WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence

Today, we honor — a celebration of Black freedom, resilience, culture, and the ongoing struggle for justice. We recognize the enduring strength of Black communities that never stopped building, resisting, creating, and dreaming in the face of oppression.

We remember the generations who fought, sacrificed, led, and paved the way forward. We also recognize that freedom is not only something to commemorate—it is something we must continue to protect, strengthen, and make real for every generation.

May today be filled with reflection, joy, pride, and connection. Let us honor our ancestors, support Black-owned businesses, celebrate Black culture, and continue working toward a future where freedom is fully realized for everyone. ❤️🖤💚

WOAR is hiring a Clinical Director!

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate leader to guide our clinical services and support the dedicated team providing trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual violence throughout Philadelphia.

The Clinical Director will help ensure the highest quality of care while providing clinical leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for WOAR’s counseling programs.

If you are committed to survivor-centered care, collaborative leadership, and creating meaningful change, we encourage you to apply.

Learn more and apply: https://www.woar.org/join-our-team/.

Please share this opportunity with your networks and help us connect with an exceptional candidate.

Human trafficking is widely misunderstood.

It's not always a dramatic abduction. Most often it begins close to home, quietly — with vulnerability, grooming, manipulation, and someone gaining trust in order to exploit it.

That matters in today’s economic climate.

When people are struggling with trauma, housing, food, transportation, or financial instability, vulnerability increases. Traffickers know how to take advantage of people who are already under pressure.

No one is too old, too educated, too successful, too wealthy, or too protected to be targeted. Human trafficking can happen to anyone.

Awareness matters. Prevention matters. Support matters.

Human trafficking is a hidden public safety issue, and protecting people starts with understanding how exploitation really happens.

WOAR stood at the Capitol in Harrisburg on Monday with survivors, advocates, colleagues, and supporters from across PA to rally for something that should not be up for debate: support for survivors of sexual violence.

Every day, we see the courage it takes for survivors to reach out for help. We see the impact that counseling, advocacy, prevention education, and crisis response have on individuals, families, and communities throughout Philadelphia. We also see the growing need for these services.

For 6 years, r**e crisis centers across Pennsylvania have received no increase in state funding while demand continues to rise.

We laid off 22 people last year due to the budget impasse. No funding increase for multiple years has exacerbated the funding crisis. We have stretched every dollar, expanded our efforts everywhere we can, and remained committed to showing up for survivors.

But commitment alone cannot sustain critical services. That’s why we were at the Capitol on Monday.

Because we are not a line item. We are a lifeline.

When survivors call, we answer. When they need support during a forensic exam, in a courtroom, or in a counseling session, we show up.

Pennsylvania’s survivors deserve a budget that reflects the reality of their needs.

The time to invest in survivors is now.

WOAR was honored to be part of What Now 2026! presented by , where Civic Theater Project students shared original one-act plays imagining what they want to see changed in Philadelphia over the next 25 years.

The students’ work explored powerful issues affecting our city, including third spaces for young people, the criminal justice system, substance use, mental health, homelessness, diversity, education, and hate speech.

A special thank you to Quinn for representing WOAR at the event and sharing resources with the community. We are also deeply grateful that a WOAR donation QR code was included in the program, giving guests the opportunity to support survivor-centered services, prevention education, and advocacy in Philadelphia.

Thank you to the young playwrights, organizers, artists, and attendees for using theater as a space for conversation, care, and change.

We are grateful to the Civic Theater Project students and for including WOAR in What Now 2026!

This powerful showcase asks young playwrights: “What do you want to see changed in Philadelphia in the next 25 years?” Their FREE staged readings explore urgent issues shaping our city, including third spaces for young people, the criminal justice system, substance use, mental health, homelessness, diversity, education, and hate speech.

Guests will also have the opportunity to support WOAR through a donation QR code in the program. Every gift helps sustain survivor-centered services, prevention education, and advocacy across Philadelphia.

Join us TONIGHT -- Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake (15th & Spruce, 1/2 block from the corner on Hicks St)!

🗓️ June 5 & 6 at 7:00 PM
🗓️ June 7 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
📍 Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake

Survivors are not a line item.

Pennsylvania’s 47 r**e crisis centers share one mission: Supporting Survivors. But after 6 years with NO funding increase, centers are being asked to keep critical services open without the funding needed to meet the current need.

That is not sustainable. Survivor services must be funded and protected.

Join us in Harrisburg on June 8, 2026 at 2 PM to stand with survivors across Pennsylvania to call for the funding survivors need and deserve. We'll be at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA in the Rotunda when you walk in.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/NotALineItem or scan the QR code on the flyer. Let us know you'll be there to support survivors!

This Pride Month, WOAR stands with LGBTQ+ survivors, advocates, partners, and community members.

Every survivor deserves to be believed, supported, and connected to care that honors who they are. Creating safer communities means making sure support is inclusive, affirming, and accessible to all.

Pride is a reminder that visibility, dignity, and safety matter every day.

If you or someone you know needs support, please call or text 215-985-3333 for immediate crisis support.

Healing is not always loud. Sometimes it looks like a quiet pause, a deep breath, a gentle boundary, a short walk or a few moments away from the noise.

Healing is something we can all do daily.

Small acts of care create space for calm, strength and hope. However you are moving through today, your mind deserves kindness too.

WOAR is here when you need someone to listen, help you find resources, or walk with you through the next step. Call or text 215-985-3333. We are here for you!