MISSION: Willow Tree Missions is a 501c(3) non-profit, Christ-centered organization dedicated to eliminating domestic violence and abuse for everyone in Piatt County, Illinois.
VISION: We strive to accomplish this mission through shelter services, advocacy, education, and emotional support, all funded by Willow Tree Missions Resale Shops, grants, and donations in an effort to build stronger families in our community.
As a Christian organization striving to be God’s hands and feet in our community, our mission is to provide vital assistance to Piatt County families affected by domestic violence in the following ways:
- Provide prevention, escape, transition, and recovery services for victims of domestic violence.
- Offer temporary shelter for residents of Piatt County who are victims of domestic abuse.
- Provide short-term transitional resources for families affected by domestic violence.
- Offer advocacy and education for the elimination of domestic violence in Piatt County.
- Operate Willow Tree Missions Resale Shops to support the funding of our domestic violence programs and services.
- Impact our community by providing safer, better futures for our clients, customers, and friends.
HISTORY
In 2007, Willow Tree Missions was first established in Cisco, Illinois. Hoping to fill a void in rural Piatt County, the founders of our 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 the 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 Resource 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 has enabled Willow Tree Missions to continue meeting the needs of its clients while growing in its mission to eliminate domestic violence in Piatt County. We take care of our own.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Willow Tree Missions team is comprised of a Board of Directors, an Executive Director, and a Director of Services, resale shop staff and numerous volunteers.
SERVICES
Services provided by Willow Tree Missions are available to all residents of Piatt County of any sex, race, religion, or socio-economic status without prejudice. Services will also be provided to those from neighboring counties as resources permit.
Willow Tree Missions provides these services:
- Emergency shelter for victims in imminent abuse situations
- Domestic violence education and prevention initiatives
- Community awareness
- Collaboration with law enforcement officials
- Assistance with obtaining orders of protection
- Safety counseling
- Spiritual counseling
- Crisis counseling
- Legal advocacy
FUNDING
- Resale Shops – The primary source of funding for Willow Tree Missions is from its Resale Shops: Willow Tree Missions on Washington at 100 E. Washington Street and Willow Tree Missions on Monroe at 351 W. Monroe Street in Monticello. Proceeds from items purchased at either of the Resale Shops support services provided to clients. More about our shops can be found at Resale Shops.
- Donations
- Monetary support through gifts from individuals in the community. Donations can be made by:
- Visiting our Giving page on this website.
- In person at one of our Resale Shop locations – 100 E. Washington Street or 351 W. Monroe Street
- Mail at 100 E. Washington St, Monticello, IL. 61856
- Time and Talent support – Each year community members and local groups donate nearly 7,000 volunteer hours to Willow Tree Missions to assist with renovations of buildings and assistance at the Resale Shops.
- Financial support through corporate donations and/or matching programs
- Monetary support through gifts from individuals in the community. Donations can be made by:
- Grants
- Fund-raising events
Statement of Faith
God has given us a heart and a call to serve his beloved, his hurting, and his needy right here in our own community. They are friends and neighbors in need. We have read, experienced, and believe God’s word that tells us to “pour ourselves out on the behalf of others and he shall supply our needs.” God’s economy is not like ours. The more we give, the more we get when God is in charge. We hold firm to this truth and God continues to do “exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.”