Women in Need Executive Director Kristen Ostertag shared how WIN provides emergency shelter, legal advocacy, education, and crisis support across Hunt County and the surrounding region.
The Noon Kiwanis Club of Greenville recently welcomed Kristen Ostertag, Executive Director of Women in Need (WIN), as our guest speaker. Kristen was introduced by WIN Board Director Chad Stevenson and shared an overview of the organization’s mission, the growing need for domestic violence services across the region, and the many ways WIN supports survivors and their families.
Women in Need provides assistance to both women and men affected by domestic violence and abuse, offering emergency shelter, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, education, and long-term support. The organization relies heavily on grants, charitable giving, fundraising, and community support to continue this work.
Providing Shelter When There Is Nowhere Else to Go
One of WIN’s most important services is its 24-hour residential emergency shelter in Greenville, the only facility of its kind within nearly a 50-mile radius.
The shelter includes 10 rooms and can accommodate as many as 40 individuals.
WIN also assists survivors who do not need residential shelter through its non-residential programs and local office.
The organization responds to many different forms of abuse — not only physical violence, but also sexual, emotional, and financial abuse and manipulation.
Sometimes the immediate need is simply a safe place to sleep. In other situations, WIN may help a survivor secure emergency housing, replace locks on a home, obtain necessities, or even coordinate relocation outside Texas when remaining nearby is no longer safe.
Throughout that process, WIN works to meet basic needs while preserving the dignity and independence of each person it serves.
Helping Survivors Navigate the Legal System
Legal advocacy is another significant part of WIN’s work.
Advocates help survivors understand complicated legal processes, complete necessary paperwork, and pursue protective orders. WIN works alongside county attorneys and district attorney offices in Hunt and Rockwall counties, serving as an important connection between survivors and the legal system.
Advocates may also accompany clients to court proceedings so they do not have to navigate the process alone.
For someone already facing a crisis, simply understanding what happens next can make an enormous difference.
Education and Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
WIN’s work also extends well beyond emergency response.
The organization provides educational programs throughout local schools, civic organizations, businesses, and the broader community. One important area of outreach focuses on teen dating violence prevention, helping young people recognize unhealthy behaviors before patterns of abuse become established.
Support groups are also available to help survivors better understand patterns of abuse, rebuild confidence, and develop the tools needed to regain independence.
The goal is not only to respond to violence after it occurs, but also to help create safer relationships and stronger communities.
More Than 13,000 Services in One Year
The scope of WIN’s work is significant.
Over the past year, the organization provided 13,865 individual services with a core team of approximately 30 staff members, including shelter employees and personnel working in WIN’s resale stores.
The emergency shelter alone recorded 3,438 client stays during the year.
WIN also operates several large seasonal programs. During the holidays, staff and volunteers coordinate Thanksgiving food baskets and an Angel Tree Christmas program to help families who might otherwise go without.
Three resale shops operated by Women in Need also help support the organization’s ongoing work and provide another way for community members to contribute.
Ways the Community Can Help
Kristen emphasized that there are many ways to support Women in Need, even for those who cannot make a major financial commitment.
Community members can volunteer, attend fundraising events, donate or shop at WIN resale stores, contribute needed resources, or simply help spread awareness about the services available.
WIN also offers ambassador programs that allow supporters to become more directly involved. Hearts for WIN brings women together in support of the organization, while the newly launched GUARD: Men of WIN initiative provides an opportunity for men to advocate for survivors and help strengthen the community’s response to domestic violence.
Annual fundraising events include Hot Havana Nights during the summer and Chocolate Indulgence in the winter, both of which help generate critical support for WIN’s programs.
Most importantly, WIN’s emergency intake and crisis services remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for clients and law enforcement agencies responding to domestic violence situations.
A Community Working Together
The presentation was an important reminder that domestic violence can affect people in every part of our community, and that meaningful support requires cooperation among nonprofits, law enforcement, courts, businesses, volunteers, and individuals willing to help.
The Noon Kiwanis Club of Greenville thanks Kristen Ostertag and Women in Need for sharing their work with us and, more importantly, for the services they provide every day to people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Their work reflects something Kiwanis strongly believes: stronger communities are built when people step forward to serve one another.
