DaySpring Villa

DaySpring Villa

Since 1995, DaySpring Villa has provided shelter and spiritual, physical and emotional support to more than 5,000 battered and homeless women and children in Oklahoma. Today, we offer a confidentially located, safe haven for up to 55 women and children in crisis. Our 17 guest rooms are neatly appointed with beds, dressers and nightstands, and colorfully decorated to create a positive environment. DaySpring Villa provides the basic necessities for temporary housing, including a kitchen and dining room, TV room, library, snack center, child recreation room, outdoor play area, and donation rooms filled with toys, clothing and basic household items.

Guests of DaySpring Villa may extend their residency as long as they follow the shelter's rules and actively work toward achieving their individual goals. As guests, women are expected to participate in housekeeping duties that benefit everyone. We also require our guests to work with our staff to set realistic, practical goals in the areas of education, job training and placement, parenting and independent living. Transportation is available for job interviews, apartment hunting and medical appointments. DaySpring Villa's Bible studies and worship services are vital components to the spiritual and emotional development of each guest in their quest for a healthy, fulfilling life.

As one of only two shelters for battered and homeless women and their children in the Tulsa metro area, DaySpring Villa maintains a professional staff to assist our guests with their transition to an independent life. Our volunteers work tirelessly to support our staff and guests, and help fortify our organization with open minds and kind hearts.

The Facts No One Wants to Believe.

Domestic violence has long been considered a private matter kept secret in families. Afraid and ashamed, women often endure lifetimes of violence at the hands of those who claim to love them. Making a decision to leave the violence can be as difficult as electing to stay.

Oklahoma ranks 10th among states with the highest number of battered women and children and 7th in the nation for women murdered by men. These women come from every socioeconomic background, every race, ethnicity and religion. They stand behind us in line at the grocery store; sit next to us in church; work with us and live by us. Tragically, 62 percent of the children living in violent homes are also abused. Homeless women and their children are a relatively new phenomenon and often the victims of job loss, eviction or abandonment.

More Than Just a Shelter From the Storm.

DaySpring Villa first opened its doors in 1980 as the Tulsa Metro Baptist Association's Women's Shelter with the capacity to house 25 women and children. The need, however, soon outweighed our resources.

In January 1995, preparations were made to move what is now known as DaySpring Villa to a new, larger location west of downtown Tulsa. A team of volunteers renovated the building, and donated furnishings and appliances to accommodate the growing population of battered and homeless women and children in Oklahoma.

In June 1995, DaySpring Villa received certification as a domestic violence shelter from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Now certified by the Oklahoma Attorney General, we seek recertification every three years as required by law.

As the only faith-based, certified domestic violence shelter in Oklahoma, DaySpring Villa prides itself in offering a unique environment that emphasizes spiritual guidance with individual goal-setting as the path to a healthy, independent life.