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About Us The Gaston County Battered Spouse Shelter opened in April, 1982 and operates under the direction of the Gaston County Department of Social Services. In the beginning, the facility was a 3 bedroom, 1 bath house with very limited staff. A social worker was hired part time in November, 1983. This position later became full time. During 1995, staff and residents moved into a new building that was renamed The Shelter of Gaston County. We can house 20-25 women and children depending upon family size. We have 6 bedrooms, 2 large bathrooms, and 2 half-baths, plus living quarters for night staff. We store extra bedding such as cots, air mattresses and sleeping bags to use when needed. When the Shelter is filled, we work with other local shelters to accommodate our clients. The Shelter of Gaston County provides a safe, emergency residence where victims can live in times of crisis. The services we offer include counseling, court advocacy, information and referral, direct services, support group meetings for women and children, a children's program, transportation to appointments, and a strong support system through the Shelter Staff. We have a home visit program for our clients after they leave our Shelter and we are on call from 8:00am-5:00pm to assist victims of domestic violence who are in the emergency room. We rely on our community's support for a various number of items which we list on a monthly "Wish List." Various grants help to supplement some salaries and special programs. The Shelter receives no United Way funding, but over the years, has been extremely fortunate to receive so much support from our citizens and the Gaston County Commissioners since 1982. Our Shelter Staff includes:
Our staff works together as a team, filling in for each other when needed to get the job done. Also, we have a growing list of talented and dedicated volunteers who gave 1518 hours of service in 2002. From 1982 through 2004, the Shelter has provided a safe haven for 6372 residents. Learn more about our history by viewing our timeline.
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