Women of Worth

We have had friends and co-workers helped by Women of Worth. Without this great organizations help, they would have been sleeping in their cars, or worse, on the streets. I have donated to them before and will do so in the future.
I highly recommend that everyone who is able, please donate to these Angels of Mercy. We never know when circumstances could force any of us to need their services.
Gerry Anderson
Grass Valley

Women of Worth helped my friend get out of a dangerous domestic violence situation. They housed her & her children in a beautiful shelter & were supportive through every facet of escape. The director Ms. Escobar, helped so much & Women of Worth staff/most are volunteers went above & beyond the call of duty!

I am writing this in hopes that the community will become even more aware of what wow is really about. I have much to say. I was a client and resident of the shelter. I was the first to find my voice and tell my truths.Many many women have been too afraid to speak for fear of homelessness.I saw one woman threaten to go to the local newspaper and was exited while she was at work, her belongings literally thrown out to the curb next to the garbage. I endured several months because I witnessed that and I feared the same retaliation.I finally gathered the courage to speak up. The results were: Lee Druktenis and Sandy Schmidt came to the shelter and locked me out.They physically prevented me from getting my belongings and refused to give them back. I was able to capture part of the altercation on video. It has been over a month and I still don't have my things. The two of them decided what I could have and what I couldnt have back. They were gracious enough (after my son and I contacted the police)to give me a box of my family's photos, and a plant, but nothing else. It was nov. And they wouldn't even give me my coat. There's much more going on at wow than meets the eye. Our community is becoming aware and I am trying to help them by getting my truths out in hopes that it will help. The reason I abruptly fell from SandySchmidt's graces (I was 100 percent involved with volunteering up to 30 hours per week at her"not for profit" office and thrift store, then within 3 days I was made homeless with no clothes)Iwas made aware of many facts that were completely different than the mission statement she offers to donors and potential donors. (Iworked in the office, I also packed the office when the organization abruptly moved) I was told by Lee Druktenis, wow operations/program director, that the reason the entire board of directors resigned at one time was because they were all liars who were competing for Sandy's undivided attention. This didn't make sense to me, so under further investigation I learned why. Lee Druktenis.... this is all going to be revealed to the public soon. My story is apparently not unique. Many others have been exited because of telling their truths, or saying they were about to tell their truths, as was the case with me. I have been told by many outstanding citizens in our community that this organization has burned it's bridges with the kind hearted volunteers and donors. I am glad I spoke up, I do not regret it. I plan to continue. Please feel free to do your own research here. Please help me help possible future clients. Losing my things is not my issue here.I am and will forever be, grateful that they gave my photos back. They were the only things I could not have replaced(expect for some items from my grandmother that they still have) I am used to starting over, my husband(abuser of 34 yrs) always kept my things when I tried to leave. My concern and new passion for this year is to stop Lee Druktenis from being so closely involved with women who come to Sandy for help from abuse . Until wow is completely exposed, every woman...who enters Hettys Haven at risk of being re victimized. These are my truths. I stand up tall now and tell them, because.. one woman is not worthy. Sandy Schmidt is most definitely not worthy of the donations, nor the clients she claims to serve. This is no fault of our community nor the donors and volunteers. It just proves that Domestic violence is prevalent in places you would never expect.If you have been a client, please feel free now to speak either for or against WOW. I welcome all feedback. Feel free to contact me, or Liz Kellar of the Union newspaper.

Women of Worth is an amazing organization that really makes a difference in this world and for me, that is the ultimate goal in life! I have followed the progress of W.O.W. over the years and all I can is "Wow! People who truly care! What a blessing". I will always support the Women of Worth and I pray for their success daily.

I have been volunteering at WOW for almost 2 years now. WOW is the best organization that helps so many women, children, and even men that have or are suffering from abuse. My time spent doing whatever is needed gives me fulfillment and self worth. I recommend WOW to anyone looking for a place to give of themselves.

A family member was in need and WOW came through big time. I have worked with them for a few years now and think they are one of the best run org. in the country. God bless each and every one of them. Truly working under God's watchful eye. Keep up the great work folks!

I have loved all aspects of this organization. Everything from their mission, efforts, advocacy, community role, outreach, social presence, store, programs, media sites ect is beyond top notch. I can't help but hope they and the lives they impact thrive and succeed beyond expectations.

Women of Worth is an incredible charity that is needed to help women in need of escape from domestic violence in our local community. Sandy Schmidt, the Director & Founder of Women of Worth, is an amazing & inspiring woman that is devoted to helping the women in our area. I have been blessed enough to be able to bless these women on a few occasions. This is, by far, my favorite charity that holds a very special place in my heart and I only wish that I could give more.

I have done a lot of volunteer work in the past but volunteering for Women Of Worth has exposed me to a world that I was not really aware was out there. I knew of domestic violence and sexual assault, but never that it happened as often as it does and it effect people of all different kinds of families. It quickly opened my eyes to just how widespread it is and how many folks are affected. Thanks to this organization, I am much more aware of the problem and I personally see how an organization like Women of Worth does change lives and make it a better place. It is a great help in our community.

Women of Worth is an organization for abused women, and there have been some men.

Meeting some of the women has been so inspiring and gut wrenching.

It also has allowed our community to come together by collecting needed articles for setting up a new home. By participating in a local charity we can see the benefits of fund raising and donations first hand.

Sandy and her staff are hard-working dedicated people that are committed to their cause. They work tirelessly to bring the best service and care to their clients.

Sandy Schmidt, founder and manager of Women of Worth, is devoted to sacrificially rebuilding broken and demoralized lives through love, counseling and material resources. I respect her organizational skills combined with her servant's heart. Sandy is the reason II donate to W.O.W. Rod Mills

I first learned about Woman of Worth when one of their clients told her story at our local 4H meeting. I was impressed to hear of her story of being in an abusive relationship and leaving in the middle of the night to protect herself and her children. She had less than one dollar which didn't matter, it was safety she needed most. To hear her talk to a gathering of strangers so candidly was impressive.
Woman of Worth came to the rescue finding her shelter, food, and protection. They helped her to find employment and strength for a better future for her family.
I was touched by her story and knew this is just one voice of many that have been helped out in a crisis situation. I wrote a check that night for their cause and filled out a volunteer sheet to assist.

Volunteering as a receiver of household goods, clothing, furniture, toys, kitchen appliances and supplies and then transporting these donated items to the organized storaged unit to be easily found and distributed when needed for clients. I have helped a mom and 3 children move entirely out of the abusive home in just 6 hours. Placing this client into a safe temporary home where counseling and changes can begin for their healing and education of a Healthy Family. I have had the privilege of delivering many donated items of great need to the single moms who left everything to begin a better future life for her and her children, breaking a generational circle of living with abusive. I have volunteered working the booth to encourage the public of their support both financial and goods donated.

Women of worth has made a huge impact in our community. We are an entirely non profit organization and several women volunteer full time to help women in this and surrounding counties. we help women in crisis get the help they need for food, shelter. medical, etc and we also have a women's shelter in which we house women and children until they can get on their feet. We also do a "Back to school program in the Fall during which we provide backpacks full of school supplies to needy families in the area. We also a HO HO HO program at Christmas time ...last Christmas we found "angels" who provided Christmas for about 150 families...anonymously.

Great organization led by a fantastic giving woman...Sandy, with a huge heart that truly turned lemons into lemonade. Now she takes her experiences and helps other women dealing with spousal abuse situations.

I believe Women of Worth helps women and children in need daily in our community. This agency provides a safe place to turn when a person is limited in options. They provide counseling, temporary shelter, clothing, and other immediate needs to their clients. Myself and my church have donated and continue to support Women of Worth as a valuable asset to our community.

I met a young and vibrant woman when we hired her. She was working to obtain her teaching credential and sought the job as a way to work her way through school. We quickly saw her kindness and helpfulness delivered in her strong but soft spoken way. What a joy she was to have around. She worked to deliver great service to our customers, jumped in to improve our ways of working and was always a fun and giggly coworker. It wasn't until much later that we learned of her painful past, her mother's death...the victim of domestic violence. I wondered what it was inside her that allowed her to let her light continue to shine through after an event that would seem unbearable to anyone. As I'm now learning, it was her mother's spirit, the support of her family and resources like those available through Women of Worth. It was then I decided that I would whatever small thing I could do to help other women and children in times of need to see that there can be a bright future, no matter how difficult their past.

Prior to volunteering for Women Of Worth, I had not been exposed to the world of domestic violence and sexual assault. I quickly had my eyes opened to just how widespread it is and how many folks are affected. Thanks to this organization, I am much more aware of the problem and during the time that I was an active volunteer, I sincerely hope that we made a difference in the lives of several families.

Women of Worth is working hard to give abused women and their families the help they need to become self-sufficient and to make a permanent exit from abusive relationships. One of these efforts is to open a transitional home in the Nevada City, California area. HUGELY important - not only for the women but for their communities. Think about it...women keep going back to abusive spouses because they feel 'stuck' - they often don't have the finances or life skills to get the heck out and stay out. From personal experience as a teacher, I know what happens to the children in particular - they become depressed or angry and cannot function in school. Not only that, it's not uncommon of for the violence to get out of hand....and well, the impact of the woman's death is far-reaching.

The day began early, 530 am, and the set up for this yearly yard sale began. I was emotionally impacted by the beautiful attitudes of all the other volunteers on this morning. Knowing the need for funds, I delayed my departure because of the need to assist with sales completion. It was my pleasure to serve for far more than my committed hours. Thank you WOW for all you do.

My wife and I enjoy donating items to Women Of Worth. While there are many organizations that collect items to sell to benefit those in need, we are confident in the faithfulness and integrity of Sandy Schmidt and her group. We follow them on Facebook and it's great to see examples of the help and support they provide to families who are truly in need.

The adopt-a-family/holiday angel program is very well run. It takes dozens of volunteers to make this program happen, and it is a real blessing within our community. I have been honored to participate as a donor in this program, as well as other times throughout the year. The staff and volunteers are gracious and give so much to this organization.

Women of Worth helps families in crisis. It is nice to see an organization that really makes a different in families while helping them start new and treating them with respect. It is great to see the happy faces on the children and parents at Christmas time. Knowing that without WOW they would not be having a Christmas.

Women of Worth is easy to get excited about and stand behind. They help families in crisis. WOW goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of people in dire need. The people WOW helps are treated with respect and loving care.

I really loved seeing the kids get their presents and just being so happy. The parents were so thankful and I was so honered to share that moment.

Six years ago I left a violent and unstable home with my child. I left with literally nothing and started a new life. Women of Worth helped me with furniture, clothing, food and helped me to rebuild my self esteem. Women of worth saved our lives. I was afraid I would have to return to a life of Domestic Violence due to my financial need, but with help from Women of Worth, I was able to stay violence free.