Respect
Integrity
Empathy
Non-judgmental
Dependability
Security
OUR WORK
FRIENDS has been the sole provider of domestic abuse and sexual assault services in Washington County since 1978. Using trauma-informed services, staff provides survivor victim-centered emotional support and programs that help individuals and families lead non-violent independent living and develop healthy well-being well beyond program exit.
OUR IMPACT
Our services have steadily increased since 1978; Last year FRIENDS:
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Provided 7,071 nights of safe shelter to 100 individuals
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Responded to 1,100 crisis calls.
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Conducted new Intakes for 280 individuals
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Facilitated 1,827 sessions for 365 clients; including 425 art therapy sessions and 430 legal sessions)
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Presented 235 presentations in schools and at community groups to 7,800 individuals
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IMPACTED/SERVED DEMOGRAPHICS
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82% Female
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18% Male
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34 was the median age
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10% Latino
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20% Black
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65% White
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76% identify DV
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24% identify SA
FRIENDS' Legacy
FRIENDS, originally named “Friends for Battered Women,” began programming in 1978 with three volunteers who answered a 24-hour crisis line and provided short-term shelter for women and children that were in immediate crisis.
Reports & Newsletters
Are you getting our newsletters? Did you miss a publication or want to check out our annual report?
News
To keep current on the latest FRIENDS news, videos, and social media, you've arrived at the right place!
FAQs
Do you have questions? We have answers to the many common questions we hear. We've also added some we think are important to know.
OUR FUNDING
FRIENDS has an annual operating budget of $1,020,950 with a variety of funding sources including: Federal; State; United Way Washington County; United Way Greater Milwaukee/Waukesha County; and private foundations. The organization is accountable to our public and private funders, Board of Directors, and stakeholders. In addition, FRIENDS is required on an annual basis to have an audit completed by an independent 3rd party auditing firm.
Our annual report can be found in our Reports & Newsletters section.