MISSION:  

Willow Tree Missions is a Christ-centered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, committed to eliminating domestic violence and abuse in Piatt County.

VISION:  

To be God’s hands and feet in the community, building stronger families and eliminating domestic violence all funded by Willow Tree Missions resales shops, grants, and donations, through compassionate service and faith-driven action. The organization provides vital assistance to affected families through:

  • Safety planning for prevention, escape, transition, and recovery
  • Emergency shelter for victims in imminent danger
  • Legal advocacy and assistance with protection orders
  • Emotional and crisis support
  • Short-term transitional resources
  • Collaboration with law enforcement
  • Community-wide education
  • Spiritual counseling

We strive to accomplish this mission through funding by Willow Tree Missions resales shops, grants, and donations to build stronger families in our community.

STATEMENT OF FAITH:

God has given us a heart and a calling to serve His beloved—those who are hurting and in need—right here in our community. These individuals are not strangers; they are our friends and neighbors. We have read, experienced, and believe God’s Word, which calls us to pour ourselves out for others, trusting that He will supply all our needs. God’s economy defies worldly logic: the more we give, the more we receive—because He is in control. We stand firm in this truth, and time and again, God proves Himself faithful—doing exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.

TAG LINE:

Eliminating Domestic Violence & Building Stronger Families

SERVICES:

Available to all Piatt County residents regardless of background, sex, race, religion or socio-economic status without prejudice and will be extended to neighboring counties as resources allow. Services include shelter, counseling, education, legal support, and more.

FUNDING SOURCES:

  • Two resale shops in Monticello, IL
  • Individual and corporate donations
  • Grants and fundraising events
  • Volunteer contributions totaling nearly 7,000 hours annually

LOCATIONS:

  • 100 E. Washington Street: Family Service Center & Resale Shop
  • 351 W. Monroe Street: Donation Center, Furniture & Home Improvement Shop

HISTORY:

In 2007, Willow Tree Missions was first established in Cisco, Illinois. Hoping to fill a void in rural Piatt County, the founders of the organization were passionate about addressing domestic violence needs with a program funded by a resale shop. Stocked with items donated by community members, Willow Tree Missions and its resale shop symbolized the guiding principle of communities everywhere: “we take care of our own”. The growth of Willow Tree Missions led to its relocation in 2009 to Monticello, the county seat of Piatt County, and the subsequent purchase of a building on Monroe Street in 2011, serving as the center for its domestic abuse program. Throughout the years, Willow Tree Missions has evolved from simply assisting victims of domestic violence to working towards the elimination of domestic abuse in our entire county. A funnel of services focuses on education and prevention efforts, community awareness, partnering with law enforcement officials, and helping clients with orders of protection, counseling, and other needs as they arise. Due to continued growth of the organization and the success of its resale shop, Willow Tree Missions expanded its footprint in the community when it purchased a 26,000 square foot building on Monticello’s downtown square in 2021. Larger, more visible, and easily accessible, this historic building is the perfect location for a second resale shop, extensive program space to house the Family Service Center, and two apartments capable of providing some much-needed transitional living quarters to help families get back on their feet. A capital campaign was initiated in 2022 with the goal of providing funding for renovation of the building. Generous community support enabled Willow Tree Missions to continue meeting the needs of their clients while growing in its mission to eliminate domestic violence in Piatt County.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:

The Willow Tree Missions team is comprised of a Board of Directors, an Executive Director, a Director of Services, a Director of Operations including resale shop staff and numerous volunteers.