Help Us Build Futures Worth Living
Upon graduation, our clients will be able to embody the futures they genuinely deserve.
Our Mission
A Home for Her provides a structured and supportive environment for women affected by domestic violence and those returning home from incarceration. Too often, these women face an impossible choice: return to dangerous situations or face homelessness. We offer a third option—a pathway to genuine transformation and independence.
Comprehensive Support That Changes Lives
Our program includes a comprehensive approach to recovery, focusing on:
- Mental Health - Trauma-informed therapy and emotional healing
- Physical Health - Medical care and wellness support
- Financial Literacy - Budgeting, saving, and credit repair
- Workforce Training - Job skills and career development
The program is designed to help residents regain stability, develop new skills, and achieve self-sufficiency within six months. We use a phased structure with key milestones every 90 days, 120 days, and at 6 months, ensuring each woman progresses toward independence with measurable goals and dedicated support.
Your Impact
Your generous gift will allow for:
- Housing fees - Safe, stable shelter during their transformation
- Hygiene items - Dignity through essential personal care products
- Operational costs - Staffing, programming, and facility maintenance
- Transportation assistance - Access to jobs, appointments, and opportunities
Every dollar you give doesn't just provide temporary relief—it invests in permanent transformation. You're not just helping a woman survive; you're helping her thrive.
When you support A Home for Her, you're saying that every woman deserves a second chance, that past mistakes don't define future potential, and that Columbia believes in the power of compassion and community.
Give today and be part of building futures worth living.
A Home for Her is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Our Board of Directors
Alphia Hightower - Chairperson
MSOL | Executive Coach and Consultant | Diversity, Inclusion, Equity (DEI) | Training | Trauma-Informed Leadership | HR Management | Public Speaking
Steve Spellman - Treasurer
The Bank of Missouri – Sr. Investment Officer
20+ years in Wealth Management and Retirement Planning.
Life long Columbia-area resident, graduate of Hickman High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Member/volunteer at Forum Christian Church, member of Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee.
Former board member, Treasurer and President for the PedNet Coalition (now Local Motion)
Opinion writer for the Columbia Business Times, and previously for the Columbia Missourian.
Former talk show host on Community Radio 89.5FM KOPN, frequent substitute host/guest on other local radio stations.
Brittany Hildebrand - Secretary
Writers Block
Communications professional | Story Teller | Youth Advocate| Writer| Information Junkie
My lifelong goal is to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Dr. Shannon Wilson, JD, MBA
With over 20 years of professional experience, I am deeply committed to fostering robust customer relationships and driving operational excellence. My core competencies include operations management and program evaluation. My mission is innovation and efficiency, and I am dedicated to enhancing organizational culture with my diverse education, experience, and strategic perspective.
James Bayless - Fresh Start
James R. Bayless Jr. is a community leader in Columbia, recognized for his commitment to improving local housing through his organization, Fresh Start. As the founder, James has focused on providing safe, affordable, and stable housing options for his residents, addressing a critical need in the community. His leadership in this initiative has not only enhanced living conditions for many but also established him as a trusted figure in Columbia’s property management sector, where he combines business acumen with a passion for community welfare.
Tess Allison
My name is Tess Allison, and I currently work as an Administrative Coordinator. I have
worked in the nonprofit community in Moberly Missouri as a victim advocate at a
domestic violence shelter. I have also lead women’s Bible studies and have a passion
for walking with women on their journey. I received my Associate of Arts from Moberly
Area Community College. I have a strong sense of devotion to helping people that have
endured domestic violence because I grew up in a home with domestic violence. My
experience working for nonprofit organizations has given me a deep appreciation for
improving the quality of life for people in our community.
Syreta Toson - Executive Director
At A Home for Her, our team's mission is to ensure a safe environment for women to rebuild and prosper. My role as Executive Director combines strategic leadership with a passion for social change, driving initiatives that extend support to women affected by domestic violence and post-incarceration challenges.
With an education in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Missouri, I apply my client-focused approach to community outreach, to continually raise awareness not only for our organization, but for the issues that call for organizations like ours.
Having lived experience as a formerly incarcerated woman, and survivor of domestic violence, I can help women from a different perspective than most.
