For women trying to rebuild their lives, a second chance can begin with something as simple as a safe place to sleep, a working phone, transportation or someone willing to give them an opportunity.
Women Overcoming Obstacles (WOO), a nonprofit organization, is helping women facing difficult circumstances while working toward establishing a transitional housing facility.
The organization assists women leaving incarceration, escaping abusive relationships or beginning independent lives. Its mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment that encourages resilience, personal growth and self-sufficiency.
For WOO founder Peggy Albers, that mission is deeply personal.
After serving more than 15 years in prison, Albers rebuilt her life and established a successful real estate career at the Lake of the Ozarks. Along the way, she experienced firsthand the barriers women face when starting over.
Recognizing those challenges, Albers began helping other women with practical needs, including rent, transportation and telephones. Her personal experiences helped inspire WOO and its commitment to giving women a genuine opportunity for a fresh start.
Today, WOO is a Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a board of directors that includes Peggy and Mary Albers, Paula Woods, Terri Cooper, Michelle Cooney and Renden Henson.
Although its proposed transitional housing facility is still in development, WOO is already making a difference. The organization assisted 25 women in 2025 and had already helped 26 women in 2026 by July.
Each number represents a woman with her own challenges, hopes and dreams.
Amy Cole is one of those women. Amy was taken away from an abusive schizophrenic mother at the age of eight. While in foster care she was kidnapped, gang raped and thrown out into the street. Six months ago she again was raped in her own apartment. “I was filled with fear. I had to move,” Amy said. “After praying, I felt led by the Lord to go for a car ride and God took me to a house that had a for sale sign in the yard. It had Peggy Albers smiling face on it.” She called and Peggy answered the phone. Amy told Peggy she was going through a trauma. The house was a WOO house. A couple of days later Amy had the keys to the house in her hands. She will soon officially close on the house and the home will be hers. “I feel safe and I can sleep and WOO has become the family I never had,” Amy said.
WOO currently helps women address immediate needs, including housing assistance, rent, transportation and connections to community resources. Its long-term vision includes transitional housing, counseling and wellness services, financial education, mentorship and employment assistance. The goal is to help women overcome obstacles while developing the skills and stability necessary to become self-sufficient.
For Wendi Welker and her daughter, Peggy also became a lifeline during a frightening time. “When I didn't know if I could continue protecting myself and my daughter, I called Peggy in the middle of the night,” Wendi said. “I couldn't take it anymore. People were trying to harm us, and Peggy made sure we were safe,” she recalled. The two women had supported each other while incarcerated at the women's prison in Vandalia, and their friendship continued after their release. “Peggy is one of the best friends I've ever had. Without her, my daughter wouldn't have the mother she has today,” she said.
Peggy’s desire is to give other women the same hope she found. “If I had dreamed and written a book about what I wanted my life to be, I could never have imagined my life now,” Peggy said. “God has blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined.” Now her heart’s desire is to bring more people together to help women like Wendi.
The Need Is Significant
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020–2024 American Community Survey estimates, approximately 5,538 adult women across Camden, Miller and Morgan counties lived below the poverty line.
In Camden County, 2,463 adult women, or 13.5 percent, lived in poverty. Miller County reported 1,344 women, or 14.1 percent, while Morgan County recorded 1,731 women, or 21.2 percent — approximately one in five adult women.
Behind those statistics are women struggling to maintain housing, provide for their families and overcome financial setbacks. For someone living on limited income, an unexpected expense, loss of transportation or missed paycheck can threaten an already fragile situation.
WOO hopes to help break that cycle by providing individualized assistance and a pathway toward independence.
Community Support Needed
As WOO works toward developing its transitional housing facility, the organization is pursuing funding through Missouri's Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). If WOO receives NAP approval, qualifying donors may be eligible for Missouri state tax credits on qualified contributions.
At the heart of its mission is a simple message: Every woman deserves a safe place, meaningful support and the opportunity to begin again.
For additional information about WOO or making a donation, contact WOO at 573-569-8792, email info@helpwoo.org or visit helpwoo.org.
