Help victims flee domestic violence & restore hope

Celebrating its 28^th year of service this year, Fresh Spirit Wellness For Women Inc. (FSWW) has remained steadfast in its mission to advocate for victims/survivors of domestic violence and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) while supporting and walking with them on their journey to the peaceful, productive and prosperous life they truly deserve.

This 2024-2025 grant year has proven to be an amazing year of resilience, tenacity, manifested compassion and authenticity in the services provided to our clients. Amid the alarming rise in domestic violence cases across Harris County and the Greater Houston area and in the face of funding uncertainties caused by the government shutdown, Fresh Spirit Wellness for Women’s Counseling Services Project remained steadfast in its mission. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that victims/survivors continued to receive critical counseling and support, while also advocating vigorously for the federal resources necessary to sustain and expand these life-saving services.

Quarterly Highlights:

July 18^th, in preparation for FSWW’s 21^st Annual Toy Drive in December, our team hosted its 2^nd Annual Christmas in July Toy Drive Collection to ensure we have more than enough gifts to provide the children of our DV clients with a Christmas to remember.

 August 29^th, FSWW had the privilege of attending From Silence to Strength – A Community Conversation on Domestic Violence and Legal Rights, hosted by the Indian American Public Affairs Council (IAPAC). It was a night to hear encouraging stories of resilience and learn support for survivors across cultural lines.

September 11^th, freshly starting fall semester, FSWW Staff had the privilege of attending the 2025 Gulf Coast Safety Summit hosted by Jana’s Campaign at Houston Community College West Houston Institute. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking which often goes under reported or detected on college campuses.

 September 23^rd, Team FSWW joined the ranks with our community partner, HCDVCC-Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council at A Celebration of Hope in Action where the powerful impact of the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF) Flexible Funding was showcased letting the community and constituents alike know just how vital and life-saving the funds have been to DV clients.

As October rolled in, FSWW - Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM ) activities kicked in high gear with an array of community activities to educate the masses, collaborate with community partners and offer the most-effective wrap-around services to support our clients.

October 17^th, FSWW hosted its DVAM Community Wellness Day in the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church parking lot where we offered information about our free services to passersby. Partnering with FSWW was Goodwill Houston Heights Job Connection offering employment services consisting of job training and placement to individuals with barriers to employment. The Rose graciously provided information regarding breast healthcare inclusive of mammograms, biopsies and treatment while The Harris Center displayed a plethora of information to assist individuals with behavioral health and developmental needs.

October 21^st, Team FSWW also attended and supported Goodwill Houston Heights Job Connection with their Heights Health and Wellness attended by Walgreens, Santa Maria Hostel, The Montrose Center and Family Houston, all in efforts to reach clients that share intersecting barriers.

October 22^nd, FSWW Staff participated in The Candlelight Vigil – An Evening of Remembrance, Caring and Hope in support of the families who lost loved ones to domestic violence. Event was hosted by Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) at the Montrose Center with our own Dr. Conte Terrell as a speaker & panelist alongside DA Sean Teare, Assistant DA Mary McFadden and a host of other community partners banding together and standing against domestic violence.

October 25th, FSWW Staff was invited to participate in the “Breaking The Chains” event, at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church where their Domestic Violence Ministry hosted a DVAM event focusing on addressing domestic abuse with spiritual guidance, counseling and practical assistance.

October 27^th, Closing out DVAM, FSWW Founder/Executive Director, Dr. Conte Terrell was guest speaker on the Embracing Diversity Talk Show hosted by Dr. Thelma Scott, where she shared her expertise as a DV Expert to every listening ear.

Closing out this grant year, 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025, FSWW surpassed all its grant-funded deliverables 2X over, amidst impending funding challenges. Fortified in compassion, our team served over 700 unduplicated clients with 5000+ hours of total services which includes but not limited to 442 enrolled clients receiving 2,680 direct counseling/therapy hours; 47 support group sessions in which 345 clients attended; 105 clients received legal advocacy assistance inclusive of assistance with CVC and protective order applications, civil & criminal court accompaniments; 386 clients receiving case management services consisting of safety plans, housing assistance, escort/transport to social service appointments, distribution of emergency financial assistance for rental assistance food, medication, utilities, clothing, furniture, transportation costs, hotel stay in FSWW’s Safe Night Program, referrals etc.

Upcoming Events

To offset the impending financial challenges that would pause all FSWW free services to DV/IPV clients, FSWW has launched Campaign 28 in honor of our 28 years of service. Knowing that every minute, someone is being abused in an intimate partner relationship, FSWW is determined to press forward as boots on the ground to bridge the gaps needed to save as many lives as possible. 

With the holidays vastly approaching, FSWW is rallying the troops and need your help to ensure that our clients’ children are inundated with an array of gifts for our 21st Annual Christmas Toy Drive December 20th. By donating now, you help us begin filling our giant Christmas toy bags with love, hope, and joy for the amazing children of the courageous clients we serve.

There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing smiles light up young faces as they experience peace, love, and a moment of tranquility, even in the middle of life’s challenges.

Can’t make it in person? You can still share the joy! Shop our Amazon “Joy With A Toy” registry and have gifts sent directly to us: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2OBAAE7P8VH0U

Looking Ahead with Hope and Purpose

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support through our GlobalGiving partner. This partnership is helping us meet critical needs in our community and empowering survivors to reclaim their lives with dignity and strength!

As the demand for housing and emergency shelter continues to rise, we are working tirelessly to expand our services and deepen our collaborations with local housing partners, builders, and community organizations. Unfortunately, overcrowded shelters and age restrictions continue to pose challenges, especially for large families, but we remain committed to finding innovative, compassionate solutions.

Together, we’re creating pathways to safety, stability, and new beginnings! FSWW is more determined than ever to walk alongside survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives, rediscover their power, and step boldly into their futures!

Due to the confidentiality and safety of victims/survivors, photos are limited.

Links:

• Joy with a Toy Wish List
• Fresh Spirit's website