About Us

Nevada County is widely considered to have a high rate of domestic violence. Locally there is a critical shortage of resources for victims of domestic violence. Many suffer in silence. Law enforcement officials and government social services assist many of these families, yet the transition for these families is often difficult and requires more support than these organizations can provide.

Women of Worth is a local non-profit organization serving families in crisis and assisting victims of domestic violence in Placer and Nevada counties. Our financial support comes from the local communities that we serve. “WOW is approved for the 501©3 status from the IRS.”

In addition to providing families in transition with necessary household items, proceeds from donations help purchase items to ensure safety. These items may include but are not limited to temporary shelter, food, and household items.

WOW is dedicated to helping abused women make the transition to economic self-reliance. We alleviate the difficult transition of rebuilding one's life as well as offer support to improve women's self esteem as they strive towards independent healthy living.

Questions and Answers

Q. How was WOW founded?

A. WOW originally began in 1999 online. A long-time group moderator and participant, Sandy did not want to feel like she had to be "politically correct" when offering guidance and encouragement to her fellow group members. She knows that true peace, indeed, the only tools that we need, can be found in a relationship with God. So, she cornered her own little corner of the World Wide Web.

Q. How is WOW funded?

A. WOW is staffed entirely by volunteers. Costs and necessary operating needs are paid for by individual donations. What is given locally, remains local.

Every dime that comes to WOW, after our very frugal overhead (rent, insurance, utilities, etc.) goes directly back to the people it exists to serve. Our testimonials will help you to see a clearer picture:

Q. Why "Women of Worth? Don't you think men have worth too?

A. Yes, we believe that we are all precious children of God, and that we all have equal and innate worth and value. Sandy Schmidt's (founder/director) personal experience in an abusive marriage compelled her to assist those who are now trapped in the nightmare that her life had become all those years ago.

Q. Why doesn't WOW offer more services?

A. Keeping WOW small allows us to serve each woman individually, and to meet her specific needs. We want to offer more services, and have plans to expand at the right time, it is not the type of thing that can be expanded on a whim. The people who are part of this domestic violence outreach need to be uniquely positioned to serve in their particular capacity. Passion for the cause of domestic violence victims must be present. A dedication to the cause must exist, and the passion and vision must be there in every person who is a part of it, in order for it to serve its clients properly.

info@women-of-worth.org