A Legacy of Courage. A Future of Possibility.
Forty-five years ago, Sistercare began with little more than a vision, a handful of determined people, and an unwavering belief that survivors of domestic violence deserved something better.
1981 was quite a year. “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes topped the charts, the Oldsmobile Cutlass was the best-selling car, and millions watched the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
But here in the Midlands, something far more meaningful was beginning—something that would change thousands of lives for generations to come.
Sistercare.
On July 6, 1981, Sistercare was officially incorporated. Just a few months later, on October 19, operations began.
The beginnings were humble. Sistercare’s first Executive Director, Dr. Arlene Andrews, initially worked out of a broom closet at the YWCA before moving to Logan Elementary School. The first emergency shelter was rented from the Columbia Housing Authority.
But what Sistercare lacked in resources, it made up for in courage, compassion, and determination.
In its first five weeks, Sistercare provided emergency shelter to 15 women and 19 children, while the crisis line supported 46 women.
Behind every number was a person. A mother protecting her children. A woman searching for a way forward. Someone who needed to know she was not alone.
And Sistercare was there.
A Vision That Began Long Before 1981
The roots of Sistercare reach back to 1972, when concerned citizens in the Columbia area began gathering to find ways to better support survivors of domestic violence. In 1980, the Junior League of Columbia and the YWCA became co-sponsors of the effort and established a steering committee. Their early work focused on raising awareness, understanding the scope of domestic violence, and creating support for survivors.
Their vision became Sistercare. And Sistercare became a movement.
45 Years Later
Today, Sistercare is a statewide leader in comprehensive, trauma-informed services, serving nearly 4,000 domestic violence survivors and their children every year.
What began in a broom closet has grown into an organization that reaches thousands of lives. What began with a small group of determined community members has become a movement sustained by staff, volunteers, donors, board members, partners, advocates, and supporters who believe survivors deserve safety, dignity, opportunity, and a life free from violence.
That is a legacy worth celebrating.
But anniversaries are not only about looking back.
They are about looking forward.
As we celebrate 45 years, we honor those who had the courage to begin this work, the survivors who have trusted us, and everyone who has helped carry the mission forward.
We also recognize that our work is not finished.
Our history gives us something powerful: proof of what is possible when people come together around a shared purpose.
Forty-five years ago, a few people believed they could make a difference.
They did.
Now, it is our turn to carry that vision forward—to dream bigger, reach farther, innovate, and find new ways to serve survivors and their children.
Because the next 45 years hold possibilities we cannot yet imagine.
And if our history has taught us anything, it is this:
Small beginnings can create extraordinary change.
One vision became Sistercare.
One community became a movement.
And together, we will shape what comes next.
45 years behind us. A future of possibility ahead.