Our Mission
To provide education, resources, and support to individuals and communities impacted by domestic abuse.
What Makes Us SELAH
- On-line and In-Person Sessions
- Group and Individual Support
- Partner with Counseling Centers
- Creating a Community to Belong
SELAH Team Members
We want you to know that EVERYONE has value!
“Now the Lord who created you says: ‘Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.’”
— Isaiah 43:1
Vicki Williams
Executive Director
Vicki Williams
Executive Director
My passion for starting SELAH was born out of my own personal experience with domestic abuse. I know firsthand the destruction, confusion, and fear that domestic abuse brings. It may surprise you to know that 1 in 4 women experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Women in every walk of life find themselves in abusive relationships. Often, women find themselves in an abusive relationship and know that something is terribly wrong, but they can’t explain it because abuse is generally so insidious in nature. It often starts with subtle behaviors such as jealousy, manipulation, or gaslighting and gradually increases to include isolation, threats, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and even physical or sexual abuse.
Women who find themselves in an abusive relationship often don’t know where to go for help. They feel very alone. They feel that nobody will believe them, and they often find themselves paralyzed in fear and unable to move forward. It’s my desire for SELAH to be a safe place for each woman to share her experience and receive the help and support she needs.
Shirley Ritsema
Shirley Ritsema came to Selah in January 2022 after a clear nudge from the Holy Spirit to learn more and offer her years of organizational and leadership experience. She now fills a behind-the-scenes role of Operations Manager and contributes insights and knowledge to lesson planning and group support from her personal experience with domestic abuse within a previous marriage. Shirley reflects that the restorative value of connecting with other victims and survivors is powerful whether abuse is ongoing or long passed.
Paula Wigboldy
Team Member
Paula Wigboldy, the newest member of the Selah team, is also new to West Michigan. Her experience in marketing and business development has brought new insights and support to the team at just the right moment. Her passion for bringing hope to the broken fits especially well as she seeks to have those gifted with resources connected to those finding hope with Selah.
Elisabeth Richards
I came to Selah as a client referred by my therapist in the fall of 2018. Selah’s educational program and support rescued and transformed me from a place of hopelessness and worthlessness as a result of abuse to the discovery of my identity and priceless value as a daughter of my loving Creator God. As I grew in strength and healing, I felt a call to serve and support hurting women who came to Selah. I have been honored to co-lead evening classes, empowering women on their journey from the darkness and weight of oppression to become equipped women who pursue freedom, healing, and peace. I’m also involved in providing child care and emotional support for the children.
Shari Murdock
Community Educator & Class Leader
Shari Murdock joined Selah early 2021. Since then, she’s regularly mentored and co-led group classes. She is passionate in educating participants to learn in these confusing situations that each is experiencing the result of brokenness, not lack of individual effort. They are, in fact, precious and loved heirs of God and worthy of deep love and honor. Watching eyes opened, hearts filled, and experiences that bring hope brings joy to Shari’s heart! There’s victory when participants understand their value and worth in their Creator.
Stop the Abuse Cycle
We offer free and confidential services for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse.