History of Metro Centers for Community Advocacy

In 1986, Metropolitan Battered Women’s Program was founded as a private 501(C)(3) non-profit organization in Jefferson Parish to offer services for victims of violence. In 2006, Metropolitan Battered Women’s Program was renamed Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. In 2016, Metropolitan Center for Women and Children became Metro Centers for Community Advocacy (Metro). This name change identifies Metro more closely with the nature of our mission.

• Metro Centers for Community Advocacy (then known as Metropolitan Battered Women’s Program) was first founded to provide a 2nd stage (transitional shelter) for those victims fleeing violence in their homes. As a result, Metro opened the first transitional shelter for battered women in the state of Louisiana.
• In 1990, Metro Centers for Community Advocacy expanded its services to the increasing number of survivors residing in St. Charles, St. John, and St. James Parishes.
• In 1992, Metro opened an emergency shelter with the capacity for housing 15 women and children.
• In 2003, Metro purchased an office/shelter complex to serve survivors residing on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish.
• After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, Metro began providing services for sexual assault victims to the Greater New Orleans area (Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines, St. Tammany, St. Charles, St. John, and St. James Parishes).
• In 2007, Metro started offering services to survivors of human trafficking.

Metro is primarily funded through state, federal, and local grant monies, as well as donations of clothing, food, personal care items or household items from private sources, cash and gift card donations.

Metro Centers for Community Advocacy has a clear mission and goals focused on providing services for survivors of trauma through trauma-informed care. As an agency Metro constantly researches best practices to seek new ways to assist survivors. Metro Centers for Community Advocacy wants to help families regain their physical and emotional strength, resulting in empowerment and transformation. As survivors become stronger, the community is strengthened. Metro is also active in community education and outreach, operating on the premise that an informed public makes for a safer and more concerned citizenry.

Metro Brochure – Coping with Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, Stalking (PDF)

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HOTLINE

24 HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE
504-837-5400

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1-888-411-1333

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APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE:
Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, St. Tammany and River Parishes

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24 Hour Crisis Hotline

888-411-1333