Page 68 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

GIVING BACK serving since 1977
Gulf Coast Center for
NONVIOLENCE story by Kelly Hawkins photos courtesy of Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence
The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence has been serving victims of domestic violence since 1977. As the agency grew in size and reach, so have the services that meet physical abuse and emotional,
legal, and financial needs. The Center celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2017 by dropping “Women’s” from its name and formally embracing the inclusion that has always been a part of its mission.
The Center has served more than 20,500 adults and children in Mississippi’s six southernmost counties. In 2016 alone, the Center served 2,485 victims of violence and answered 13,238 crisis calls. These programs are thanks to generous donors.
“We are so thankful for the continued generosity of the IP Casino,” said Interim Executive Director Stacey Riley. “Not only does the IP award the Center a grant to help fund our programs each year, but they also collaborate with us on a volunteer program that provides donations to the Center and ushers to the IP for weekend shows.”
The Center’s Domestic Violence Program offers a crisis line, two emergency shelters in Harrison and Jackson counties, housing programs, crisis intervention services, counseling, civil legal services, case management, and court advocacy.
The Sexual Assault Program offers support to victims of rape and human sex trafficking through 24-hour emergency hospital response, crisis intervention, counseling, civil legal services, court advocacy, and case management.
The Children’s Program serves children affected by sexual assault, domestic violence and who come from homes where substance abuse is present through counseling, child care, prevention education programs, and a therapeutic preschool.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Awareness Month.
PRE-SCHOOL Graduation.
The Survivors of Homicide Program offers grief counseling, support groups, and court advocacy to families, friends, and loved ones of homicide victims.
The Criminal Justice Program provides support and assistance to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault who are involved in criminal proceedings through court advocacy, counseling and case management.
Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence
P.O. Box 333, Biloxi 228.436.3809 • gccfn.org
68 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017
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