About Mid-Cities SOS

In 1985, a group of twenty-five women, disturbed by domestic violence in Northeast Tarrant County, founded Mid-Cities Supporters of the Shelter, a tax-exempt (501)(C)(3) organization in support of The Women's Shelter. The mission of Mid-Cities SOS is threefold: (1) to educate victims of domestic violence on available refuge and support services; (2) to increase community awareness on domestic violence issues; and (3) to provide volunteer and financial support to The Women's Shelter.

Members quickly recognized the need for a local counseling center. Within a year, Mid-Cities SOS raised enough money and community support to fund a two-room facility in Northeast Community Hospital. Here, members assisted the staff by answering phones and accompanying clients to court. In 1987, when this temporary counseling center moved to a permanent location in Hurst, it became known as the Family Violence Counseling Center. Nearly ten years later in 1996, the facility moved to its present location in the United Way Human Services Building in Bedford, where it is known today as The Women's Shelter Resource Center. During the 1990's, Mid-Cities SOS remained instrumental in keeping The Resource Center's vital services alive. As a result of SOS support, The Women's Shelter received a grant through Tarrant County Community Development, which provided for the expansion of services at The Resource Center to five days a week.

A significant step in addressing domestic violence occurred in 2006 when two of Texas' largest organizations serving victims of domestic violence, The Women's Shelter and Women's Haven of Northwest Tarrant County, merged to form SafeHaven of Tarrant County, Inc. When founded in 1976,, women's Haven was only the second domestic violence shelter in Texas and one of just 25 in the United States.

As two separate entities, the missions, operations and programs were similar, with the end goal being identical: to reduce domestic violence. While the two agencies worked hand in hand for decades, the combined resources of SafeHaven now serve both adult and child victims of domestic violence in Tarrant County more effectively and efficiently. Similarly, Mid-Cities Supporters of SafeHaven changed it name to reflect its broad support of the newly merged organization.

Over the years, financial support of The Women's Shelter through various fundraisers remains a primary SOS goal. In 1999, the group introduced Art of the Table to the community. During its five-year tenure, this event has earned approximately $170,000 for The Women's Shelter's LIFT Program and the Emergency Shelter.

In addition, the Mid-Cities SOS Tennis Tournament continues annually, expanding to a two-day event in 2005, and celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2006.

Since its inception in 1997, the SOS Poinsettia Sale has brightened the holidays for shelter residents with an additional $27,000 of support. The Wish List Collection at monthly SOS membership meetings, along with memorial donations, provide extra dollars for ongoing necessities, such as diapers, personal hygiene items and school supplies. Mid-Cities SOS members shower The Women's Shelter with new linens in April and bring toys for the children at the annual December meeting for the shelter's children.

When The Women's Shelter opened its new shelter facility in 2000, it recognized the long term, steadfast support of Mid-Cities SOS with a dedication plaque, inscribed on the door of the new shelter's infirmary. In 1997, the Star-Telegram recognized Mid-Cities SOS with its Club of Year Award; in 2001, The Women's Shelter honored the organization with the National Philanthropic Award. Each Year, Mid-Cities SOS chooses to honor one of its own as its "Shining Star Honoree" at The Arts League Shining Star Luncheon.

Beyond its local organization, Mid-Cities SOS members take an active role in the parent organization as well. The Mid-Cities SOS President serves as the liaison to The Women's Shelter Board of Directors and attends monthly meetings. Mid-Cities SOS members may also hold positions on The Women's Shelter board. Currently, SOS member Bonnie Carroll serves as TWS board chairman. Additionally, SOS members have steered or serve on The Women's Shelter's annual Legacy Luncheon Committee, a benefit held in October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Since 1985, Mid-Cities SOS has grown from a group of 25 to nearly 150 members, culminating in financial support of nearly $350,000 to The Women's Shelter. However, the commitment to protect and shelter victims of domestic violence remains; the need to educate and enlist the support of the community continues. Mid-Cities SOS welcomes your membership and involvement.