New Beginnings’ mission is to provide shelter, advocacy and support for battered women and their children; and to change attitudes and social institutions that foster and perpetuate violence. We provide services to those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence – physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Some who use our services are in physical danger. Others are living with controlling partners in relationships that are emotionally abusive.
In 1976, New Beginnings started as one small emergency shelter for women and children escaping from domestic violence in their homes. We were one of the first shelters for women in the country and since then, we’ve expanded our services in the Puget Sound to include a 24-Hour Help Line, neighborhood support groups, a Transitional Housing Program and a Prevention Education curriculum for local middle schools. We are a grassroots feminist organization that depends largely on funding from the community—as the needs of the community change, so does New Beginnings.
Local: New Beginnings partners with local agencies and organizations in Seattle to provide culturally competent services and resources to domestic violence survivors.
Involvement: New Beginnings is committed to ending domestic violence and relies upon the community’s involvement to do so. We create an on-going dialogue by engaging people through volunteer opportunities in our programs as well as outreach and awareness work from our Make A Change campaign. New Beginnings empowers people to speak out against domestic violence in their schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.
Legal: New Beginnings co-sponsors with the King County Bar Association a free Legal Clinic for victims of domestic violence. The Clinic provides a free consultation with an attorney about family law issues, including topics such as divorce, custody, child support, and parenting plans. We also have on staff a full time Legal Advocate.
Innovation: New Beginnings utilizes proven, innovative strategies to reach young people in talking about interpersonal violence.
Training: New Beginnings Advocates train local businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods on issues of domestic violence.
Home: New Beginnings provides a safe, confidential and secure home for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Note: New Beginnings is not in any way affiliated with New Beginnings Home that is also located in the state of Washington.