Mission Statement...

To provide services designed to meet the physical, social, and emotional needs of domestic violence and sexual assault victims by providing immediate, short, and long-term assistance.

 

Our Goals...

...To decrease impact of domestic violence and sexual assault on primary and secondary victims.

...To present information and support to victims and their families which allows them to make choices most appropriate for his or her own needs

...To recognize limitation in being a paraprofessional organization and take responsibilities in working closely with referral agencies for effective management of victims and their families.

...To promote stabilization and emotional health.

 

History...

The Crime Victim Assistance Center began as the Eastland County Crisis Center in February of 1994.  Eastland Police Chief, Cecil Funderburgh, believed there was a need for volunteers to assist law enforcement and hospital personnel with victims of violent crime. He saw a need for someone who could be more accessible and who did not have a mandated duty for anything other than assisting the victim.

A small group of volunteers worked diligently to secure a Dept of Justice grant and in 1996 the agency officially opened its doors to the county. With only two staff positions and a handful of volunteers, the agency began offering services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

Over the next four years funding was lost and regained. Positions were added and the services with in the agency increased. In 2000 every city in Eastland County gave funding to support the agency, an appreciated tradition that continues to this day.

In 2001, the outreach office was opened in Stephens County and the ECCC changed its name officially to the Crime Victim Assistance Center to better reflects its commitment to serve both counties.

Since that time, the agency has continued to grow and adapt while remaining true to its original ideal: The main duty is to provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Primary Prevention Coordination Efforts, spearheading the Eastland County Child Advocacy Center, bilingual advocacy, and licensed counseling are just some of the new services and programs to help facilitate that goal.

We appreciate all of our community organizations, businesses, and members and the support we have received.