HISTORY

Kansas City’s First Domestic Violence Shelter

Newhouse is Kansas City’s first domestic violence shelter.
Founded in 1971, Newhouse is recognized as a state leader in innovative practices and survivor-centric services.

We are forever grateful to Rev. Sharon Garfield and Dortha Mae Olsen for being pioneers for social justice in Kansas City more than 50 years ago. Sharon saw a gap in support services for those facing domestic violence, and Dortha Mae joined her in bringing the idea of Newhouse to life.

Our History

Founding

An ecumenical community group in greater Kansas City formed NEWS (Neighborhood Ecumenical Witness and Service) to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence. NEWS originally started as a food pantry for their neighbors but quickly grew to providing clothing assistance in addition to outreach efforts to locate services for those who came for help. Rev. Sharon Garfield and Dortha Mae Olsen were co-founders.