2023 CCCC Annual Report

GOVERNING BOARD

Sean Williams PRESIDENT

Hank Crippen VICE PRESIDENT

Christian Kobes SECRETARY

James Heinbaugh TREASURER

Russel Gribble PAST PRESIDENT

Jennifer Blaschke MEMBER

Jeni Cook Furr MEMBER

Blythe Cox MEMBER

Sharon Deats MEMBER

Jill Johnson MEMBER

Georgia Malmsten MEMBER

Kimberly Stevenson MEMBER

Mark Stevenson MEMBER

Joe Vargas MEMBER

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Julie Strentzsch

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Heather Cruz

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Nicholle Herbert

CHIEF COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER

Jennifer Hinojosa

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Vivian Putney CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Tiffany Verette

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO

Dear Friends,

Over 37 years ago, a determined group of warrior individuals formed a grassroots movement in New Braunfels and Comal County, creating the Crisis Center of Comal County (CCCC). Our early heroes stood against domestic violence, manned a hotline, and worked to establish the first shelter for victims. Without CCCC, over 1700 individuals this fiscal year would lack crucial support, making services harder to find. Your support, dear reader, is vital, as 30 hard-working team members and 40 volunteer warriors provide essential services to clients.

Guided by our theory of impact, we provide safe, compassionate services, observing a 48% increase in clients served. Last year, 1,904 hotline calls were answered, 1,099 counseling sessions impacted 875 clients, and our advocacy extended to SANE exams and legal support. The Next Step Program provided housing to 52 clients, positively influencing 122 lives.

With 10,412 meaningful hours of service to Non-Residential clients and a 91% positive discharge rate for Residential Clients, CCCC remains committed to comprehensive care, recovery, and community support.

There are various ways to offer support. Monthly sponsorship involves a donation that helps cover costs. Just a nine-dollar donation can sustain our agency for a minute. A contribution of one hundred and seventeen dollars sponsors a person in the shelter for a day, while four-hundred and sixty-one dollars sponsors a SANE examination by a trained nurse. If sponsorship isn't your preference, becoming a volunteer allows you to assist individuals and families like the Alvarez family find hope and healing. Additionally, spreading the word about our work ensures that someone receives critical assistance when they ut CCCC.

MISSION MISSION

To embrace survivors of crisis and trauma and empower them to positively change the trajectory of their lives

THEORY OF IMPACT THEORY OF IMPACT

We do this by delivering safe, compassionate, wrap-around services through a supportive community of care.

BELIEFS BELIEFS

All survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness deserve a place where they feel safe

A collaborative system of care is needed to make a sustained impact for trauma survivors in our community

Individuals and families affected by trauma deserve resources and support in their time of need

Meeting people where they are helps reduce the impacts of trauma

VALUES VALUES

Growth- We embrace a growth mindset encouraging the development of ourselves and others.

Protection- We value and prioritize the safety of ourselves, our clients, and our community.

Accountability- We stay true to our word and take pride in the service we provide

Empathy- We care deeply, modeling compassion in all our interactions.

Resilience- We are passionate leaders, embracing adaptive strength to persevere through adversity.

CLIENT’S STORIES

Leslie’s Story *

Here at CCCC, we've been there for Leslie, providing crucial support as she faced a tough time. We didn't just stop at immediate crisis help we offered counseling, legal advice, support groups, and even connected Leslie with shelter services. Those services weren't just about safety; they created a safe, comfy space. Over time, Leslie made incredible strides emotionally healing, tackling legal hurdles, challenges and gaining independence through stable housing and financial aid. It's our way of showing our commitment to caring for the whole person, giving survivors like Leslie the tools, they need to get back on their feet.

Alvarez Family’s Story*

Meet the Alvarez family they've faced domestic violence head-on, finding a lifeline at CCCC. Through the ups and downs, CCCC has become their go-to ally, offering immediate shelter services for a secure escape from the turmoil. It's more than just a safe haven; it's the starting point for their recovery journey.

The support doesn't stop there counseling, legal guidance, and personalized support groups follow suit, tailored to each family member's needs. It's like a customized healing plan, connecting them to additional assistance when needed.

In the months that followed, the Alvarez crew saw real progress. With the CCCC's backing, they tackled legal hurdles, found solace in counseling sessions, and discovered a sense of community in support groups. Plus, case management stepped in to ensure the kids received the special care they needed.

Their journey wasn't just about escaping danger; it's been a profound experience of recovery and empowerment. Coordinated efforts landed them stable housing and financial aid, setting them on the path to independence. This all-encompassing approach showcases CCCCC's dedication to wrap-around care, addressing immediate and long-term needs for recovery and self-sufficiency.

In a nutshell, the Alvarez family's story shines a light on the lifechanging impact of CCCC to those navigating domestic violence. With a lineup of services, CCCC played a vital role in helping them break free and stride towards a brighter, more secure future.

Crisis Center Services Impacting Lives

Victims Advocacy:

24/7 crisis line with trained advocates

Advocates offer support, information, and referrals during crisis situations

Accompany clients to medical, legal, or criminal service providers

Counseling Services:

Individual and group counseling

Licensed counselors assist clients of all ages and backgrounds in overcoming victimization effects

Curriculum-based support groups for children focus on healthy coping skills and relationships

Shelter:

Emergency shelter for domestic violence and/or sexual assault victims

Residents receive comprehensive agency services

Residents work towards self-sufficiency away from violence

In 2023, CCCC witnessed a 48% surge in clients served, maintaining fiscal responsibility despite inconsistent funding. Our commitment to efficient resource utilization ensures sustained impact, empowering more individuals and families in need while maximizing community support.

Legal Advocacy:

Assist in preparing protective orders, affidavits, and police reports

Escort clients to law enforcement and criminal justice offices

Aid in completing crime victim's compensation claims

Case Management:

Goal-focused services with periodic reassessment

Community:

Education and presentations on domestic violence and sexual assault for civic, educational, and church groups

Participation in local resource fairs and provision of support and educational groups

Referral Services:

Provided through crisis line or in-person by trained staff or volunteers

TOTAL SERVICES OFFERED: 11,289

In the past year, our organization has diligently provided a total of 11,289 services across all programs. This reflects our commitment to making a meaningful impact and offering essential support to those we serve. Thank you for being part of our journey.

PROGRAM STATS FOR 2023

Over the previous reporting period, our organization extended support to a total of 1,702 clients, encompassing 449 individuals and 312 families. Our services catered to individuals of various genders and non-binary identities, as well as a diverse range of races. The following data provides a detailed breakdown

GENDER STATS FOR 2023

GenderDataNotCollected 511%

INDIVIDUALS SERVED IN 2023 = 449

FAMILIES SERVED IN 2023 = 312

CCCC boasts a remarkable 91% positive discharge rate from residential services, reflecting its effectiveness in meeting and satisfying the needs of its residents

Our residential services, encompassing shelter and

and

Our gender statistics for residential clients, including those in our shelter and hotels.

122

445

1,099

1,271

1,904

10,412

At the heart of our impactful services at CCCC lies our commitment to delivering comprehensive, compassionate support through non-residential services, also known as WrapAround Care. This approach embodies our belief in creating a nurturing community of care, ensuring safety and well-being for those in need.

Over the past year, our hotline was a lifeline, fielding 1,904 calls, providing immediate crises assistance. We dedicated 1,097 hours to 1,099 counseling sessions, benefitting 875 counseling clients and offering crucial mental health support integral to our holistic care model.

Advocacy extended to 75 SANE exams, 14 Strangulation Exams and 445 hours of legal advocacy during critical moments. Additionally, we actively contributed to our community, assisting 122 clients with permanent housing through our Next Step Program, housing a total of 52 clients. Our impactful initiatives, including a food pantry, school supply distributions, and a heartwarming Holiday Market, further fostered a sense of belonging during challenging times.

In summary, our services, supported by 10,412 meaningful hours of dedication, showcase the transformative impact of CCCC, embodying our commitment to comprehensive care, recovery, and community support.

In closing, our unwavering commitment to the mission and the provision of wrap-around care at the Crisis Center of Comal County remains steadfast. The incredible strides we make in empowering survivors and fostering resilience are made possible by the immeasurable support from our community. We extend heartfelt gratitude for the generous contributions, thoughtful donations, invaluable in-kind gifts, and countless volunteer hours that fuel our endeavors. Together, we create a tapestry of compassion, strength, and support, weaving a brighter future for those we serve. The profound impact of our collaborative efforts resonates beyond statistics, transforming lives and embodying the spirit of hope. As we reflect on the accomplishments of the year, we recognize that it is the collective heart and dedication of our community that propels us forward. Thank you for being the cornerstone of positive change.

www.crisiscenternb.org