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The Women’s Freedom Center

A women’s community center was started in Brattleboro Vermont in the 1960’s as a grassroots response to local women’s issues. The initial topics of discussion were centered around the local rapes, and an effort was made to establish a rape crisis in town, which was established in the 1970’s. The Women’s Crisis Center began in 1974 with federal funds. The group focused on studying the legal and welfare system. The center shut down in 1981 due to lack of funding, but after negotiating with the town through writing grant proposals and asking for donations, the center reopened in May of ‘82. The Crisis Center changed its name to the Women’s Freedom Center, it’s current title. The Crisis center serves as an historical example of women coming together in an effort to raise awareness for women’s rights in Vermont, as well as early connections between this grassroots organization and both federal and local governments.