Our Mission

Laurel House is dedicated to the vision of ending domestic violence in each life, home and community.

The mission of Laurel House is to:

Advocate for and empower those impacted by domestic violence by providing crisis intervention, safe haven, supportive programs and resources

Advance social change through preventative education and through community training and collaboration to foster a coordinated response to domestic abuse

Laurel House is a comprehensive domestic violence agency serving individuals, families and communities throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The agency’s name was selected because of the beauty of the laurel, Pennsylvania’s state flower. It represents a victory for people who have taken the courageous first step of reaching out to Laurel House in their efforts to build a violence-free life for themselves and their children.

The agency’s first program, a domestic violence shelter for abused women and their children, was founded by the Women’s Center of Montgomery County in 1980. In 1981, Laurel House was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization.

Laurel House’s shelter has long been known as a safe place to heal. However, for numerous decades, our programs have expanded to include many other needed services and support resources. Today, in addition to our 24-hour hotline and shelter, Laurel House offers transitional housing, medical advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling and support groups, children’s programs, law enforcement collaboration, and expanded community education and prevention efforts.