Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS)

Exciting news for the community!

Coming June 8, 2026!

Deaf Survivor Services (DSS) is a new nationwide program providing virtual support in American Sign Language (ASL) for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

DSS is committed to making support accessible, empowering, and survivor-centered, ensuring survivors can receive services in their preferred language and communication style, wherever they are.

Stay tuned for updates, resources, and ways to connect as DSS prepare for launch!

Visual Description: A square promotional graphic with a dark navy-blue background. At the top, white text reads “June 8, 2026” above a thin teal horizontal line. Large faded text repeating “COMING SOON” appears in the background. Centered in bold white lettering is “DEAF SURVIVOR SERVICES (DSS).” Near the bottom is another teal horizontal line, followed by white text that says “STAY TUNED” and the Instagram handle “.” The graphic announces the upcoming launch of a nationwide virtual support program in ASL for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Something powerful is on the way. 💙

On June 8, 2026, Deaf Survivor Services (DSS) will officially launch - a nationwide direct services program providing virtual support in American Sign Language (ASL) for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking.

DSS is rooted in accessibility, empowerment, and survivor-centered care - ensuring survivors can access support in their language and communication needs, wherever they are.

Stay tuned for updates, resources, and ways to connect.



Visual Description: A square promotional graphic with a dark navy-blue background. At the top, white text reads “June 8, 2026” above a thin teal horizontal line. Large faded text repeating “COMING SOON” appears in the background. Centered in bold white lettering is “DEAF SURVIVOR SERVICES (DSS).” Near the bottom is another teal horizontal line, followed by white text that says “STAY TUNED” and the Instagram handle “.” The graphic announces the upcoming launch of a nationwide virtual support program in ASL for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking.

On behalf of Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS), we extend our heartfelt THANK YOU for your generous donation and support during the GiveBIG 2026 campaign!

Your belief in our mission empowers us to continue providing vital services—like shelter, advocacy, and education—to Deaf and DeafBlind survivors. Because of you, we're one step closer to a world free of violence and oppression.
💙💚

Good news! It’s not too late to make a difference—donations for GiveBIG are still open until May 31st! Every dollar helps us sustain the work that changes lives as we have been doing for 40 years building Safety and Support.

Help us keep the momentum going by sharing the GiveBIG campaign with your family and friends. Your voice can expand our reach and amplify impact.

To donate, click here: https://www.wagives.org/organization/Abused-Deaf-Womens-Advocacy-Services

Thank you again for standing with us. We are so grateful for your support!



Image description: Ruby Square. Gold texts reads, "THANK YOU!!!, (In white text) For your donation and support!" Red heart in middle of square. White text below heart, reads, "You can continue to donate until 5/31!" At the bottom are "GiveBIG 2026", ADWAS logo and ADWAS' 40th Logo displayed.

Today is GiveBIG 2026—and it’s a powerful opportunity to stand with Deaf and DeafBlind survivors.

This past year tested our communities and the systems meant to keep people safe, but ADWAS stayed grounded in our mission because of your support.

Together, we:
• Provided direct services to over 120 survivors
• Responded to more than 1,000 hotline contacts
• Helped individuals and families access safe housing

Your generosity makes it possible to serve Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC survivors with culturally and linguistically accessible resources they need to heal and thrive.

Today, your support is critical.

GiveBIG is more than a moment—it’s a chance to ensure survivors continue to have access to safety, healing, and hope. As we enter our 40th year and prepare for our upcoming Anniversary Gala, your gift helps sustain and grow this life-saving work.

If you’ve been thinking about giving, today is the day.

👉 Make your GiveBIG donation:
https://www.wagives.org/organization/Abused-Deaf-Womens-Advocacy-Services
👉 Share this post to expand our reach

Together, we can continue building a future where every survivor is seen, supported, and safe

Come join us for an amazing film screening and community leadership panel on May 2nd, organized by Elevated Elder Care! Representatives from ADWAS will be attending to watch the screening and participate in the panel afterward.

Funds from this campaign will directly benefit the Joyful Heart Foundation and Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services, helping them continue making an impact through this important work beyond the event.

We hope you can join us!

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore Film Screening & Community Leadership Panel 5.2.26

ADWAS invites the community to celebrate its 40th birthday during a week-long open house from March 23–27, 2026. Community members are invited to stop by, connect with staff, enjoy cupcakes, and reflect on the past and future of ADWAS while celebrating 40 years of supporting survivors.

Image description: In front of a cream-colored wall is a large black chalkboard with colorful chalk writing. The largest white text reads “Healing is…” with many different words written around it in different colors. A middle-aged white woman with long wavy gray hair, wearing a black blazer, walks toward a friend, a Black man wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and holding a bouquet of yellow flowers. They greet each other with a hug, and he gives her the bouquet. A third person, a young white masc woman with short curly brown hair wearing a black short-sleeved shirt, walks in and places the numbers “4” and “0” into the bouquet. All three then stand facing the camera together. Transcript:
Stephanie, Interim Co-Director: Hello! What’s up? (She greets Irvine with a hug. He gives her the bouquet.) Oh, thank you! What’s the occasion? (Kaylie enters and places the numbers “4” and “0” into the bouquet.) Forty… what? Kaylie, Program and Administration Support Staff: It’s ADWAS’ 40th birthday! (excited reaction) Stephanie: Yes! I’m excited about the upcoming ADWAS birthday! When? March 25th! We will celebrate all week long. Monday, March 23, from 9–5 pm. Come anytime to the open house. We will eat and chat. Wednesday, March 25, ADWAS’ actual birthday. You can come anytime between 9 am and 8 pm. Depending on your schedule, come socialize and have conversations! Friday, March 27, from 9–5 pm. Again, come anytime that works with your schedule. We will discuss the future of ADWAS—what the next 40 years will look like. What do you envision the next 40 years looking like? Kaylie: More accessibility. Irvine, ODHH Case Manager: More resources for survivors. Stephanie: More safety and stronger community connections. We look forward to conversations with you at the open house! We look forward to seeing you soon—in just two weeks! Irvine and Kaylie: Come! (signed together) Stephanie: Yes—join the 40th birthday celebration!

ADWAS 40th birthday open house ADWAS invites the community to celebrate its 40th birthday during a week-long open house from March 23–27, 2026. Community members are invited to stop by, co...

ADWAS has special news for you!
ADWAS will be celebrating all year long as they enter a major milestone-40 years!
Image description: Two women stand side by side outdoors in front of a low wall decorated with colorful mosaic-style art tiles shaped like houses, suns, and geometric patterns. The woman on the left has curly hair pulled up with a headband and wears large green glasses and a maroon sweater. The woman on the right has long gray hair and wears a purple jacket over a black top. Behind them is a courtyard with a building and a large shade umbrella structure above them in daylight.
Transcript of video:
Emily and Stephanie standing together
Emily: Hello community! We are excited to share something special with you!
Stephanie: On March 25, 2026, ADWAS turns 40 years old!
Emily: For four decades, ADWAS has stood alongside Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing survivors providing advocacy, safety, and healing.
Stephanie: ADWAS exists because our community needed access to safety without language barriers. Survivors deserve support that honors culture, identity, and who they are.
Emily: this 40th year is a time to reflect on the strength that built ADWAS as an agency and the community that sustains it.
Stephanie: All year long, we will be sharing stories, honoring our her story, and invite you to celebrate with us.
Emily: You are our community and you are welcome to join us!
Stephanie: Another part of the celebration, we invite you to join us as we step into the future, the next 40 years for ADWAS and you!
Emily: Thank you
Stephanie: Thank you
Image of last screen: A celebratory graphic appears on a black background with scattered gold confetti. In the center is a white rectangular sign with rounded corners and a gold border. On the left side of the sign is a large red number “4,” and next to it a gold ring forming the “0.” Inside the gold ring is the word “adwas” written in a black script font. Below the number is a horizontal black line, and underneath it the years “1986 – 2026” written in red. The overall design highlights the 40th anniversary of ADWAS.

ADWAS: Celebrating 40 years! ADWAS will be celebrating all year long as they enter a major milestone-40 years! Image description: D: Two women stand side by side outdoors in front of a l...

Join us at the Sexual Assault Resource Fair in Tacoma, WA!

This event is bringing together local organizations to share resources, support, and information for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and HoH community members. Whether you are looking for services, want to learn how to support someone, or simply want to connect with community resources, everyone is welcome. 💙

Today is ! 🧡 Today we wore orange to show solidarity and raise
awareness about teen dating violence. Like a butterfly surrounded by flowers, relationships should be spaces where we feel safe, valued, and free to grow. Image description in the comment.