CRISIS LINE

Testing Timeline

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 – Status & Support Groups

  • The center officially received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable status.
  • Gwinnett Rape Crisis establishes support groups for survivors of rape.

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 – New Location & Services

  • GRC secured 15-year lease with City of Duluth.
  • Capital campaign for construction of exam & interview rooms & medical equipment.
  • First RNs receive forensic medical training at Memphis Rape Crisis.
  • Medical forensic care program opened; first victim receives care at Gwinnett Rape Crisis Center.
  • Founder Ann Smiley passed away, leaving a legacy and admonition to maintain focus on the victim with respect and highest standard of care available.

1995 – Responding to Growing Needs

  • Ann Burdges joins staff
  • Middle & High School Prevention Outreach
  • Expanded support groups for families/friends of rape survivors
  • Begin expansion project for children’s services

 

1997 – New Leadership & Growth

  • Ann Burdges named Executive Director
  • Changed legal name to Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center, Inc.  d/b/a Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center (GSAC-CAC)

2001 – 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.

2002 – Full Membership with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia

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

2009 – 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

2012 – First Sexual Assault & Children’s Advocacy Center to provide legal services for victims

Awarded federal grant to develop a Legal Department with an Attorney dedicated to provide civil legal services to victims of sexual violence.

2013 – GSAC-CAC on the Move

Doubled office space with move from “the little house” to 5,000 sq. ft. building in Duluth.

2017 – Preparing for Growth

  • Largest VOCA award in our history to reach a larger more diverse population.
  • Ann Burdges retires after 23 years of service

2018 – Bold Plan for the Future

  • New Board of Directors in 2018
  • Marina Peed named as Executive Director
  • New strategic plan for 2019 – 2023
  • New name & identity:  Mosaic Georgia, Inc.

2019 – Expanding Reach and Resources

  • Expanded reach to medical professionals, police officers, school system, the criminal justice system.
  • Pioneered Grand Jury Education in Gwinnett County.
  • New: Pediatric exam room

2020 – COVID-19 ushers “new normal”

  • 1st Mosaic Masterpieces event, Norcross.
  • Extended weekday service hours to accommodate social distancing & client needs.
  • New: Legal Services grant secured
  • New: Launched PRO/SANE, monthly virtual peer review for SANEs.

2021 – NEW Services, Network, Center, and Fund

  • New: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Advocacy Services.
  • New: SANE Success Institute & SANE Community Support Network
  • New: Opened Mosaic Resilience Center at Rainbow Village to house legal, mental health & wellness, professional education, and outreach services.
  • New: Created Mosaic Georgia Fund at the Community Foundation for NE Georgia

2022 – New Mental Health & Wellness Department

  • Trauma-focused Counseling Services
  • Support Groups (English & Spanish)
  • Wholeness Collective
  • Wholeness Collective – Youth Edition

2023 – Strategically Planning and Growing

  • Completed comprehensive strategic plan process to guide 2023-2027. 
  • Begin search for facility to bring all Mosaic Georgia services under one roof. 
  • Legal Services grant renewed.