WISE

WISE leads the Upper Valley to end domestic and sexual violence through survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education and mobilization for social change.

Since 1971, WISE has provided crisis advocacy and support for people and communities affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking within 23 towns of the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont. Every year, we support around 1400 people through the 24-hour crisis line, on-site emergency housing and housing advocacy, legal services, safety planning, groups, and in-person advocacy at the WISE Program Center, police stations, courthouses, hospitals, social service agencies, and at Dartmouth College. We provide essential law services and work with youth, professionals, and the community to develop culturally relevant community education. We train medical, legal and law enforcement professionals to respond effectively to the complex needs of survivors. WISE is committed to engaging everyone in learning to recognize and eliminate the root causes of violence.

Throughout the decades, we have always been and continue to be a consistent, stable, and survivor-centered resource, strengthening and expanding to fully support survivors’ needs. A safe place to call home makes all the difference to survivors and their families in the aftermath of violence. Our housing program increases accessibility to safe housing through a variety of avenues fully supported by WISE advocacy. We were excited to welcome our first guest into Jane’s Place in November, 2023. In our last fiscal year, we were able to provide shelter to 62 individuals with Jane’s Place, the WISE Safe Home, and relationships with local hotels. Access to safe and affordable housing remains one of the biggest hurdles survivors face. Even with the increased capacity of our housing program, the need still far exceeds our capacity. 

As an organization, we are committed to making sure that survivors have access to what they want, what they need, and what they deserve to have. Our housing advocacy encompasses much more than a bed to sleep in at night. It means access to mental and physical healthcare, community supports, transportation, food, basic income, and childcare. It opens opportunities to determine sustainable next steps.

“WISE is a place where a whole piece of your life is understood the moment you walk in the door.” - Survivor