Beaming in the heart of Raleigh, The Women’s Center offers more than meals and shelter; it provides stability to single women facing homelessness, including services like healthcare, education, case management, and more. Every day, the Center sees about a hundred women, with a clear mission to strive in providing a unique blend of evidence-based practices aimed at fostering stability, stability, and transformation.

In this episode of the Best of Raleigh Podcast, where we shine a light on the heroes and havens of our community, spotlighting Amy Smith, the Executive Director of The Women’s Center of Wake County. Amy has channeled her extensive background in philanthropy and community service into transformative actions that provide critical support to hundreds of women each year.

Amy Smith, the Executive Director of The Women’s Center of Wake County, is a figure of inspiration and a catalyst for change in Raleigh’s community service scene. With a robust background in philanthropy, Amy’s career transition from conservation efforts to social advocacy marks a poignant shift towards addressing human needs directly. Her journey, rooted deeply in a passion for nurturing both people and places, began with her longstanding ties to Raleigh, having moved here at the age of five. This personal connection to the area fuels her dedication to The Women’s Center, where she leverages her statewide organizational experience for local impact.

Under Amy’s leadership, The Women’s Center has grown significantly, not only in the scope of services it offers but also in its approach to empowering women. Each day, the center sees about a hundred women, providing them with meals, critical health services, and assistance in navigating Raleigh’s complex social systems. Amy’s hands-on approach and her team’s efforts are focused on the dignity and safety of these women, many of whom have experienced trauma and abuse. By offering a sanctuary and essential resources, Amy and her team work tirelessly to ensure that each woman has the support needed to stabilize and improve her situation, making The Women’s Center an integral part of Raleigh’s community fabric.

The Women’s Center of Wake County serves as a crucial sanctuary in Raleigh, offering a broad spectrum of support to women facing homelessness—from essential services like food and clothing to comprehensive aid including medical care, education, and housing assistance. These initiatives are vital in fostering stability and empowerment, with numerous success stories underscoring the resilience of the women helped and the transformative impact of the Center. Volunteers form the core of the Center, essential in its operations through preparing meals, organizing donations, and applying their diverse skills, thus broadening the Center’s capacity to reach and effectively support more women.

In reaction to escalating community needs, The Women’s Center has expanded its services, focusing not just on immediate needs but also on long-term solutions that enhance housing stability and mental health support. This approach ensures that women receive not only immediate relief but also the tools to build an independent future. With plans to further extend its facilities and replicate its model nationally, the center sets a high standard for community-based support, driven by significant community engagement through donations, volunteering, and advocacy. This robust community backing is pivotal in maintaining the center’s operations and amplifying its ability to bring transformational change to more women’s lives.

The Women’s Center of Wake County is a cornerstone of support in Raleigh, profoundly impacting the lives of women it serves. Its continued success relies on the collective efforts of the community, dedicated staff, and volunteers who believe in its mission. By supporting The Women’s Center, you contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.

The Coley Group continues to take part in the “Give Back” Day organized by the Realtor Giving Network. Our team volunteered at the Women’s Center and it has been an honor to serve and be able to understand how these noble causes work behind the scenes to help our local community. We are grateful to be a part of this special cause. You can find our blog post about the experience here.

Your donation will make a difference for women who are homeless in Wake County. Your tax-deductible financial donation helps the Women’s Center offer case management and housing support, and it allows them to collaborate with various partners to meet the diverse needs of guests. We appreciate your support for the Women’s Center of Wake County.