Even board members, partners, and corporate sponsors who’ve worked with The Women’s Center for years were stunned and excited to tour its fresh, spacious new clinical space and office in an office suite in the Tysons area this week.
The ribbon cutting for the new location — described as a big upgrade from a cramped townhouse space in downtown Vienna — took place in a packed conference room one floor below the center’s new home so as not to disturb clients who were in therapy sessions upstairs. And it came as the center, which offers mental health services, education, and support to community members, celebrates its 50th anniversary.
“Over the last 50 years, The Women’s Center has served more than 100,000 people,” said Rachna Krishnan, the organization’s CEO and executive director. “These and many more people have become part of the fabric and history of The Women’s Center. Our legacy is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. As we embark on this new chapter, we remain committed to continuing that journey.”
There are 16 therapy rooms in the new location, including one filled with toys to keep young children as comfortable as possible when delving into difficult topics. White noise machines sit outside the office doors and are turned on for privacy when therapists are in session at the trauma-informed facility.
The Women’s Center provides support to members of the community, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2023, the center provided 3,576 people with 33,668 hours of service, and 66 percent of clients received services at a reduced cost or no cost. The center gave free domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy services to 487 clients.
“The Center helped me so much during a very difficult transition in my life,” said a former client. “The whole organization is so valuable, as it can help people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford these types of life-transforming services.”
Feature image of Holly Seibold, Rachna Krishnan, Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid, and Linda J. Colbert courtesy The Women’s Shelter
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