photos by:   JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

Visualizing a community where all families feel safe and secure, Family Services continues to provide hope and healing to Forsyth County residents who are victims of domestic abuse.

As the city becomes more diverse, the scenarios become more challenging. The oldest charitable organization in Winston-Salem, Family Services first launched its programs in 1905 – that’s more than 115 years of community support that has never wavered. Now, embracing the urgent need for a new domestic abuse shelter to ensure the safety of families and individuals, the staff and board of directors at Family Services is seeing that community spirit continue to soar.

“One Step Closer is our capital campaign designed to support the changing needs of victims of domestic violence,” explains Michelle Speas, chief operating officer of Family Services, Inc. “More diverse programs and services are needed as we see victims from many different neighborhoods and backgrounds.”

Whatever the person’s age, race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, there’s no charge to stay at the shelter. The current space was last renovated in 1988 and is no longer functional or efficient. Maintenance issues, coupled with an overall layout not well suited for women with young children, have steered the nonprofit towards the inevitable task of replacing a building built nearly 100 years ago.

“The current shelter has a dorm-style design, with two beds and a shared bathroom,” Michelle explains. “Our new facility will offer double the space and allow accommodations for women with three or more children, as well as single rooms. As a point of reference, the average length of stay for abuse victims is 42 days.”

In announcing One Step Closer – a $10,834,500 campaign ($7,834,500 from local giving and $3,000,000 from state and federal sources) – the ultimate goal is a larger and safer shelter to accommodate domestic violence victims. As always, the identity and dignity of victims will be respected during the care and healing process.

Around 8,000 reports of domestic abuse are documented in Forsyth County each year and can include elder abuse, child abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault and stalking. A larger facility would also welcome survivors back into the mission of the shelter – reminding them they still have a voice and a true connection here. 

Capital campaign co-chairs Danna Wortman and Tom Adams – both community leaders passionate about the project – are driving the march towards realizing the $10.8 million goal. As of October, about 82% of that goal had been reached.

“I was introduced to Family Services 10 years ago when my son accepted a position with them, and I quickly became an advocate and volunteer,” said Danna. “About four years ago, my husband, Tom, and I decided we would like to become more involved, particularly when we heard about the efforts to build a new shelter. After touring the existing shelter and seeing its state of disrepair, we were compelled to help with the campaign.”

The new shelter will be built with a trauma-informed design, supported by survivors who have firsthand experience. Security measures will be increased with an eight-foot metal fence, bullet-resistant windows, a double-locking front door entry and extensive camera and security systems. It will include private handicapped-accessible guest rooms with ADA-compliant bathrooms, something not available nearly 100 years ago when the existing building was built. Personal apartments for extended stays will be in place – for those survivors who need extra time to find temporary housing.

“Research also shows many victims won’t leave an unsafe relationship due to their bond with a pet or fear of retaliation against their pet. Thanks to a generous donation, our shelter will allow for a 72-hour temporary holding area for family pets until foster housing is located for them,” Danna adds.

Forsyth County’s 24/7 sexual assault and domestic violence crisis line experienced a remarkable increase in calls last year – more than 90% – making the need greater than ever. 

“This is about a community coming together to build a healthier, safer Forsyth County,” Danna explains. “You can help by making your own commitment to the capital campaign – a one-time gift or over the course of five years – hosting an event for friends, co-workers or your church group to raise funds, and by advocating for survivors’ rights and spreading awareness about the campaign to others.”

Fundraising efforts are ongoing, and Michelle optimistically predicts a groundbreaking date in early 2026 for the new shelter, with hopes of being open and fully operational by the end of 2027.

Another vital Family Services initiative is the survivor-based group, Survivor Voices. Cassandra Bethea Shine became involved with the group after losing her sister, Cheryl Anise Bethea, to domestic violence.

“I was asked if I would be interested in being one of the co-chairs for the program, and of course I said yes,” shares Cassandra. “Survivor Voices welcomes those who have moved beyond their own crisis and are ready to give back to the community through education and advising. Through our outreach, we rarely know who a victim is, unless they’re willing to share. But, we let them know they aren’t alone and have a voice to seek help through many collective and collaborative resources in our community.”

Cassandra is also proud to be involved in the continuous planning for the new rebuild of the Family Services emergency domestic violence shelter. 

“It’s been very exciting to have a voice heard – and a vision considered – that will help survivors not only feel safe, but give them a warm, welcoming space on their new journey of life and healing,” she adds. “What’s most inspiring to me is hearing victims, survivors and concerned family members thank me for sharing my sister’s story. They tell me Cheryl gave them a voice, she inspired them to get out of a domestic violence situation and/or she saved their life. They ask me to please keep sharing because someone else still needs to hear her story.” 

For more information on Family Services of Forsyth County, visit familyservicesforsyth.org or reach them at 336.722.8173. For their Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Line, call 336.722.8125. To learn more about the ongoing capital campaign for the new domestic abuse shelter, visit giveonestepcloser.org.