The Woman's Friend Society

The Woman’s Friend Society has been a positive and often pioneering force in the charitable life of Salem, Massachusetts, since the society’s founding in 1876. Examples of our charitable contribution abound. Some of the more noteworthy include being the first organization to provide sewing lessons to immigrant women to enable them to become gainfully employed. Recognizing the health needs of Salem’s low-income population, the Society provided the first Visiting Nursing services in the city of Salem, MA. The first Kindergarten was provided at Emmerton House, an idea later picked up and implemented by the Salem Public Schools. The Mack Industrial School had its beginnings with the Society. Today our contributions include providing affordable housing for women who are single, working, and/or students.

We also have an active community outreach program and are consistently working to maintain and restore Emmerton House, our nationally registered Federal Period home, partner with complementary nonprofits and commercial businesses to increase awareness, provide services to our residents, and serve the community.