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 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.

1986 – Gwinnett Rape Crisis

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:

Crisis Line
Hospital Accompaniment
Support Groups

1987 – Board of Directors & Bylaws

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.

1988 – Fundraising Efforts Begin

The center officially received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable status and volunteers began fundraising.

1988 – Support Groups are Established

Gwinnett Rape Crisis establishes support groups for survivors of rape. GRC also approached Duluth City Council regarding a facility to house the Center.

1989 – First Office Location

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.

1991 – Counselors & Counseling Programs

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.

1993 – Expansion

GRC signed 15-year lease with City of Duluth and started researching and raising funds for construction of additional space and expansion of services.

1993 – Forensic medical care

Forensic medical care is officially provided and the first victim is treated at Gwinnett Rape Crisis Center.

First Nurses Receive Forensic Medical Training

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

Funding Efforts Continue for Construction / Expansion

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.

Acquired Equipment for Medical Facility

Outreach Program Developed for Middle and High School Students

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

Additional Support Groups are Added

Establish support groups for family and friends of rape survivors.

Expansion Project for Children’s Services Begins

Started construction for expansion of children’s services.

Ann Burdges Named Executive Director

Changed Legal Name to Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center, Inc.

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

Added Counseling Services, New Support Groups

Work toward Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) designation; initiated multi-disciplinary team (MDT) model with law enforcement, DFCS, district attorney, school systems.

Full Membership with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia

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

Launched Professional Training Services Across Georgia

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

Awarded grant to provide legal services for victims of sexual assault

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

New Leadership Puts Bold Plan in Place

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.