OUR STORY
“That is simply not acceptable. We can do much better.”
– Ann Smiley, founder Gwinnett Rape Crisis (1986)
About Mosaic Georgia
Founded in 1986 as Gwinnett Rape Crisis to provide support to victims through a crisis line and accompaniment through forensic medical exams (aka, “rape kit” exam), Mosaic Georgia is a ‘dual services’ center with specialized services for children, teens, and adults. We provide free, confidential support and services to victims and survivors of rape, sexual assault, and child sexual molestation and abuse. We work with survivors of all genders regardless of when the violence occurred and whether they choose to report. Support to children and their non-offending caregivers are offered with care.
A Timeline of Hope: From Now To Then
From now to then, each piece of Mosaic’s history comes together to form a place of safety, health and justice for those victimized by sexual assault.
October 2, 2018
March 15, 2018 In March 2018, an expanded board of directors named Marina Sampanes Peed as the new executive director. Building on the foundation of excellence and commitment to victims and survivors laid by Founder Ann Smiley and long-time leader Ann Burdges, the board and staff of GSAC expand capacity to serve more children, teens and adults affected by sexual violence.
May 8, 2013
November 10, 2012
February 12, 2009 Launched statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Training (40 hour didactic course) and Law Enforcement Training on sexual assault
April 2, 2002 With a strong multi-disciplinary team in place, GSAC achieved full membership.
June 20, 2001 Work toward Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) designation; initiated multi-disciplinary team (MDT) model with law enforcement, DFCS, district attorney, school systems.
October 19, 1997 The name was changed to indicate services are open to all victims of sexualized violence.
June 11, 1997
November 23, 1995 Started construction for expansion of children’s services.
May 17, 1995 Establish support groups for family and friends of rape survivors.
February 15, 1995 Develop curriculum program for middle school and high school students addressing safe dating issues.
December 23, 1993
December 15, 1993 Continued efforts to secure funding for construction/expansion. Hired three additional forensic nurses; two specialists in pediatric forensic medical evaluation. Founder Ann Smiley passed away, leaving a legacy and admonition to maintain focus on the victim with respect and highest standard of care available. Ann Burdges joined the staff in November 1994.
September 14, 1993 Two nurses attended Memphis Rape Crisis Center for forensic medical training.
July 17, 1993
March 14, 1993 Signed 15-year lease with City of Duluth. Started researching and raising funds for construction of additional space and expansion of services.
February 6, 1992 Researched requirements to provide forensic/medical care at the Center. Long waits at the hospital emergency department cause distress to victim, require law enforcement presence.
July 27, 1991 Additional counselors and counseling programs developed as needs for service increased. Volunteer advocates respond to victims at hospital; accompany through exam and interview.
February 16, 1989 Signed lease with City of Duluth ($1 per year) for property (vacant ranch-style house) to house the center. Applied for and received CDBG funds for computer equipment.
October 12, 1988 Establish Support Groups for survivors of rape. Approached Duluth City Council regarding a facility to house the Center.
July 18, 1988 Received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable status. Began volunteer fundraising efforts.
October 14, 1987 Establish Gwinnett Rape Crisis board of directors. GRC headquartered in basement of volunteer Ann Smiley’s home. Work began on bylaws. Incorporated in October 1987. Established 24-hour “on call” service and monthly meetings for continuing education of volunteers.
June 18, 1986 Ann Smiley led the charge to create a Rape Crisis Center for Gwinnett County. She called meetings with community leaders, Gwinnett Hospital, police department and members of the media. Put plans in progress for recruiting and training volunteers.
October 16, 1985 Dr. Cora Salvino responded to the emergency department of Gwinnett Hospital to treat a patient who was violently raped and beaten. Dr. Salvino requested a hospital volunteer, Ann Smiley, stay with the victim until admission was completed. Upon learning that no rape crisis services existed in the community, Ms. Smiley set out to change the conditions, practices, and standards of care for persons victimized by crimes of sexual assault.
April 18, 1985 Established financial responsibility for rape examinations in Gwinnett County to be billed to the County and not the victim. Establish need of a Rape Crisis Group in Gwinnett County.
New Name and Identity, Mosaic Georgia, is Unveiled In October 2018
New Leadership Puts Bold Plan in Place
Moved from “the little house” to 5,000-square-foot building in Duluth
Awarded grant to provide legal services for victims of sexual assault
Launched Professional Training Services Across Georgia
Full Membership with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia
Added Counseling Services, New Support Groups
Changed Legal Name to Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center, Inc.
Ann Burdges Named Executive Director
Expansion Project for Children’s Services Begins
Additional Support Groups are Added
Outreach Program Developed for Middle and High School Students
Acquired Equipment for Medical Facility
Funding Efforts Continue for Construction / Expansion
First Nurses Receive Forensic Medical Training
First victim received forensic medical care at the Center
Center Signs Lease with City of Duluth, Research and Fundraising Begins for Expansion
Center Explores Requirements for Providing Forensic/Medical Care
More Counselors are Retained and Counseling Programs are Added
First Office Location Obtained
Support Groups for Survivors of Rape are Established, Center Explores Facility Location
Center Received Charitable Status, Fundraising Efforts Begin
Gwinnett Rape Crisis Establishes Itself with Board of Directors, Bylaws
Ann Smiley Brings Community Stakeholders Together to Create Rape Crisis Center
Ann Smiley is Moved to Change Level of Care Sexual Assault Victims Upon Providing Hospital Volunteer Services to Victim
Gwinnett County Assumes Financial Responsibility for Rape Examinations, Need for Rape Crisis Group in the County is Established