In 2026, the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix commemorates 45 years of service to people impacted by violence.
The nonprofit organization continues to offer supportive services to victims and survivors of all crime, especially those experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence or dating violence, and stalking, adapting its mission to meet the changing needs of our community over the years.
“Support from the community has made it possible for us to keep operating for the past forty-five years non-stop, and to be there for those in the community who need help 24 hours – 365 days of the year.” said, Dr. Clema S. Lewis, DHL March is the WCSC’s anniversary month. On March 28,2026 we are partnering with the historic Order of St. John of Jerusalem Commandery of the West Indies – one of the oldest charitable organization in the world- to lead a critical campaign to renovate the Sojourner House Emergency Shelter for victim/survivors of domestic violence on St. Croix. “A Starlight Soiree for Hope and Healing” is a fundraising event with the goal of raising $150,000 for shelter renovations. Our sponsorship levels begin with Golden Angels at $4,500, Guardian Angels at $2,500, Bronze benefactors at $1,225. and Anniversary Patrons at $562.50.
WCSC was established through community outreach. In 1981, a group of women met at a symposium on women writers at the College of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix. They began to talk about violence against women, and agreed to meet again to find ways to help victims.
Those meetings became the birth of WCSC. We continued with growth through the years. We now have a dedicated staff of eighteen and an eleven member board. We run and operate a crisis center, a community center, emergency shelter for victim/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, a transitional housing program and a for profit thrift store. All in all our work is directly geared towards supporting hope and healing for our community.
The founders of the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix’s were: Dr. Gloria Joseph (decease), Audre Lorde (deceased), Mary Mingus, Julia Pankey (deceased), Carol Battuello, Valerie S. Henderson (deceased), Frieda Brown (deceased), Martha Hubbard (deceased), Barbara Ann Farmer, Carolyn Keys, Georgette Norman, Angeli T. Ferdschneider, Roberta Knowles, Judi Shafer, Abby Rosenstein, Judith A. Hoberman and Jane Christiansten(deceased). It is estimated that WCSC has helped more than 50,000 people impacted by violence in the decades since the organization’s creation.
Today the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support and empower people impacted by violence. Visit wcstx.org for more Information about WCSC’s history, our 45th Anniversary Starlight Soiree for Hope and Healing, March 28 at the 45 Fisher Street compound. This special event includes an on-line auction, special guest speakers, 50/50 raffle and sponsor recognition. Call the main office/crisis center at 340.773.9272, for information on their advocacy, programs and services, or to speak with Dr. Lewis about becoming a WCSC 45th Anniversary Angel today!
