About - Our Sisters House

About Our Sister’s House

At Our Sister’s House, our mission is deeply rooted in our unwavering commitment to empowering and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Our Why is driven by the belief that every individual deserves to live a life free from fear, violence, and oppression.

We Stand With All

We understand the profound impact that domestic violence has on individuals, families, and communities. Our Why compels us to stand alongside survivors, providing them with the resources, support, and advocacy they need to break free from abusive situations and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Resilience and Strength

Our Why is fueled by the stories of resilience and strength that we witness every day. It’s the survivor who finds the courage to leave an abusive relationship, the child who learns healthy relationship
skills, and the community that rallies together to support those in need.

Building a Better Future

Together, Our Why drives us to create a future where domestic violence and sexual assault are no longer tolerated, where survivors are heard, believed, and supported, and where every individual can live a life of safety, dignity, and empowerment.

Join our Mission

Join us in Our Why and together, let’s create a world where love, respect, and compassion prevail, and where every person can thrive without fear of violence or harm.

Contact Us:

708 Broadway, Suite 310
Tacoma, WA 98402
9:00AM-5:00PM

Call Us

Send An Email

Our Programs

Sisters Seeking Change

Sisters Seeking Change is an 8-week support group which is catered specifically for African-American women however we do welcome all who are in need of support. This program addresses very critical topics which help individuals with building safety plans, establishing healthy boundaries and rebuilding self-esteem

Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones is currently unavailable due to a lack of funding for the program. Stepping Stones is an 8-week program that addresses the potential risks and impacts of domestic violence on the family. The program uses a pysche-educational model designed for children 6-11 years old and their parents.

Teen Dating Violence & Healthy Relationships

Interactive after-school program for youth in the local pierce county community. This program aims to build youth self-esteem and provide teens with tools and skills to foster healthy relationship tools and skills to foster healthy relationships with their loved ones.

Family Violence Advocacy

Family Violence advocates
supports survivors of
domestic violence through
these programs:

Safety Planning
Mental Health Resources
Referral to Emergency Program
DV Education

Navigating Community Resources
Financial Assistance
Address Confidentiality
Programs

Legal Advocacy

Legal advocates help clients navigate the legal systems by offering assistance with these systems:

Parenting Plans
Divorce/Separation
Court Accompaniment
DVPO

Paternity

Legal advocates ARE NOT lawyers and cannot provide legal advice

1994-1995

Our Sisters House is Born

Our Sisters’ House had its inception when our Co-Founder, Sharon Manier, had a vision for court-involved Black girls. This vision arose from her observations of the disparities within the juvenile justice system while working as a drug and alcohol counselor and a CASA at Reman Hall during the late 80s. With her sister-in-law Bettye Blakeney by her side, they decided to take action. In 1994, these two incredible women opened an 8-bed group home in Tacoma’s North End. The home served as a safe haven for homeless girls of color and adjudicated youth within the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. It provided comprehensive support, including case management, access to the YMCA, drug and alcohol counseling, anger management, educational and employment assistance, family reunification, and vital life skills training in areas such as cooking, grocery shopping, financial literacy, and etiquette.

2001

The First Federal Grant

In 2001, OSH took a significant step forward by applying for and receiving its first federal grant from the Office on Violence Against Women. This grant enabled OSH to provide civil legal advocacy to Black and women of color experiencing domestic violence. From there, our journey into offering culturally specific domestic violence services began.

2003

A Temporary Setback

In 2003, despite their dedication, the group home had to close its doors when the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration chose to keep youth within institutions rather than within the community. Undeterred, Bettye and Sharon remained committed to serving as a resource for Black girls in our community. During their work, they identified other pressing needs, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, sex trafficking, and neglect. They decided to focus on domestic violence, as it affected around 90% of the girls they had worked with, seemed to know no boundaries, and lacked adequate resources in the community.

2016

Back in Action

In 2016, we were able to return to our initial passion for working with youth, formalizing a partnership with the Pierce County Juvenile Court. Through this collaboration, we provide evidence-based positive youth development programs, life coaching, basic needs assessments, and act as a community partner for Diversion and Family First initiatives. Today, we provide a diverse range of services, aimed at wholeheartedly supporting Black women in need of domestic violence advocacy, legal assistance, support groups, mental health counseling, and emergency financial aid. Our commitment to empowering and supporting Black women and youth continues to drive us forward, as we strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact in our community.

SAFETY EXIT

(253) 383-4275