Women participate in the Women's Coalition annual Women's Race in 2016 By. ERNICE GILBERT FOR VI CONSORTIUM
Though March 2021 marks 40 years since the Women's Coalition of St. Croix has been in existence, the nonprofit organization — whose advocate for people affected by violence has greatly impacted St. Croix — is celebrating its 40th year throughout 2021.
The Women's Coalition said it continues to offer supportive services to victims and survivors of crime, especially those experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence or dating violence, and helping families in need, adapting its mission to meet the changing needs of the community over the years.
A volunteer victim advocate program was the first training and service WCSC established in 1981, and continues to be a linchpin of the crisis intervention the organization provides 365 days a year, according to a release the nonprofit issued this week. Volunteers take WCSC’s six-week training, followed by a one-year internship before being placed on the roster.
“Before, during and after the three hurricanes we experienced in 2017, and now during Covid-19, our staff and advocates have been on duty every day,” said Clema S. Lewis, WCSC’s executive director. “Support from the community has made it possible for us to keep operating during these traumatic events, and be there for those in the community who need help.”
From 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends and holidays, victim advocates offer support to victims of crime in crisis, WCSC said.
“On March 8—International Women’s Day—we’re launching 40/40/$40, a special ‘fundraising’ campaign”, explained Lavonne Wise, WCSC’s fundraising coordinator. Team leaders—40 of them—are the campaign anchors.
“Each leader donates $40 and creates a team of 40 people in their circles to donate $40 each in support of healing for victims and survivors of violence," Ms. Wise added. "Our campaign goal is to raise $64,000 by the end of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This will be the 40th year that we will host DVAM events as well.”
The 10th anniversary of Ziggy Sausagefest will also happen in March, said the coalition. The special event is a fundraiser held by the owners of Ziggy’s Island Market in support of WCSC’s services for people impacted by violence.
The one-day affair, usually held in February, has been transformed to continue in the time of Covid-19 restrictions. “We are hosting a two-week celebration of WCSC and Sausagefest,” said Mike Ziegler, one of the owners of the market. The Sausagefest will be held from March 6 through the 18, with raffle tickets and t-shirts available, and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit WCSC, according to the release.
“We’ll have special sausage dinners on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with theme nights and more,” Mr. Ziegler added. Ziggy’s Island Market is located in Estate Solitude in the East End.
About the Women's Coalition of St. Croix
WCSC began through community. In 1981, a group of women met at a symposium on women writers at the College of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix. They began to talk about violence against women, and agreed to meet again to find ways to help victims. These determined women continued to meet, recruit others and organize to build the grassroots organization still supporting peace and healing for the community today.
The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix’s founders are: Dr. Gloria Joseph, Audre Lorde, Mary Mingus, Julia Pankey, Carol Battuello, Valerie S. Henderson, Frieda Brown, Martha Hubbard, Barbara Ann Farmer, Carolyn Keys, Georgette Norman, Angeli T. Ferdschneider, Roberta Knowles, Judi Shafer, Abby Rosenstein, Judith A. Hoberman and Jane Christiansten. It is estimated that WCSC has helped more than 25,000 people impacted by violence in the decades since the organization’s creation.
Today the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support and empower people impacted by violence.
Visit wcstx.org for more information about WCSC’s history, their 40/40/$40 campaign, and anniversary special events. Call the main office/crisis center at 340.773.9272, for information on their advocacy, programs and services, or to speak with Ms. Wise about becoming a 40/40/$40 campaign team leader.
