CRISIS LINE
MissionStatement

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.

New Name and Identity, Mosaic Georgia, is Unveiled In October 2018

October 2, 2018

New Leadership Puts Bold Plan in Place

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.

Moved from “the little house” to 5,000-square-foot building in Duluth

May 8, 2013

Awarded grant to provide legal services for victims of sexual assault

November 10, 2012

Launched Professional Training Services Across Georgia

February 12, 2009

Launched statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Training (40 hour didactic course) and Law Enforcement Training on sexual assault

Full Membership with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia

April 2, 2002

With a strong multi-disciplinary team in place, GSAC achieved full membership.

Added Counseling Services, New Support Groups

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.

Changed Legal Name to Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center, Inc.

October 19, 1997

The name was changed to indicate services are open to all victims of sexualized violence.

Ann Burdges Named Executive Director

June 11, 1997

Expansion Project for Children’s Services Begins

November 23, 1995

Started construction for expansion of children’s services.

Additional Support Groups are Added

May 17, 1995

Establish support groups for family and friends of rape survivors.

Outreach Program Developed for Middle and High School Students

February 15, 1995

Develop curriculum program for middle school and high school students addressing safe dating issues.

Acquired Equipment for Medical Facility

December 23, 1993

Funding Efforts Continue for Construction / Expansion

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.

First Nurses Receive Forensic Medical Training

September 14, 1993

Two nurses attended Memphis Rape Crisis Center for forensic medical training.

First victim received forensic medical care at the Center

July 17, 1993

Center Signs Lease with City of Duluth, Research and Fundraising Begins for Expansion

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.

Center Explores Requirements for Providing Forensic/Medical Care

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.

More Counselors are Retained and Counseling Programs are Added

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.

First Office Location Obtained

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.

Support Groups for Survivors of Rape are Established, Center Explores Facility Location

October 12, 1988

Establish Support Groups for survivors of rape. Approached Duluth City Council regarding a facility to house the Center.

Center Received Charitable Status, Fundraising Efforts Begin

July 18, 1988

Received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable status. Began volunteer fundraising efforts.

Gwinnett Rape Crisis Establishes Itself with Board of Directors, Bylaws

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.

Ann Smiley Brings Community Stakeholders Together to Create Rape Crisis Center

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.

Ann Smiley is Moved to Change Level of Care Sexual Assault Victims Upon Providing Hospital Volunteer Services to Victim

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.

Gwinnett County Assumes Financial Responsibility for Rape Examinations, Need for Rape Crisis Group in the County is Established

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.