Non Profit Spotlight: Wichita Family Crisis Center

We are proud to introduce Wichita Family Crisis Center as our first Non Profit Organization Spotlight.  For almost 50 years, WFCC has been dedicated to empowering, strengthening and stabilizing families impacted by domestic violence and human trafficking in Wichita and the surrounding areas.  We appreciate the work WFCC does in our community.

What is the mission of WFCC? 

The mission of Wichita Family Crisis Center is to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking through shelter and advocacy and to increase community awareness through prevention, outreach, and education.

What are the biggest challenges WFCC is facing right now? 

Domestic violence homicides in Wichita are the highest on record.  Severe domestic violence cases have increased by 35% in the past three years, WFCC has seen a 141% increase in clients seeking services and 160% increase in emergency hotline calls over the past four years.

We are one of only two shelters in Wichita, and the only shelter serving Cowley and Sumner counties. Last year, WFCC moved into a new facility, replacing our previous, inadequate 45-year-old shelter. This new facility increased the capacity of our emergency shelter by 300%. However, even with this expanded capacity, our new shelter quickly reached full occupancy.

We currently serve 250 clients through emergency shelter, 1,800 clients in our outreach program, and up to 10,000 clients through awareness campaigns. With the increasing demand in our community, our organization has enhanced our prevention and community awareness programs, parent/child advocacy program, support groups, and client safety planning. Our main challenge has been acquiring enough financial support to hire more staff and continue enhancing our programs to serve more clients.

How can the community get involved to help meet these challenges? 

• Spread the Word– The easiest thing you can do is to help spread the word about Wichita Family Crisis Center. Please follow and like us on social media and share our mission with your friends and family!
• Donate– Financial support is critical in our efforts to provide 24-hour emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence. No gift is too small to make a difference. Donations are accepted online or at our administrative office.
• Volunteer– We always welcome community members who would like to volunteer. Contact Lauren Koehler at lkoehler@wichitafamilycrisiscenter.org to get started.
• Host a donation drive– Are you in a book club? Church group? We would love to help you and your friends to organize a donation drive. Contact Maggie Donley at mdonley@wichitafamilycrisiscenter.org for more information.

List of upcoming events for the community to be involved in

• Bitchy Bingo: July 26^th
  • 10 fabulous rounds of bingo to raise funds for the Wichita Family Crisis Center. There will be prizes for each round, plus a 50/50 raffle!
• Where: XY Bar at 235 N Mosley St, Wichita KS
  • When: Friday, July 26th. Doors open at 6 pm, Bingo starts at 7 pm.
  • How: Reservations are required by messaging XY Bar on Facebook, or calling XY Bar at 316-201-4670.
  • Cost: $20 buys your Bingo card and an extra $5 gets you however many blackout cards you’d like- for a chance to win the grand prize! Daubers are $2 and dinner will be available for purchase. We hope to see you there!

List of items for donations 

• Kitchen Items
  • New or gently used pots and pans, measuring cups and spoons, silicone spatulas, cooking spoons, whisks, silverware, drinking cups, and glasses.
• Baby Items
  • New or gently used strollers, baby bottles (excluding newborn bottles), sippy cups, diaper rash cream, baby soap, baby lotion, and baby socks.
• Bedding and Linens (Any color except white)
• New King and Queen sheet sets and comforters.
• New Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.