After 50 years of supporting those who've been abused, OneEighty's work is not done

Miranda McGrath, Wooster Daily Record

For 50 years, OneEighty has been a lifeline for families in Wayne and Holmes counties, providing support for addiction, domestic violence and homelessness.

Last year, the nonprofit's 50th anniversary, about 1,700 people used its services, which is a 6% increase from the previous year, according to information from the agency.

OneEighty was formed in 2006 after the merger of two nonprofit agencies − Every Woman’s House and STEPS at Liberty Center. Before that, the organization was Wayne County Council on Alcoholism Services, founded in 1974.

In the decades since its founding, OneEighty expanded significantly. What began as a small, one-person office is now an organization with over 100 employees and three locations.

"OneEighty’s name changed in 2016 is a reflection of our mission to help people change directions in life. We’ve grown from a single-person office in 1974 to an organization with over 100 employees across three locations," said Executive Director Bobbi Douglas. 

"The fight to end domestic violence has changed in the past 50 years, especially with the rise of digital technology and the increase in human trafficking victims," says OneEighty Executive Director Bobbi Douglas said. "The use of technology in stalking and controlling victims has been a huge challenge."

The nonprofit offers a full continuum of care that addresses domestic violence and substance use disorders under one roof, "providing a comprehensive support system for individuals,” Douglas said.

The organization provides outpatient care, recovery housing, a 44-bed domestic violence shelter and a range of prevention and education programs.

“Our approach ensures that those struggling with addiction or domestic violence have access to a full support system,” Douglas said.

Numbers show need for OneEighty services

The organization's community education and prevention programs reached over 2,000 people in 2024, demonstrating a commitment not only to treating the issues but also preventing them.

One of the organization’s major successes has been its ability to save lives through the use of Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug.

“Narcan has helped save lives. Having law enforcement, medical providers and community members learn how to administer it has lowered the overdose rate,” Douglas said.

Another breakthrough was the introduction of transitional housing.

“Transitional housing, added to OneEighty’s continuum of care in 2020, assists clients by providing an opportunity to gain recovery skills for those who may have obligations to family or community that prevent residential placement,” she said.

In the early days, OneEighty provided outpatient counseling and residential treatment for men, while supporting victims of domestic violence through safe homes.

"The fight to end domestic violence has changed in the past 50 years, especially with the rise of digital technology and the increase in human trafficking victims," Douglas said. "The use of technology in stalking and controlling victims has been a huge challenge."

Domestic violence survivors always have faced the same fundamental issue.

“While the root cause of domestic violence remains power and control, we’ve seen new methods like stalking and human trafficking emerge,” Douglas said.

As technology advances, so do the tactics abusers use to gain control, often without victims realizing.

"Abusers now use technology to monitor, control and even stalk their victims in ways that are often difficult to detect," she said.

For survivors of domestic violence, a success story is not just about escaping an abusive relationship. It’s about finding safety and independence.

“For victims of domestic violence, a success story means finding independence and safety,” Douglas said. “For those battling addiction, it’s about thriving in recovery and understanding themselves.”

Douglas said in 2025, OneEighty will not just be about offering addiction services, "we're providing full-spectrum care. Domestic violence services, mental health counseling, housing assistance and peer recovery programs. We’re continuing to evolve to meet the needs of our community," Douglas said.

Work still to be done in 'breaking cycles of abuse'

“The stigma surrounding domestic violence has lessened somewhat, and awareness has grown thanks to organizations like OneEighty,” Douglas said. “However, the work is far from over. Continued advocacy and education are crucial to changing societal attitudes and breaking cycles of abuse.”