The Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention
United Way Support Services Partner
601.264.7777 (regionally toll-free) | www.theshafercenter.org | Send Email
Who Are They?
The Shafer Center provides support, counseling, referral and information to victims of all types of sexual assault and survivors of homicide and suicide victims. It provides a 24-hour Crisis Line for direct toll-free service and offers escort services to accompany a victim to the hospital, police department and/or court proceedings. The agency educates the community on issues related to homicide, the sexual abuse of children and adults and in regard to personal safety and rape prevention.
What Does United Way's Funding Do?
United Way dollars are used to fund support services such as a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, victim escort services and support for survivors of homicide and suicide.
The Impact of Your United Way Investment
When a tragic situation - such as sexual assault, homicide or suicide - occurs, victims are assisted in minimizing the negative impact, allowing them to move forward and lead productive lives.
Volunteer Needs
Volunteers are needed to answer the 24-hour crisis line and be of support to victims of sexual assault at local hospital emergency rooms. Training is mandatory and provided twice yearly. A one year commitment is requested, and a background check is required.
Meet Caroline
When Caroline Hester lost her son in a tragic homicide, she felt her life had ended too. She received the support she needed through the help of the Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention and its support groups.
“They’ve helped me to take one day at a time, one minute at a time,” Hester said. “They’ve helped me to think of the positive things, and I know I’m not alone. That in itself is a big help. It becomes like a family. They pray with you. They laugh with you. They celebrate with you. They cry with you. But they are there. I don’t know where I’d be right now if it weren’t for the center. It literally saved my life.”
The Shafer Center provides members of the community the hope they need to carry on with their lives after suffering tragedy.