Memphis, Tennessee · Nonprofit

EmpoweringWomen.RebuildingLives.

We bring hope, safe housing, and healing to women in Memphis — walking beside survivors and single mothers as they build the lives they deserve.

Get Support Donate

Women Served

Nights of Safe Housing

Volunteers

Years Serving Memphis

Why It Matters

The need in Memphis is real.

While major violent crimes dropped by over 31% in Memphis during the first half of 2026, domestic violence has proven more stubborn — showing the smallest decrease of any category. Behind every number is a woman, a child, a family who deserves safety.

6,913

reported domestic violence offenses in Memphis in the first six months of 2026 — a 5.7% decrease from the same period in 2025.

7,828

reported offenses across Shelby County in the first half of 2026, a 5.9% decrease countywide.

51.5%

of domestic violence aggravated assaults involved a firearm in the first quarter of 2026 (205 cases).

16,000+

reported offenses in Shelby County in 2025 — over 14,000 of them inside the city of Memphis.

119

domestic violence-related calls answered by Memphis Police every day — more than 40,000 calls a year.

fatal domestic violence incidents recorded by MPD over a recent 12-month tracking period.

Sources: Memphis Police Department and Shelby County reported offense data, 2025–2026.

About Us

A safe place to land. A strong place to rise.

Women of Power, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence and their children by providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where healing, growth, and new beginnings are possible.

We believe every woman deserves to live free from fear, violence, and abuse. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving environment. Through compassionate advocacy, education, spiritual encouragement, counseling referrals, housing assistance, workforce development, and community resources, we help survivors regain their confidence, rebuild their independence, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Our organization was founded on the belief that surviving is only the beginning. True empowerment comes when individuals are given the tools, resources, encouragement, and opportunities to heal, grow, and thrive.

Serving Memphis, Shelby County, and surrounding West Tennessee communities, including Fayette, Tipton, Haywood, and Lauderdale Counties, Women of Power is committed to breaking cycles of abuse, strengthening families, and creating lasting change.

Our Mission

Women of Power is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Through education, spiritual support, counseling, and legal advocacy, we empower survivors to reclaim their strength, build resilience, and heal—becoming whole again in mind, body, and spirit.

Our Vision

To create communities where every woman and child can live free from violence, experience healing, and have access to the resources and opportunities needed to achieve independence, stability, and lasting empowerment.

Our Core Values

Empowerment

Helping women rediscover their strength, confidence, independence, and purpose.

Compassion

Providing a welcoming, judgment-free environment where survivors are treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.

Faith & Hope

Offering spiritual encouragement and hope while respecting each individual's personal beliefs and healing journey.

Safety & Advocacy

Promoting safe environments, protecting dignity, and connecting survivors with the advocacy and resources they need.

Healing & Resilience

Supporting emotional recovery, personal growth, and the rebuilding of healthy, fulfilling lives.

Education & Independence

Equipping individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency.

Community & Collaboration

Building meaningful partnerships that strengthen families and expand access to essential services.

Meet Our Founder

Catrena Sanders

A Woman of Faith. A Leader with Purpose. A Voice for Survivors.

As a survivor of domestic violence, Catrena understands firsthand the courage it takes to walk away from abuse, the challenges of rebuilding a life, and the importance of having a strong support system during the healing process.

Her personal experiences, combined with her compassion for others, inspired her to create an organization where women and children can find safety, encouragement, hope, and the resources needed to begin again.

With more than 25 years of professional experience in Human Resources, leadership, employee relations, workforce development, and organizational management, Catrena brings extensive knowledge and a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

Her dedication to strengthening families and supporting vulnerable populations extends beyond her professional career. As a mother and former foster parent, she understands the importance of creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments where children and families can thrive.

Through Women of Power, Catrena is working to bridge gaps in community resources, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful opportunities for survivors throughout the Greater Memphis area, the Mid-South, and West Tennessee.

Guided by her Christian faith, Catrena believes that no person's past should determine their future and that healing, restoration, and transformation are possible when individuals are surrounded by compassion, encouragement, and opportunity.

A Message from Our Founder

"I founded Women of Power because I believe every woman deserves to feel safe, valued, respected, and empowered. I understand that leaving an abusive situation is not always the end of the struggle. For many survivors, it is the beginning of an entirely new journey—one that requires strength, courage, resources, and support.
My vision is to create a place where women and children are not defined by what they have endured but are empowered by what they can become.
Women of Power is more than an organization. It is a mission rooted in faith, compassion, healing, and the belief that every woman has the strength within her to rise above her circumstances.
Our goal is not simply to help women survive. It is to provide the encouragement, education, advocacy, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives, rediscover their purpose, and thrive.
Together, we can break cycles of abuse, restore hope, strengthen families, and create brighter futures for generations to come."

— Catrena Sanders

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Women of Power, Inc.

About Us

Meet the Team

Meet our team as Women of Power grows. Team member introductions are coming soon.

About Us

Board of Directors

Meet the people guiding our mission. Board member portraits and biographies are coming soon.

Our Story

"When one woman is lifted, a whole family rises — and a whole community follows."

— Ms. Sanders, Founder

Our Services

Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.

Every survivor's journey is different, and the support they need extends beyond emergency shelter. Whether you need housing assistance, food, childcare, clothing, healthcare, legal services, or other essential resources, we're here to help.

A circle of women sharing and supporting one another in a warm room

Emergency Housing Assistance

We provide safe, temporary, & confidential emergency housing. If we are at capacity, we partner with other organizations and/or hotels in the area.

Request Help →

Clothing & Essentials

We provide emergency clothing, personal hygiene kits, and everyday essentials for you and your children.

Request Help →

Counseling & Emotional Support

Healing begins with support, understanding, and compassion. We connect survivors and their children with trusted, trauma-informed counselors, mental health professionals, and support groups.

Request Help →

Transportation Assistance

We provide survivors and their children with access to transportation to medical appointments, job interviews, court hearings, counseling sessions, educational programs, and other essential services.

Request Help →

Community Resources

We provide valuable community resources and support services to help them rebuild their lives. Through trusted community partnerships and referrals, we assist families in accessing employment opportunities, child care assistance, legal aid, educational programs, housing resources, healthcare services, and other essential support.

Request Help →

Anchored & Divine Food Ministries

We offer a community food pantry that is open to the public Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call our office for more information.

Request Help →

Reentry Housing Program

Steps of Faith Housing

Women of Power believes everyone deserves an opportunity for a fresh start. Our Reentry & Second Chance Support Program helps individuals transitioning from incarceration back into their communities by connecting them with resources, guidance, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Through community partnerships, mentorship, education, workforce development, and supportive services, we help participants overcome barriers to successful reintegration and work toward long-term stability and independence.

Women of Power Support Services also include:

Employment & Career Readiness

Job search assistance, resume development, interview preparation, and workforce training referrals.

Education & Skills Development

Connections to GED programs, vocational training, certifications, and continuing education opportunities.

Life Skills & Personal Development

Support with goal setting, decision-making, financial literacy, and building healthy relationships.

Mentorship & Emotional Support

Encouragement, accountability, and connections to counseling and community support networks.

Entrepreneurship & Financial Empowerment

Guidance and educational opportunities for individuals interested in starting businesses and achieving financial independence.

Request Help

"Survivors are not defined by their past but by the strength it took to rebuild their lives."

A smiling mother holding her daughter's hand on an autumn walk

Testimonies

In their own words

"When I lost my job and hit rock bottom, I didn’t know how I was going to make it as a single parent of three. I was struggling, wanting to do better for my kids, but I just needed help to get back on track. That’s when Women of Power stepped in and truly changed our lives. They never judged me—instead, they saw me, listened to me, and offered real support. They helped me find housing, provided clothing for me and my children, and connected us with neighborhood resources that gave us a sense of stability and hope. I can’t thank the organization enough for being there during my hardest moments. Their kindness and dedication gave me the strength to keep going and start building a better future for my family. We are forever grateful."

— Ms. Black

"From the very first conversation, I felt seen, heard, and supported. They didn’t just offer me kind words—they took real action. With their help, I was able to safely leave my situation and get into secure housing for myself and my son. They helped us find peace, stability, and a fresh start. But Women of Power didn’t stop there. They’ve continued to support me emotionally and spiritually. Whether it’s connecting me to resources, helping with basic needs, or simply checking in to remind me I’m not alone, this organization has truly been a lifeline."

— Ms. Malone

Upcoming

Exciting Things Are Coming!

While we do not have any scheduled events at this time, we invite you to stay connected as we prepare for upcoming opportunities.

Get Involved

Be part of her comeback.

Your time, gifts, and partnership put hope into action.

Donate

Every gift provides safe nights, clothing, and rides to a fresh start.

Give Today

Volunteer

Sort donations, drive, mentor, or help at events.

Join Us

Partner With Us

Churches, businesses, and agencies — let's multiply our impact.

Partner

Get Help

We're here for you.

Reach out for help, to volunteer, or to partner. Every message is confidential.

Women of Power
1910 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104-2620
(800) 587-0911
womenofpowertn.org

Get Help

Domestic Violence Intervention

If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.

For confidential help in Tennessee 24/7, please call 1-800-356-6767.

National Support & Crisis Resources (United States)

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential advocacy, safety planning, and national directory of local shelters and services.

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Text START to 88788 Chat

Love is Respect

Focused on dating abuse prevention and support for young people.

1-866-331-9474 Text LOVEIS to 22522 Chat

Strong Hearts Native Helpline

24/7 culturally relevant support for Native American and Alaska Native survivors.

844-7NATIVE (762-8483)Chat

Battered Women's Justice Project (BWJP)

Provides legal-system focused assistance, training, and technical support related to violence against women.

1-800-903-0111 Website

The Trevor Project

24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

1-866-488-7386 Text START to 678678 Chat

988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

Call 988

Local Resources

YWCA

766 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111

24/7 Crisis & Support Hotline

(901) 725-4277

The Women's Advocacy Center

Call for a confidential consultation. Please call our crisis line at 901-844-3578 after hours.

901-896-9055 After-hours: 901-844-3578

LINCS

2155 Hillside Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38127

(901) 353-0927

Door Of Hope

245 N. Bellevue, Memphis, TN 38105

901-552-5331

Room In The Inn – Memphis

409 Ayers Street, Memphis, TN 38105

Office Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm

New guest registration: 4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily
Free; spaces are filled by 5 p.m.

901-467-0122 Innkeeper@ritimemphis.org

Memphis Crisis Center

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Services

901-274-7477

Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc. (MALS)

22 North Front Street, 11th Floor, downtown Memphis OR 899-A Highway 51 South, Covington, Tennessee

(901) 523-8822

Memphis Area Women’s Council

Due to the epidemic levels of violence against women and girls, the Council has an ongoing strategic focus on the needs of survivors, on system change to increase prosecution of batterers and rapists and to increase resources and community response to these crimes, to victim/survivors and to perpetrators.

(901) 378-3866 Website