Upon graduation, our clients will be able to embody and have the futures they genuinely deserve."A Home for Her" provides a structured and supportive environment for women affected by domestic violence and returning from incarceration. The program includes a comprehensive approach to recovery, focusing on mental health, physical health, financial literacy, and workforce training. The program is designed to help residents regain stability, develop new skills, and achieve self-sufficiency within six months. The following outlines a phased structure with key milestones every 90 days, 120 days, and at 6 months for our clients.
If you would like to continue to support our mission:
Your donation will go to the purchase of our first, 'A Home for Her.'
Evaluation and Success Metrics:
- Mental Health: Reduced trauma symptoms and improved emotional resilience, measured by surveys and therapy progress.
- Physical Health: Regular health check-ups and improvements in fitness and self-care habits.
- Financial Stability: Achieving financial goals, such as budgeting, saving, and reducing debt.
- Workforce Participation: Securing stable employment and successful job retention for at least 6 months.
- Successful Transition: Residents living independently, with continued support from the program's alumni network.
Our Board of Directors
D'Markus Thomas-Brown - Chairperson
Director of the Office of Violence Prevention
A business professional and decisive leader with management experience spanning a variety of industries. I’m uniquely skilled in client/vendor relationship development, negotiating, and collaboration. International business, management, business development, leadership, and marketing strategy are some of the subjects and areas I excel in the most.
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.
Darin Preis
CMCA
Executive Director of Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) since 2005.
Former Board member of the Columbia Public Schools, Missouri Foundation for Health.
MPA, Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
BS, English from Missouri State University
Alphia Hightower - MSOL
Executive Coach and Consultant | Diversity, Inclusion, Equity (DEI) | Training | Trauma-Informed Leadership | HR Management | Public Speaking
Lesley Sapp, MBA
Global Entrepreneurship Specialist | International Programming Expert | Higher Education Professional | Executive MBA Grad | Global Explorer
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.
Steve Spellman
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.
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.
