OUR HISTORY
Mosaic Georgia was founded in 1986 under the name Gwinnett Rape Crisis by Ann Smiley. The mission was to provide support to victims through a crisis line and accompaniment through forensic medical exams (aka, “rape kit” exam). Since then, each piece of Mosaic’s history comes together to form a place of safety, health and justice for those harmed by sexual violence in its many forms.
A Timeline of Hope: From Now To Then
From then to now, each piece of Mosaic’s history comes together to form a place of safety, health and justice for those victimized by sexual assault.
Ann Smiley led the charge to create Gwinnett Rape Crisis. She called meetings with community leaders, Gwinnett Hospital, police department and members of the media. Put plans in progress for recruiting and training volunteers. First services included: Gwinnett Rape Crisis established a board of directors. Headquartered in basement of Ann Smiley’s home, the board created bylaws and officially incorporated in October 1987. They also established 24-hour “on call” service and monthly meetings for continuing education of volunteers. On February 16, 1989 GRC signed a lease with the City of Duluth (at only $1 per year) for a vacant ranch-style property to house the center. Additional counselors and counseling programs are developed as needs for service increased. Volunteer advocates respond to victims at hospitals, accompany them through exams and interviews. Work toward Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) designation; initiated multi-disciplinary team (MDT) model with law enforcement, DFCS, district attorney, school systems. With a strong multi-disciplinary team in place, GSAC achieved full membership. Launched statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Training (40 hour didactic course) and Law Enforcement Training on sexual assault Awarded federal grant to develop a Legal Department with an Attorney dedicated to provide civil legal services to victims of sexual violence. Doubled office space with move from “the little house” to 5,000 sq. ft. building in Duluth.
1986 – Gwinnett Rape Crisis
1987 – Board of Directors & Bylaws
1988 – Status & Support Groups
1989 – First Office Location
1991 – Counselors & Counseling Programs
1993 – New Location & Services
1995 – Responding to Growing Needs
1997 – New Leadership & Growth
2001 – Added Counseling Services, New Support Groups
2002 – Full Membership with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia
2009 – Launched Professional Training Services Across Georgia
2012 – First Sexual Assault & Children’s Advocacy Center to provide legal services for victims
2013 – GSAC-CAC on the Move
2017 – Preparing for Growth
2018 – Bold Plan for the Future
2019 – Expanding Reach and Resources
2020 – COVID-19 ushers “new normal”
2021 – NEW Services, Network, Center, and Fund
2022 – New Mental Health & Wellness Department
2023 – Strategically Planning and Growing