​Women's History Month In Mecklenburg County: Leaders Past

Davidson NC

22 March, 2022

6:22 PM

Description

Press release from the Mecklenburg County Government: 3/15/2022 Description1 In 1974, County Commission Chairman Elisabeth G. "Liz" Hair, the first woman to be elected to the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, led the drive to establish an advisory committee to address the needs and issues of women. The Commission on the Status of Women, as it was known, was renamed the Women's Commission in 1979 and focused on employment, training, domestic violence services and advocacy for women, children and families. As Mecklenburg County commemorates Women's History Month, we remember the women who have worked over the years to establish, provide and expand these vital services. Founding the Women's Commission was only one of Chairman Hair's many accomplishments in what was then a male-dominated political world. Before joining the Board of County Commissioners, she worked for years to get women involved in local politics and civic issues. She fought for mental health services, helped establish the Metro School, chaired the Arts & Science Council, campaigned for the development of Mecklenburg County's greenways, served on the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees, and many other accomplishments. Four Decades of Evolution During the four decades since its founding, the Women's Commission evolved dramatically under several dynamic directors. Pat Grigg, who served as director from 1989-2004, developed the first witness program for children who live in homes where domestic violence is a threat. Grigg also fought to bring more social workers into the Women's Commission and to expand services for women who are displaced from their homes by domestic violence or other issues and need help. The Women's Commission was also a catalyst for the establishment of the first Shelter for Battered Women, the Council for Children, Charlotte Emergency Housing and the first batterer's intervention program (ADAM, now known as New Options for Violent Actions (NOVA). A New Home in CSS Today, the Women's Commission that grew under the leadership of these women is part of Mecklenburg County's Community Support Services (CSS) department. CSS's Prevention and Intervention Services Division grew from the Women's Commission's roots and is now home to a range of supports for individuals and families impacted by intimate partner violence, substance use, and /or mental health. Just last month, CSS celebrated the first anniversary of its partnership in a new initiative, the Survivor Resource Center, which coordinates multiple agencies to help survivors of acute and life-threatening cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child maltreatment. Stacy Lowry assumed leadership of the Women's Commission beginning in 2004 and is today director of the combined Community Support Services department, which includes Prevention and Intervention Services, Veterans Services, and Housing and Homelessness Services. "We're committed to carrying forward the vision of Liz Hair and the many others who fought for the needs and issues of women," said Lowry. "Our mission has always been to transform lives and promote the growth, independence, and productivity of women and children and entire families." "In 2022, that goal has expanded to anyone who needs those services, whether it's veterans who are navigating their benefits to teenagers who are navigating the dating scene for the first time. Our goals include offering assistance in the form of direct help or just support networks, so our clients know they aren't alone." While Liz Hair passed away in 2014, her legacy in Mecklenburg County—and the legacies of countless women who followed in her footsteps—live on in the qualities and services available that make Charlotte-Mecklenburg one of the most livable communities in the nation. Women's History Month Resources Celebrate women in Mecklenburg County's history with Charlotte Mecklenburg LibraryFind an inspiration read from the LibraryTake a stroll on the Liz Hair Nature Walk along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway Listen to Liz Hair discuss her long political and civic history in this oral history presented by UNC CharlotteN.C. Museum of History shares stories of influential women in North Carolina Women's History Month Survivor Resource Center passed away in 2014 Celebrate women in Mecklenburg County's history with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library This press release was produced by the Mecklenburg County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.