In April 1985, a group of women concerned about battered women in Douglas County, the effect on the children of these families, and the lack of availability of services to assist these victims, formed the Douglas County Task Force on Battered Women. These task force members began educating the community about domestic violence issues, disseminating information and gathering support. In June 1985, they incorporated, forming the Women's Crisis Center of Douglas County. They then began seeking financial support in the community through individual and group solicitations, holding a major fund raising dinner at Cherokee Ranch, and applying for grants. Through funds raised locally and a grant received from the 18th Judicial District Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement fund, the agency established a 24-hour crisis line, which was covered by volunteers to assist victims of domestic violence. In 2005, its 20th anniversary year, The Women’s Crisis Center changed it's name to The Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center (WCFOC) to more definitively position its role in domestic violence prevention while building on its 20-plus year history in domestic violence intervention.

WCFOC Timeline 1985 to Present

1985    Douglas County Task Force on Battered Women formed.
           WCC Founded and Incorporated.
           A 24-hour crisis line for domestic violence started.

1986    Women’s counseling and shelter programs developed.

1987    Children’s counseling program developed.

1988    Initiated coordinated efforts with Douglas County Sheriff’s department.

1989    Established intensive therapy programs for women and children.

1990    Rented building to provide safe shelter on continuous basis.
           Extensive fund raising efforts underway to support programs.

1992    Staff: Full time executive director and 7 employees.

1995    Grant money obtained to purchase shelter & administration buildings.

1996    Added Elbert , Lincoln and Cheyenne Counties to service area.

1999    Staff: Executive Director and 18 employees.

2001    S.T.E.P. Parenting Classes provided in the community.

2002    On going support groups, education and resources provided within DC School District.

2003    Shelter moves to interim 12-bed facility, providing more bed and communal living space.
          
2004    Community based mediation and financial planning education programs are introduced.
           School-based violence prevention initiative with Douglas County is formalized.

2005    Agency changes it's name to The Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center (WCFOC).
           WCFOC is one of nine organizations in the nation to be awarded a three-year, federal            grant to research and establish best therapeutic practices when working with children            who have witnessed domestic violence.

2006    Staff has grown to 25 employees, four locations, and five teams: Shelter, Therapy, Legal            Advocacy, Development/Community Outreach and Administration.

2008    WCFOC obtains funding to expand its Administrative and out-client Therapy site; hopes to             break ground on new shelter within 18 months.

The WCFOC continually seeks to maximize its effectiveness by collaborating with other groups that share its mission. These partners include law enforcement at all city and county levels in our service area, the 18th Judicial District Attorney's office, Colorado Department of Human Services, Arapahoe Mental Health Network, AMEND (providing treatment to perpetrators), the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, the Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations, and the Colorado and National Coalitions Against Domestic Violence.