The Sanctuary Women’s Development Center focuses on the needs of women who live in shelters, although services are also available to people who are at risk of becoming homeless. Trained social workers assess the personal strengths and needs of participants including health and nutritional status, income and benefits, mental health status, and vocational/employment concerns. The assessment also identifies legal, domestic violence, and child abuse issues or concerns.
Sanctuary offers a reprieve from the outside elements, access to showers and a laundry room, a computer lab, and food for those who come in hungry. As an outreach to low-income families living in the neighborhood, Sanctuary participants maintain a community garden and all are welcome to tend the garden and pick the produce. This is a ministry of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.