Woman's Friend Society | Nonprofit Women's Housing & Support Services

About the Member

Woman’s Friend Society | Nonprofit Women’s Housing & Support Services

In elegant white cursive, the letters "wfs" stand out against a tranquil blue backdrop, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Woman's Friend Society.

Woman’s Friend Society | Nonprofit Women’s Housing & Support | Salem, MA

About Us

Established in 1876, the Woman’s Friend Society stands as Salem’s longest-running women’s nonprofit organization. Beginning with a pioneering Girls’ Reading Room that welcomed women regardless of literacy levels, we’ve evolved into a comprehensive support organization operating from the historic Emmerton House. Our legacy of progressive social change continues through providing affordable housing and empowerment programs for women seeking to build stable, independent lives.

Our Impact

For nearly 150 years, we’ve helped hundreds of women achieve independence through:

  • Safe, affordable housing in downtown Salem
  • Educational and career advancement support
  • Financial literacy and savings programs
  • Community building and mentorship
  • Advocacy for women’s empowerment

As a nonprofit organization, we measure success through our residents’ achievements: degrees earned, careers launched, homes purchased, and businesses started by women who found their foundation at Emmerton House.

Emmerton House Program

Our residential program provides more than housing—it offers a transformative environment where women can focus on their goals without housing insecurity. The program includes:

Living Environment
  • Private bedrooms in a historic mansion
  • Professionally maintained shared spaces
  • Peaceful garden setting
  • Downtown Salem location
  • Secure, women-only residential floors
  • On-site laundry facilities
  • Community kitchen with individual storage
Support Structure
  • 5-year structured residency program
  • Quarterly goal-setting meetings
  • Professional development guidance
  • Financial planning assistance
  • Community support network
  • Educational resources
  • Leadership opportunities
Residency Requirements

Our program is designed for women committed to personal growth and independence:

  • Engagement in full-time work, education, or combination
  • Active participation in goal-setting program
  • Commitment to community living
  • Financial responsibility
  • Dedication to personal advancement
Nonprofit Programming

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we offer:

  • Affordable housing programs
  • Educational scholarships
  • Career development workshops
  • Financial literacy training
  • Community outreach initiatives
  • Women’s advocacy programs
  • Mentorship opportunities
Support Opportunities

Join our mission through:

Membership Program
  • Annual commitment to women’s empowerment
  • Priority access to WFS events
  • Quarterly newsletter subscription
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Special access to historic spaces
  • Community program participation
Additional Support
  • Board member positions
  • Committee leadership roles
  • Volunteer programs
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Legacy giving options
  • In-kind donations
  • Annual fund support
Location & Contact

Historic Emmerton House
12 Hawthorne Blvd
Salem, MA 01970

Connect With Us
Phone: 978-744-2137
Email: events@womansfriendsociety.org
Website: www.womansfriendsociety.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WomansFriendSociety
Instagram: @womansfriend

Since 1876, the Woman’s Friend Society has believed in women’s power to transform their lives through education, community, and support. As a nonprofit organization, we continue this mission through innovative programming and dedicated service. Contact us to learn more about our programs or support our work.

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