GFWC Dianas Hear True North Update

The Columbia women's club met at the home of host Kathy Bish to hear from True North's executive director.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy

A quiet living room set with a circle of chairs, ceramic cups, and a wrapped gift box beside a window showing autumn trees. — The GFWC Dianas heard an update from Michelle Snodderly, executive director of True North of Columbia Domestic Violence, at Kathy Bish's home on Oct. 22. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The GFWC Dianas met on Oct. 22 at the home of host Kathy Bish, with Charlene Egbert and Karen Phelan serving as co-hostesses. Michelle Snodderly, executive director of True North of Columbia Domestic Violence, was the guest speaker, and Bish presented her with an appreciation gift.

Why it matters

The meeting highlights the ongoing support local civic groups provide to domestic and sexual violence services in Columbia. It also draws attention to the organization's history from its origins as a volunteer effort.

No hard figures were reported for this meeting, so the club's activity is described qualitatively. The source does not state the size of the GFWC Dianas membership or the funding it has directed to True North.

The players

True North of Columbia Domestic Violence

A comprehensive domestic and sexual violence victim service program in Columbia that grew from a 1970s volunteer effort serving survivors of rape.

Michelle Snodderly

Executive director of True North of Columbia Domestic Violence, who addressed the GFWC Dianas at the Oct. 22 meeting.

The details

Co-president Jan Sonnenberg welcomed members and guests, and Carol Scott, second vice president, introduced Snodderly. The meeting closed with members reciting The Club Collect.

1970s: True North began as "The Shelter" and was later formed by University of Missouri graduate students as a volunteer organization serving survivors of rape.
Oct. 22: The GFWC Dianas met at Kathy Bish's home.

Philanthropy Landscape

True North's evolution from a 1970s student-founded volunteer group into a full domestic and sexual violence service program traces the path many grassroots survivor-support efforts have followed. Its current role places it among the Columbia nonprofits that sustain community-based victim services over decades.

Columbia residents seeking domestic or sexual violence support can contact True North, which provides comprehensive victim services. The club meeting itself does not change any service availability or eligibility.

The takeaway

Community groups that combine social gatherings with direct support for local nonprofits help keep victim services visible and funded. Readers interested in similar work can look for organizations like True North that have served their area for decades.