About Us
Providing Compassionate, Respectful and Confidential Support.
You can count on Siuslaw Outreach Services to provide compassionate, respectful, and confidential support to people in need.…even to the point of saving lives. We have been providing domestic violence support to those in need since 1986.
Siuslaw Outreach Services Key Contacts
Bob Teter
Executive Director
541-205-9011
exec@florencesos.org
Mary Hamilton
Administrative Assistant
541-204-1639
mary@florencesos.org
Kevin Furber
Crisis Assistance Program Manager
541-205-9303
kevin@florencesos.org
Marie Hickman
Special Victim Assistance Program Manager
541-204-1763
marie@florencesos.org
Kirstin Rivera
Crisis Assistance Advocate
541-205-9527
kirstin@florencesos.org
Adela Wisdom
Crisis Assistance Advocate
541-204-1523
adela@florencesos.org
Cerissa Shoun
Crisis Assistance Advocate
541-203-2875
cerissa@florencesos.org
Kenna Graunke
Special Victim Advocate
541-203-3142
kenna@florencesos.org
Todd Smitherman
Bookkeeper
todd@florencesos.org
Our History
Originally called Siuslaw Area Women’s Center, we were founded in 1985 by a small group of local activists to provide a safe place for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Today, our role and responsibility in the community is much larger and impactful, thanks to those who support our ever-expanding programs that impact those in need…even to the point of saving lives.
1986
Siuslaw Area Women’s Center received approval from the IRS to receive 501©(3) designation. The agency begins with a women’s empowerment support group and offers assistance to victims in gaining restraining orders. West Lane Community Foundation grant helps get them started. The agency serves 20 individuals.
1988
SAWC offers emergency shelter and confidence clinic at Siuslaw Middle School.
1989
After-hours pager acquired; SAWC joins Florence Area Coordinating Council and Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
1990
Ellen Micklewright is hired as Executive Director and search begins for permanent office site.
1992
Nancy Sobottka hired as Executive Director. Safe House donated to agency.
1995
With the help of the Florence Soroptimist Club, a 24/7 Crisis Hotline called FOCUS 4 is established. The agency begins offering rent and utility assistance programs.
1999
Ethel Bassette is hired as Executive Director. The agency finds permanent home on 12th Street.
2000
24/7 Crisis Response Services begin. Weekly support groups for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault begin.
2001
Siuslaw Area Women’s Center joins Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force; SAWC presents to Governor’s Domestic Violence Committee. Parenting skills classes begin at Rhody Elementary School. Siuslaw Area Women’s Center begin serving male victims.
2003
SAWC changes name and begins doing business as: Siuslaw Outreach Services Inc.
2006
Celebrated 20th anniversary.
2009
Bettie Egerton hired as Executive Director. Major annual community-wide Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign every October begins.
2010
Self Sufficiency Classes begin. Dating safety and healthy relationship classes begin at Siuslaw High School and Middle School.
2012
David Wiegan is hired as Executive Director. Agency registers new name with IRS and officially becomes Siuslaw Outreach Services Inc. Programs are added to address the needs of the homeless.
2013
“Adopt a Brick” fundraising program to raise matching funds for building renovation.
2014
Florence Chamber of Commerce recognizes SOS as Non-Profit Agency of the Year.
2015
Service Center remodel is completed and mortgage paid off.
2016
30th Anniversary Celebration is held. Endowment Fund is established.
2017
Bob Teter is hired as Executive Director. Bob Teter conducts domestic violence education and outreach programs in Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. SOS serves a record of 3,130 clients.
2018
Safe House undergoes major renovations. Legacy Campaign begins.
2019
Agency begins restructuring process to adapt to program requirements as mandated by the Violence Against Women Act and Family Violence Prevention Services Act.
2020
Agency is divided into two distinct departments: Special Victims Assistance and Crisis Assistance. Agency adapts services to respond to the need of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Agency provides a record, $700,000.00 in direct aid to clients.
Board of Directors
Chris Saltmarsh
Board President
Justin Young
Vice President
Bob Teter
Executive Director
C. Montee Kennedy
Board Treasurer
Stephanie Restrepo
Board Secretary
Judy Schwartz
Director
Jane Yecny
Director
Pam Hickson
Director
DeAnn Hawkins
Director
Maree Beers
Director
Justin Austen
Director
Crisis Hotline
541-997-4444
or toll-free 1-877-997-3687
Address
1576 West 12th Street
Florence, OR 97439
Mailing Address
PO Box 19000
Florence, OR 97439
Office Phone
Open Office Hours
Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (excluding major holidays)
Other appointment times are available by calling the office.