Women’s Services, Inc. — Advancing Women's Heath Services in Crawford County
Women’s Services, Inc. (WSI), based in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, is a shining example of what dedicated advocacy looks like in practice. Every day, they help individuals who have experienced trauma navigate toward safety, stability, and renewal.
A Legacy of Support and Advocacy
Established in 1977, Women’s Services, Inc. began as a grassroots response to the urgent need for confidential help for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Over the years, this small team grew into a multifaceted organization, providing emergency housing, safety planning, and ongoing emotional support. In addition to offering direct crisis intervention, WSI takes an active role in educating local communities to recognize and prevent interpersonal harm. Their enduring presence reminds us that recovery is possible when people have access to caring, trauma-aware resources.
Leadership Committed to Change
Under the steady leadership of Bruce Harlan, who became Executive Director in 2008, WSI has expanded its scope and strengthened its role as a vital force for positive change. Bruce’s commitment to creating a safe and empowering environment for all people has inspired partnerships across the region, bolstering the capacity of WSI to meet evolving community needs. This steady and visionary leadership now continues with Sarah Miller, current Direct Services Supervisor and soon-to-be Executive Director.
Recently, Women’s Services was selected as one of 361 organizations to receive funding from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving initiative. This generous, unrestricted support of $1M allows WSI to invest in areas that most directly enhance their impact — from increasing shelter capacity to extending counseling options for those in need.
Holistic Programs for Lasting Impact
WSI adopts a broad, holistic strategy that addresses both urgent crises and long-term well-being. Confidential shelter and legal advocacy ensure immediate safety, while ongoing support groups and educational workshops promote lasting recovery. Meanwhile, WSI collaborates with local schools and community groups to shift cultural attitudes around respect and consent — helping to cultivate a future free from violence.
The Prevention Education team plays a central role in this work, partnering with school districts throughout Crawford County to deliver age-appropriate healthy relationship education from Pre-K through high school. WSI also extends this critical programming to Allegheny College, engaging both first-year students and athletes in conversations that lay the groundwork for respect and consent. In addition to serving mainstream audiences, WSI has developed a unique curriculum, Loving Safely, designed specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—further reflecting the agency’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in prevention work.
Their H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunity, Place-making, and Engagement) initiative exemplifies this long-term, community-based approach. Launched in a historically marginalized neighborhood in Meadville marked by high rates of substance use, limited mental health services, and substandard housing, the program began with a simple coffee hour and after-school programming. Over time, trust and connection deepened. A neighborhood health survey was conducted and used collaboratively with residents to shape a one-year health goal plan. This plan included a community garden, events to foster neighborhood relationships, and advocacy efforts to engage city officials. When the health survey was repeated, residents reported improved feelings of safety, decreased crime, and better access to mental health resources. With this demonstrated success, the H.O.P.E. program has since expanded into two additional neighborhoods, empowering local residents with the tools and support to lead change from within.
HOPE-Annual-Report-2022-abridged.pdf
Why SGS Values This Partnership
Our partnership with WSI reflects SGS’s belief that strong operations enable greater focus on core missions. By providing customized guidance on grant management and capacity-building, we help WSI streamline processes so they can dedicate even more attention to empowering those they serve.
At SGS, we believe that meaningful progress comes from strong, enduring relationships. Our role in supporting Women’s Services, Inc. underscores our commitment to helping nonprofits build resilience and sustainability. By providing guidance on resource stewardship and capacity-building, we enable vital organizations like WSI to enhance their impact and reach even more people in need.
Join the Movement
Women’s Services, Inc. reminds us that real change is created when compassion meets action. Visit womensservicesinc.org to learn more about their life-changing programs and discover ways to support their vital work. Together, we can help make safety, healing, and respect a shared reality for all.
If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or substance abuse and need support, please know you’re not alone. Visit womensservicesinc.org or call their 24/7 confidential hotline at 814-333-9766 to speak with someone who can help. Your safety and healing matter.
Established in 1977, Women’s Services, Inc. began as a grassroots response to the urgent need for confidential help for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Over the years, this small team grew into a multifaceted organization, providing emergency housing, safety planning, and ongoing emotional support. In addition to offering direct crisis intervention, WSI takes an active role in educating local communities to recognize and prevent interpersonal harm. Their enduring presence reminds us that recovery is possible when people have access to caring, trauma-aware resources.
Leadership Committed to Change
Under the steady leadership of Bruce Harlan, who became Executive Director in 2008, WSI has expanded its scope and strengthened its role as a vital force for positive change. Bruce’s commitment to creating a safe and empowering environment for all people has inspired partnerships across the region, bolstering the capacity of WSI to meet evolving community needs. This steady and visionary leadership now continues with Sarah Miller, current Direct Services Supervisor and soon-to-be Executive Director.
Recently, Women’s Services was selected as one of 361 organizations to receive funding from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving initiative. This generous, unrestricted support of $1M allows WSI to invest in areas that most directly enhance their impact — from increasing shelter capacity to extending counseling options for those in need.
Holistic Programs for Lasting Impact
WSI adopts a broad, holistic strategy that addresses both urgent crises and long-term well-being. Confidential shelter and legal advocacy ensure immediate safety, while ongoing support groups and educational workshops promote lasting recovery. Meanwhile, WSI collaborates with local schools and community groups to shift cultural attitudes around respect and consent — helping to cultivate a future free from violence.
The Prevention Education team plays a central role in this work, partnering with school districts throughout Crawford County to deliver age-appropriate healthy relationship education from Pre-K through high school. WSI also extends this critical programming to Allegheny College, engaging both first-year students and athletes in conversations that lay the groundwork for respect and consent. In addition to serving mainstream audiences, WSI has developed a unique curriculum, Loving Safely, designed specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—further reflecting the agency’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in prevention work.
Their H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunity, Place-making, and Engagement) initiative exemplifies this long-term, community-based approach. Launched in a historically marginalized neighborhood in Meadville marked by high rates of substance use, limited mental health services, and substandard housing, the program began with a simple coffee hour and after-school programming. Over time, trust and connection deepened. A neighborhood health survey was conducted and used collaboratively with residents to shape a one-year health goal plan. This plan included a community garden, events to foster neighborhood relationships, and advocacy efforts to engage city officials. When the health survey was repeated, residents reported improved feelings of safety, decreased crime, and better access to mental health resources. With this demonstrated success, the H.O.P.E. program has since expanded into two additional neighborhoods, empowering local residents with the tools and support to lead change from within.
HOPE-Annual-Report-2022-abridged.pdf
Why SGS Values This Partnership
Our partnership with WSI reflects SGS’s belief that strong operations enable greater focus on core missions. By providing customized guidance on grant management and capacity-building, we help WSI streamline processes so they can dedicate even more attention to empowering those they serve.
At SGS, we believe that meaningful progress comes from strong, enduring relationships. Our role in supporting Women’s Services, Inc. underscores our commitment to helping nonprofits build resilience and sustainability. By providing guidance on resource stewardship and capacity-building, we enable vital organizations like WSI to enhance their impact and reach even more people in need.
Join the Movement
Women’s Services, Inc. reminds us that real change is created when compassion meets action. Visit womensservicesinc.org to learn more about their life-changing programs and discover ways to support their vital work. Together, we can help make safety, healing, and respect a shared reality for all.
If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or substance abuse and need support, please know you’re not alone. Visit womensservicesinc.org or call their 24/7 confidential hotline at 814-333-9766 to speak with someone who can help. Your safety and healing matter.
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