Women Against Abusive Relationships (WAAR)

WHO WE ARE? Women Against Abusive Relationships (WAAR) is an awareness, education and prevention program. WAARs mission is to Break the Cycle of violence in intimate partner relationships through awareness, education and prevention programs. We teach participants how to identify the signs of abusive behavior and what a healthy relationship looks like. We also offer empowerment activities to females through our Healing Space in an effort to help them make informed choices necessary for healthy relationships and self-sufficiency, after experiencing intimate partner violence.

WHAT IS THE HEALING SPACE? The Healing Space is a place for females who have been hurt in intimate partner relationships. Empowering activities include, but are not limited to: Motivational Workshops; Healing through Creativity ArtShops; Healing through Speaking Circles; Healing through Writing Circles; Counseling referrals, if requested; Financial Literacy Workshops; Computer Training; and Field trips (Family & Adult Only).

Send us your name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address to waarheals@yahoo.com or call 412-818-3225 for more information.

HEALING IN THE COMMUNITY We will bring our programs – Empowerment Workshops and ArtShops to your site. (Please call for more information.)

HEALTHY TEEN TASK FORCE Teens throughout Allegheny County learn the dynamics of relationships, both healthy and unhealthy. They use this knowledge to help us develop educational programs for their peers around the issues of Teen Dating Violence and Healthy Relationships.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS We are available to speak to groups about the dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and a variety of topics that promote empowerment. (Please call for rates.) Venues include, but are not limited to: In-School or After-School Programs; Summer Youth Programs Women’s Church Groups ;Workshops Seminars ;Conferences

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The following is a sample of how we could use your talent(s): Data Entry ;Mass Mailing ;Telephone Calls ;Workshop Presenters and MORE!

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Hon. Cheryl Allen Court of Common Pleas Criminal Division

Maurita Bryant Assistant Chief of Police City of Pittsburgh

Roxanne Carpenter Community Representative

Rhonda L. Fleming Education Director Women’s Center & Shelter

Marica Jackson Community Representative/Artist

Rev. Eileen O. Smith, RN Pennsylvania Department of Health

Joanne Witkowski Chair, Western Pa Silent Witness Initiative Domestic Violence Awareness Program National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section

Executive Director/Founder Roxanne E. Epperson