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.