Women of Substance, Inc. (WOS) is a Christian faith based 501(c)3 non-profit, domestic violence & child abuse organization listed with New York State Charities that works for the betterment of women and children. Mary, Founder and President, has an extensive background in Non-Profit administration, Public Relations, Promotions, and as Special Events Coordinator. She is a Certified Victim Advocate, Certified Child Advocate, Certified Biblical Counselor, and has been a victim of domestic violence herself. She now reaches the community through Women of Substance 24 hour domestic violence hotline. Through the vehicle of TV, radio, speaking and conferences and other mediums, many women begin to reach out during their troubled times. Women of Substance (WOS) was approved by Optimum/Cablevision in August '98, was airing many years on Public Access channels from Queens to Nassau & Suffolk Counties. This 30 minute talk format production, which was on 7 times a week in the New York area, had women from all walks of life, share their incredible stories of how they overcame, conquered and attained victory in the most difficult times of life. The program then expanded to Dish Satelite Sky Angel Network reaching over 10 million households. By taking on the challenge of becoming a resource and referral center through it 24 hour domestic violence hotline, WOS has been able to give women the proper help in their time of need. The needs of women are many. Some of the topics we deal with are: domestic violence, spousal abuse, elder abuse, drug/alcohol abuse, bereavement, breast cancer, su***de, depression, single parenting, SIDS, HIV, run away children, poor self-esteem and low self-worth etc. In 1999, Nassau County reported 35,000 incidence of Domestic Violence. In Suffolk County there were 30,000 cases. In response, our 24-hour national hotline (1-866-86-ABUSE) for women in crisis was manned starting the winter of 2001. We also provide a team who are NYS Licensed and Certified Psychotherapists and Ph.D's. These professionals service women and children through hotline referrals. We also conduct in-services for organizations and agencies throughout the Nassau & Suffolk county areas. WOS goes into churches, ministries and other non-profit organizations to teach and empower women, to properly counsel and meet the needs of their body of people. (WOS has reached out in humanitarian relief to Bosnia by providing cans of non-perishable food, as well as winter clothing for infants, children and the elderly within the countryside as well as to a local children's hospital. Sheets, towels, baby food, and other vitally important items were sent to Columbia to help meet some of the needs of the earthquake victims there in 1998. Each year at Christmas has distributed either toys, Christmas meals or both.) WOS is not just involved with domestic violence and child abuse issues. We are involved with women and their families. It is about making healthy choices. It's about thinking more highly of ourselves, and it's about living, not just existing. WOS is there to give women, who have had to face dire circumstances, a future with practical answers. Currently Rev. Mary Pastor of Women of Substance is on radio every Sunday morning at 9:30 am on WGBB 1240am & live online at 1240amWGBB.com.
