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.

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Siuslaw Outreach Services Key Contacts

Bob Teter
Executive Director
541-205-9011
exec@florencesos.org

Tara Wardell
Administrative Assistant
541-204-1639
tara@florencesos.org

Vacant
Resource Center Coordinator

Marie Hickman
Special Victim Assistance Program Manager
541-204-1763
marie@florencesos.org

Christy Chinn
Special Victim Advocate
541-414-4830
christy@florencesos.org

Cerissa Shoun
Crisis Assistance Advocate/Community Health Worker
541-203-2875
cerissa@florencesos.org

Steven Herrera
Bookkeeper
steven@florencesos.org

Matthew Louie
Crisis Assistance Advocate-Housing & Utilities/ Facility Maintenance
541-205-9303
matthew@florencesos.org

Stephen Beale
Special Events Audio/Visual Technician
stephen@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.