The Solutions for Women history
We believe all women can embrace who they are, can define their future, and can change the world.
Our philosophy is based on our core values
Solutions for Women is committed to the empowerment of women. Our mission is to support and connect women to resources, encourage emotional wellness and promote education so women aspire to become leaders in their community.
At Solutions, “Experience is the best teacher.” Through shared, lived experiences, we teach what we know.
Today, Solutions is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency in San Francisco’s Bay Area. The group is committed to the empowerment of women as they transition (like the original founders had successfully done themselves) back into society after exiting incarceration, family shelters, domestic violence situations, and/or substance abuse and behavioral modification programs. Support groups are held throughout the month and community events are held throughout the year.
Timeline
2010
We started our own support groups
Solutions for Women began in 2010 as a network of 10+ justice impacted women, who sought additional therapeutic support via group and social interaction, after exiting various behavioral modification treatment and/or traditional 12-step recovery model programs.
We started having support groups in our living rooms. As a way to pay it forward, we wanted to continue the collective work and reach out to our community of sisters, also impacted by systems, substance abuse disorders and/or mental health issues.
A huge thank you to our predecessors, Juanita Johnson and the original women of PDEC, Positive Directions Equals Change, for paving a way for us.
2011
Transitional home management
Co-Managed Nanny's Transitional House for Women, with Ms. Suritha Jackson. The 2 year housing program was located in Bayview Hunters Point.
Solutions for Women then went on to operate our own three bedroom, 6-8 person, transitional house on Third Street in Bayview, SF.
2012
Free community groups
Solutions began free community groups for women in the Bayview community at the Clean Lounge, a community space.
Here we held, hosted and facilitated in-person groups, activities, workshops and guest speakers.
2013
Bayview Commons
Solutions groups and activities relocated in late 2013 to a new space across the street from the Clean Lounge, to SFHDC’s Bayview Commons Community Room at 4445 Third Street, SF CA 94124.
We contracted with the SF Adult Probation department to host events, in-person groups, activities, workshops and guest speakers.
2014
First annual fundraiser
Hosted in Bayview, attendees included then supervisor Malia Cohen and community activist Marie Harrison.
2020
Bayview Women's Forum
In March 2020 we cohosted a women’s forum at the Bayview YMCA with law enforcement and the women’s reentry community.
2021
Heaven gained an angel
In December 2021 we lost one of our ladies, Jeris P. Woodson. May you continue to rest in peace.
2022
Black Women's Wellness Retreat
In honor of Jeris P. Woodson, aka 'Peaches'. The J. P. Woodson Black Women in Leadership Wellness Retreat Weekend was held May 20th to 22nd, 2022 at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma.
2023
San Francisco Board of Supervisors Certificate of Honor
For our work with the women at Pier 94 in Bayview.
2023
Recovery Day Community Appreciation Award
For our work in the San Francisco Reentry Community.
A huge thank you to our predecessors, Juanita Johnson and the original women of PDEC, Positive Directions Equals Change, for paving a way for us.
We need your support today
Your donation helps us empower women and expand our reach. Please consider giving today to make a difference in the lives of women everywhere.
