The Galveston County center serves victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault

The Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County began in 1979 as a YWCA program for women fleeing domestic violence.

Forty-five years later, the organization provides shelter and assistance to people across the county who have been victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault, said executive director Cecily Henderson.

“A big part of our mission, besides housing and keeping people safe, is prevention,” Henderson said. “We are very passionate about going out into the community and talking about [how to] Recognize potential threats and know what resources you can rely on.”

In numbers

In 2023, 13,693 clients will stay at the 45-bed emergency shelter, Henderson said.

In addition, Henderson said representatives of the nonprofit conducted 104 outreach presentations in 2023, reaching up to 4,000 Galveston County residents.

The organization also received 15,658 hotline calls last year, she said.

“People can call us 24 hours a day and we'll help them,” Henderson said. “They're asking for shelter, they need crisis intervention or they get referrals and information from us.”

The RCCGC works with county law enforcement, legal aid, the district attorney's office and other community groups to provide victims with compensation, housing, jobs and financial assistance when needed, Henderson said.

How you can help

Henderson said the shelters received 50 percent less federal funding last year, but the center will continue to attend city council meetings and do community outreach in Galveston County – especially during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“It is an essential service for our district [we’ve provided] over the years,” she said. “If people come to our annual fundraiser and want to put together a table and sponsor it, the money goes directly to our victims at the shelter.”

On November 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the RCCGC will host its “Wine, Cheese and Bling” open house and fundraiser, where visitors can purchase jewelry, used designer bags and fine collectibles.

The organization's next educational dinner will be held in March, with a speaker sharing her story of surviving child trafficking, Henderson said.

For more information about resources, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.rccgc.org.