"We have worked hard to create a place where women feel relaxed and at home."
- Martha Popp, WISE Director, Valley News 5/6/1976
As we celebrate our 50 years of WISE, we continue to explore the history of the organization through the decades. Click here to read last month's installation.
Expanding into the 80s
WISE was known as a safe place where women can go and hang out with each other. The mission was to help women with whatever questions or needs they had. It was a support system for women so that that they could eventually meet their own needs.

Similarly, WISE responded to community needs. By the end of the 1970s, WISE was a part of a community coalition to organize a local rape crisis center program. Together with Headrest, Planned Parenthood, and the V.A. Hospital, WISE established Citizen's Against Rape (CAR) to better support survivors.

WISE moved from its Hanover location to 58 Hanover Street in Lebanon and established the beginnings of the Family Violence and Rape Crisis programs. These two programs were initially a component of Headrest. In 1980, Headrest received funding to provide services to women and children survivors of domestic and sexual violence, but quickly determined that WISE was better equipped to support them. The program and grant moved to WISE. By 1981, WISE joined the New Hampshire Coalition and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and started the 24-hour crisis line.

By the end of the decade, WISE received over a thousand phone calls related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
Have a story to share? Old pictures? Email us! We would love to include your experiences as part of our 50th oral history project.
 
 
 
 
WISE@Dartmouth
Our collaboration with @dartmouthpeakperformance (DP2) officially launched July 1. DP2 focuses on student athletes and provides extra support emphasizing holistic well-being. 

It is an new way to connect with the Dartmouth community. Our first post highlighted our mission and services and prompted a handful of new followers. We are excited for this new avenue to spread the wisdom of WISE.
 
 
 
 
Together again
It is such a breath of fresh air to to once again gather together in public spaces.

We celebrated Rural Pride with the communities of Claremont and Windsor. WISE folx sported WISE t-shirts at the flag raising ceremony, and tabled at the Pride Roots Rally in Windsor and the Pride Picnic in Claremont.

We hope to see you at your local farmers markets and festivals. Look for our smiling faces and come say hi!
Thank you White River Suburu
We were delighted to learn that White River Suburu selected WISE as one of its Love Promise partners as they dedicate themselves to celebrate and support Upper Valley nonprofits. It was an honor to invite Chris and Brian to the Program Center and welcome them to our very WISE community.
We're hiring!
We are currently hiring two key positions within our core programs. Click below to access the full job descriptions.



These are both full time positions joining our team of dedicated and innovative staff committed to ending violence. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Peggy O'Neil, Executive Director.
 
Please help us spread the word and feel free to share within your own networks.
Leading the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence

Program Center · 38 Bank Street · Lebanon, NH 03766
every hour, every day · 866-348-WISE