Montgomery County Women's Center

COFFEE TALK: Why People Stay
2023-10-16 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | VIRTUAL WEBINAR
Register to receive text reminders to join us LIVE each Monday and links to watch replays if you happen to miss a session.
REGISTER: Text COFFEE1023 to 41444

IN HONOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH JOIN US LIVE ON FACEBOOK TO DISCUSS IMPORTANT TOPICS INCLUDING:
OCTOBER 2: AGENCY OVERVIEW
OCTOBER 9: THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE
OCTOBER 16: WHY PEOPLE STAY (ENGLISH/ SPANISH)
OCTOBER 23: SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
OCTOBER 30:HONORING TEXAS VICTIMS

Open Your Purse for Change
2023-10-12 18:00 - 21:00 | TX
Join us for an evening featuring a silent auction, guest speaker and intimate seated dinner catered by Chef Austin with TRIS.
TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE AT: igfn.us/form/sN7mKw

COFFEE TALK: The Cycle of Violence
2023-10-09 09:00 - 10:00 | VIRTUAL WEBINAR

Dunkin' For Domestic Violence Awareness Community Event
2023-10-05 11:00 - 13:00 | Lonestar College- Montgomery, 3200 College Park Dr, Conroe, TX, 77384

Youth Advisory Committee Information Meeting
2023-10-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Uniited Way Building- The Woodlands, 1600 Lake Front Cir, Spring, TX, 77380
JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING TO KICK OFF THE 2023-2024 YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Parents and High School Aged Teens are encouraged to attend.
Youth receive volunteer hours for their participation in the committee. Hours are gained by attending meetings, planning and hosting events, hosting online social media takeovers, assisting MCWC staff at community events, attending workshops, etc. Recommendation letters can be written for committee members at their request, outlining the work they have done with the committee and the total number of hours they have participated in the committee.
The Montgomery County Women’s Center Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) started in 2017. MCWC acknowledges that youth are experts in their own lives and are key in developing solutions to the health issues in their lives. The primary function of the YAC is to recognize youth as valuable stakeholders and included them in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programming that our agency is delivering in schools and in the community.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM B ON THE 2ND FLOOR.
More information available here: igfn.us/form/2Zod7w

Coffee Talk: Agency Overview
2023-10-02 09:00 - 10:00 | VIRTUAL WEBINAR

Halloween Donation Drive
2023-10-01 08:00 - 2023-10-31 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
Every year, we provide many opportunity to bring joy to a family that’s holiday season looks and sounds a little different. Through our Holiday Programs and Events, our shelter residents and community families who have experienced domestic abuse are able to have some normalcy during the holidays through gifts donated by generous sponsors.
This Halloween we are in need of:

Trick or Treat Buckets
Candy
Costumes
Party Decorations
Treat Bags
Non-edible Goodies

Please Contact: SiomaraC@mcwctx.org with questions

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
2023-10-01 06:00 - 2023-10-31 23:00 | TX
Throughout the month of October, we will be joining the nation in promoting awareness of dating abuse with other agencies and organizations in our area. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) gives our community the opportunity to promote healthy relationships and speak up against domestic violence violence that will only grow if we keep silent.
This month is an opportunity for you to GET INVOLVED! Check out our UPCOMING EVENTS tab to see what we have going on.

LINENS DONATION DRIVE
2023-09-01 08:00 - 2023-09-30 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
The Montgomery County Women’s Center could not continue to serve and support survey without your donations of time, talents, and financial gifts. Many clients come to our shelter with nothing but the clothes in their back. By donating tangible items, you can provide women and children with what they need to rebuild their lives free from abuse and fear.
This month we are focusing on linens for our Emergency Shelter. We ask that you bring new and gently used bath towels, hand towels, washcloths and twin sized bedding to assist in supplying our shelter and clients with all the comforts of home.

Donations can be dropped (or mailed) to:
Montgomery County Women’s Center: 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77301 (Attn: Siomara)
Something Special: 19073 I-45 South, Shenandoah (in the Portofino Plaza next to Sam’s Club)

FLIP FLOP DONATION DRIVE
2023-08-01 08:00 - 2023-08-31 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
This month we are collecting flip flops (and other shoes) for our emergency shelter and sexual assault programs.
Shoe drives are a great, easy way to help us provide those in need with new shoes in order to propel them into a better life. Cleaning out your closets and donating gently-used or new shoes is an easy, convenient way to help those in need.

The benefits of hosting/ participating in our shoe drive extend far beyond your doorstep, because you’ll also help the environment! By hosting a shoe drive, you help create a sustainable program to recycle athletic shoes which will go to those in our emergency shelter, transitional housing and counseling programs. Additionally they go to our resale store so people can access quality footwear at affordable prices. Funds raised at our resale store, Something Special, help keep our shelter doors open.

Donations can be dropped (or mailed) to:
Montgomery County Women’s Center: 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77301 (Attn: Siomara)
Something Special: 19073 I-45 South, Shenandoah (in the Portofino Plaza next to Sam’s Club)

BACK TO SCHOOL DONATION DRIVE
2023-07-01 08:00 - 2023-07-31 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
When a survivor of domestic violence comes to the shelter, it’s because her life is in danger. Often because of circumstances that are beyond her control, she and her children walk through our doors with very few personal belongings. During their stay here, we provide all the essentials she and her children need until she can provide these items for herself and her family. Those essentials include backpacks and school supplies. This month we have a donation drive underway to collect enough of them to meet the needs of children at the shelter and those served by our transitional housing, counseling and legal programs.
Imagine being in a domestic violence shelter, not knowing when things are going to get back to normal and you need to go back to school. Help children and teens impacted by domestic violence return to school prepared and equipped to learn by donating to our Back-to-School Supply Drive.

Your donation will help provide school supplies, suitable clothing, gas cards to assist with transportation and most of all the reassurance that even today, a fresh start can lead to success for the children of domestic violence survivors.

There are three ways you can help:
1. Shop our Amazon Wish List
2. Donate Online
3. Host your own back to school drive with your friends and family.

ITEMS NEEDED:

Pencil bag
Crayons
Colored pencils
Washable markers
Markers
Highlighters
No. 2 pencils
Pencil grips
Pencil sharpener
Glue sticks
Erasers
Blunt-tipped scissors
Plastic folders
Tissues
Backpack
Assorted construction paper
Lunch box or bag
Personal organizer/ planner
Three-ring binder
Three-hole-punch
Wide-ruled, one-subject notebooks, graph paper, multi subject notebooks
Plastic folders
Scissors
Standard calculator
Blue or black pens
Book covers
Ruler
Subject dividers
Post It Notes
Index Cards
Gift Cards (Gas, Walmart, Kroger, HEB)

Donations can be dropped (or mailed) to:
Montgomery County Women’s Center: 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77301 (Attn: Siomara)

FILL THE PURSE (DONATION DRIVE)
2023-06-01 08:00 - 2023-06-30 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
Bring comfort, hope and dignity to women and youth in crisis with the gift of purses filled with personal necessities. A lot of women coming into our shelter escape these environments and situations where they walk out with nothing, barely a jacket and maybe their wallet. They’re starting from zero. FILL THE PURSE is a way to bring comfort to them, so they know that they’re not alone, that you here for them.
This month we ask that you donate a new or gently used purse filled with full sized products such as: body wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, a hairbrush, tissues, a notepad, a pen, gas or grocery gift cards.
We ask that you do not donate any used or open products, any hotel size products, a worn or ripped purse, any expired products, or any food.

Donations can be dropped (or mailed) to: Montgomery County Women’s Center: 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77301 (Attn: Siomara)

COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER (DONATION DRIVE)
2023-05-01 08:00 - 2023-05-31 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
In the spirit of a traditional baby shower, the Community Baby Shower is a celebration for new and expectant mothers. The purpose of the event is to assist clients fleeing abuse with the basic items needed to provide for their children. When families arrive at the shelter, they are often in crisis situations. Being able to provide families with diapers and formula allow counselors and clients to focus on the safety components of the client, once we know their basic needs are cared for.

The following are suggested donation items for newborns and toddlers. New clothing is preferred, but used items in good condition, such as strollers, are accepted.

Disposable diapers (all sizes)
Warm sleepers and pajamas
Diaper wipes
Warm clothing, newborn to toddler
Receiving blankets
T-shirts/onesies
Baby shampoo
Baby monitors
Batteries (AAA and AA)
Bottles
Formula
Baby food
Sippy Cups
Rattles and teething toys
Car seats
Strollers
Pack & Plays

Donations can be dropped (or mailed) to: Montgomery County Women’s Center: 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77301 (Attn: Siomara)

"Let's Talk About Consent" Virtual Workshop
2023-04-28 09:00 - 10:00 | VIRTUAL WEBINAR
This engaging workshop is great for parents, teachers and anyone who has teens in their life. We will discuss the definition of consent, myths and facts associated with consent and consent vs coercion.

REGISTER: igfn.us/form/pDt5Jw

Balloon Release @ Something Special
2023-04-26 11:00 - 11:30 | Something Special, 19073 I-45 # 180, Shenandoah, TX, 77385
APRIL 26, 2023 (11:00AM) SOMETHING SPECIAL RESALE
BALLOON RELEASE @ SOMETHING SPECIAL
IN HONOR OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH, WE WILL BE HOSTINGA COMMUNTIY BALLOON RELEASE TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE 819 SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS WE SERVED THROUGHOUT 2022. STAY AFTERWARD TO SHOP. LEARN ABOUT HOW OUR AGENCY SUPPORTS VICTIMS IN OUR COMMUNTIY AND TAKE PART IN OUR “IN BLOOM” COMMUNTIY GARDEN.

DENIM DAY EVENT @ SOMETHING SPECIAL
2023-04-26 09:00 - 18:00 | Something Special, 19073 I-45 # 180, Shenandoah, TX, 77385
APRIL 26, 2023 (10:00-3:00PM) SOMETHING SPECIAL RESALE
DENIM DAY EVENT @ SOMETHING SPECIAL
DONATE: CLEAN OUT THOSE CLOSETS AND DONATE YOUR GENTLY USED DENIM & OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS TO HELP SUPPORT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT.
SHOP: JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF SHOPPING — ENJOY 20% OFF SELECT ITEMS AND KNOW THAT YOUR DOLLARS ARE HELPING KEEP OUR SHELTER DOORS OPEN.

Community Walk Against Sexual Assault
2023-04-03 10:30 - 23:30 | First Baptist Church Conroe, 600 N Main St, Conroe, TX, 77301, United States
APRIL 3, 2023 (10:45-11:45AM) FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CONROE

COMMUNITY WALK & COURTHOUSE DISPLAY
Join us on APRIL 3RD, from 10:45-11:30AM as we walk to support and honor victims of Sexual Assault in our community. We will be meeting in the parking lot of First Baptist Church Conroe at 10:45AM for a group photo and the walk will begin promptly at 11:00am. As a group we will walk Downtown Conroe and view the “In Their Shoes” Courthouse Display. Shirts and other merchandise will be available for purchase/ pickup.

"In Their Shoes" Courthouse Display
2023-04-03 09:00 - 16:00 | Montgomery County Courthouse, 301 N. Main Street, Conroe, TX, 77301
APRIL 3, 2023 (9:00AM-4:00PM) MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURTHOUSE
“IN tHEIR SHOES” COURTHOUSE DISPLAY
IN HONOR OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT A DISPLAY TO LEND A VOICE TO THE 819 SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS THAT WE ACCOMPANIED IN 2022. THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY WOMEN’S CENTER ADVOCATES SERVE AS AN INDISPENSABLE RESOURCE AND AN AGENT OF HOPE WHEN THEY ACCOMPANY SURVIVORS TO FORENSIC EXAMS.

"In Bloom" Community Garden
2023-04-01 09:00 - 2023-04-30 18:00 | TX

Turn The Town Teal
2023-04-01 08:00 - 2023-04-30 17:00 | TX
CONTACT US FOR DELIVERY OF YOUR MATERIALS: MELANIEJ@MCWCTX.ORG

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

DOOR/ WINDOW FLYER

ITEMS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS (DONATION DRIVE)
2023-04-01 08:00 - 2023-04-30 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
This is the underwear that no woman wants to wear.

And it’s not just because it’s a plain cotton sports bra the color of Pepto-Bismol.

It’s because this is the underwear we give to survivors of rape and sexual assault after we take their own underwear as evidence.

We take their nice underwear, their favorite underwear, their cute underwear, their comfy underwear, their best-fitting bra, their 75-dollar designer bra, their weekend bra, their work bra. And we take it away from them while wearing gloves, and drop it into a paper bag, and seal it with evidence tape and write their police case number on the outside, and send it to the state crime lab, and they never see it again.

And we give them some Fruit from the Loom to wear home, back to a life and a world they no longer recognize and no longer trust.

But here’s the kicker: That boring sports bra is WAY way WAY better than what some survivors get when they’re discharged.

Some women have ALL of their clothes taken for evidence. Shirt. Undershirt. Pants. Bra. Underwear. Even their socks. And if the local forensic/sexual assault program that cares for them doesn’t have — or won’t buy — or can’t buy — clothes for them, they get discharged in hospital scrubs.

And grippy hospital socks.

And postpartum white-mesh hospital underwear.

And no bra.

Ever seen a woman who’s just been raped, just had a three-hour forensic exam, just had every surface of her battered body swabbed and photographed and inventoried for the police, ever seen her walk out of a hospital wearing oversized hospital scrubs —

—and her arms wrapped tightly around her chest, ashamed, because she doesn’t have a bra to wear?

I have.

And I absolutely refuse to ever see it again.

This is $150 of underwear from Kohl’s. My team and I buy this underwear ourselves for our patients, because we are no longer willing to let any of our survivors go home without a bra, or without a decent pair of underwear.

If you are looking for a place to donate something meaningful this holiday season, reach out to your local Forensic Nursing team, rape crisis center, or domestic violence shelter.

Go to Wal-Mart, or Kohl’s, or Target, and buy clothes you’d feel comfortable in curled up, safe at home, watching TV. And donate them.

New underwear, a comfortable bra, a comfortable pair of pants, a soft hoody, squishy socks — all of these things can help make a woman who has survived a violent rape feel like a person again.

A person.
Not a victim.

Because it’s a long walk down that hallway, out of the hospital, and back into the world.

At least she can be comfortable as she takes each step.

* * *

Heartbreaking but REAL & RAW account from a forensic nurse.

Montgomery County Women’s Center advocates responded 515 sexual assault exams in 2021.
If you or your organization are interested in donating bras & underwear for our Sexual Assault Advocacy Program they can be dropped off or mail to:
Montgomery County Women’s Center: 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301 (Attn: Siomara)

Sexual Assault Awareness Month - April 2023
2023-04-01 - 2023-04-30 | TX
Throughout the month of April, we will be joining the nation in promoting awareness of sexual assault with other agencies and organizations in our area. Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) gives our community the opportunity to speak up against sexual violence that will only grow if we keep silent.

Adopt-A-Meal - April 2023
2023-04-01 - 2023-04-30 | TX
Adopt-A-Meal: Cook or Sponsor a Meal for our Shelter Residents! Our shelter only has a cook Monday – Friday so, Montgomery County Women’s Center relies on the support of volunteer groups to provide weekend meals to shelter residents. If your family, corporation, or civic group would like to cook and serve a meal or drop off/cater a meal from a local restaurant for our shelter, consider “Adopting-a-Meal“!
Email MelanieJ@mcwctx.org to schedule your meal today!
On average our shelter houses 40 adults women and 20 children. Casseroles can also me pre-made and dropped off frozen for staff to cook as needed. Gift cards can be donated to cover the cost of pizza, tacos or burgers and fries!!!

Lunch Ideas: Sandwiches, wraps, fruit and veggies, pre-packaged individual items
Dinner Ideas: chicken, mac and cheese, salad, and cookies.

RECIPE IDEAS

15 Casserole Recipes to Freeze

https://www.theseasonedmom.com/5-dump-bake-freezer-meals/

37 Casseroles You Can Keep in the Freezer

Easy Tuna Casserole Freezer Meal

Freezer Meal Recipes

Best Ever Freezer Meal Spaghetti Sauce

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Chicken and Vegetable Casserole with Crispy Onion Topping

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Chicken Casserole

Homemade Freezer Sloppy Joes

Ham and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups (make-ahead lunch)

SPRING COMMUNITY CLEANOUT
2023-03-15 08:00 - 2023-04-30 17:00 | 19073 I-45 South (in the Portofino Plaza next to Sam’s Club), United States
Spring is HERE and it’s time to CLEAN OUT those closets, kitchens, garages and more !!
Did You Know If you have a large donation (furniture, neighborhood/ group clean out, etc.) we can come to you!! Just give us a call to schedule your pickup today (936) 441-4044 ext53!!
STEP IT UP by getting together with friends, family and neighbors and organize a group cleanout/ donation.

We utilize donations in many ways… all of which benefit victims/survivors in our community.

Shelter residents and their children receive shoes and clothing since these items are generally left behind when fleeing.
Victims/Survivors from our community are able to come shop at the resale shop with vouchers for clothing, furniture and other necessities.
Transitional housing apartments are completely furnished with donated furniture and housewares for new residents.
Shelter residents receive furniture and household items when re-building their homes and lives.
Revenue from the store helps keep the shelter open.

COME VISIT US AT SOMETHING SPECIAL (Shopping & Donation Hours and Location)
Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
19073 I-45 South (in the Portofino Plaza next to Sam’s Club)

PAJAMA DONATION DRIVE
2023-03-01 08:00 - 2023-03-31 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
Every year thousands of children are forced to flee and live at a shelter to escape domestic violence. This disruption of home life can lead to a lonely experience, especially at nighttime, and something as simple as a pair of pajamas can help make bedtime a little more comforting for these women and children.
Our emergency shelter accepts multiple victims and children every day. These victims often flee with only the clothes on their back. Our organization provides each person with the basics that they need to make it through each day. This month we are collecting pajamas for the women, men, boys and girls who enter our shelter. Pajamas can be new or gently used. Our shelter houses upwards of 75 individuals each night.

Donations can be dropped (or mailed) to: Montgomery County Women’s Center: 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77301

MOD Pizza Fundraiser (Tomball, TX)
2023-02-23 10:00 - 22:00, 2023-01-12 10:00 - 22:00 | MOD Pizza Tomball, 14030 FM 2920, Suite I, Tomball, TX, 77377
LET’S RAISE SOME DOUGH!!! Join us for this all-day fundraising event!! Use the flyer OR mention Montgomery County Women’s Center and MOD PIZZA will donate 20% of your check to our agency to help provide life saving service to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community.

GROCERY GIFT CARD (DONATION DRIVE)
2023-02-01 08:00 - 2023-02-28 17:00 | 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe TX 77301
Going through a victimization often leaves you with a lot of surprise expenses and it can take a little while for our clients to adjust to their new budget, so we try to assist with food and fuel as we can. Gift cards can truly help ensure that a victim who is getting on their feet has food and fuel when they need it. Grocery store gift cards can be used to help provide survivors and families with items suited to their specific needs.

Donations can be dropped (or mailed) to: Montgomery County Women’s Center: 1401 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77301 (Attn: Siomara)

Adopt-A-Meal - February 2023
2023-02-01 - 2023-02-28 | TX
Adopt-A-Meal: Cook or Sponsor a Meal for our Shelter Residents! Our shelter only has a cook Monday – Friday so, Montgomery County Women’s Center relies on the support of volunteer groups to provide weekend meals to shelter residents. If your family, corporation, or civic group would like to cook and serve a meal or drop off/cater a meal from a local restaurant at our shelter, consider “Adopting-a-Meal“!
Email MelanieJ@mcwctx.org to schedule your meal today!
On average our shelter houses 40 adults women and 20 children. Casseroles can also me pre-made and dropped off frozen for staff to cook as needed. Gift cards can be donated to cover the cost of pizza, tacos or burgers and fries!!!

Lunch Ideas: Sandwiches, wraps, fruit and veggies, pre-packaged individual items
Dinner Ideas: chicken, mac and cheese, salad, and cookies.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month - Februrary 2023
2023-02-01 - 2023-02-28 | TX
Throughout the month of February, we will be joining the nation in promoting awareness of dating abuse with other agencies and organizations in our area. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) gives our community the opportunity to promote healthy dating relationships and speak up against dating violence that will only grow if we keep silent.
