Our Story: Who We Are
The Cocoon is Wood County’s comprehensive domestic and sexual violence agency providing shelter and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, stalking, and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Vision Statement: The Cocoon will be a trusted partner, community leader, and transforming voice in Wood County and surrounding areas. We are committed to ending domestic and sexual violence, empowering those affected by abuse, and envision safety, justice, nonviolence, and equity for all people through social change.
Our Mission
The Cocoon exists to provide safety, healing, and justice across the lifespan for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, their children, and all those affected by abuse. We work to educate and increase awareness about abuse and commit to building a compassionate and safe community.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors advise, govern, oversee policy, and direct and assist with the leadership and general promotion of The Cocoon so as to support our mission and needs.
Catherine Clements
President
Jennifer DeGroot
Vice-President
Willow Soluri
Secretary
Cathy Walker
Treasurer
Christine Castellano
Board Member
Melissa Greenlee
Board Member
Prak Naik
Board Member
Mary Natvig
Board Member
Laura Sheets
Board Member
Justin White
Board Member
Susan Winters
Board Member
Kacee Ferrell Snyder
Past President
Our History:
The Cocoon's Impact In Our Community
2000
- Grassroots advocacy and community organizing occur through the BGSU Women's Center and Transformation Project to bring shelter to Wood County.
- After 4 domestic homicides in as many years occurred in Wood County, there is tremendous pressure to open an emergency shelter.
2004
- A local property owner designates one of his properties for use by The Cocoon Shelter.
2005
- In June, The Cocoon Shelter opens and immediately starts providing services to those seeking emergency shelter.
2012
- In May, Victims Services of Behavioral Connections transitions it non-residential domestic violence advocacy program to The Cocoon Shelter. All domestic violence survivors receive comprehensive services from one agency.
2014
- In November, The Cocoon Shelter purchases a building with the vision of creating a larger capacity emergency shelter and comprehensive advocacy center.
2015
- In the spring, The Cocoon Shelter changes its name to The Cocoon to signify that we provide more than just domestic violence, emergency shelter services. A new logo, brand colors, and mission statement are adopted at this time.
- On October 1st, SAAFE Center moves its program to The Cocoon and we begin providing dual domestic and sexual violence services.
2017
- In May, Phase 1 of renovations were completed and the new shelter facility opened, doubling shelter capacity.
2020
& BEYOND
- The Cocoon operates as a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence agency, providing shelter and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, and stalking and to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
