For the staff at Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia, their work transcends a typical job. The Macon-based nonprofit, which includes several Mercer University alumnae, offers resources and support to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Employees acknowledge the challenging nature of their work but remain committed due to its significance.
Founded in 1978, Crisis Line serves seven counties with services including legal aid, counseling, a 24-hour hotline, shelters, and sexual assault centers in Macon and Warner Robins. Plans are underway for One Safe Place Macon, a family justice center aiming to consolidate victim services.
"You can’t reach your highest potential for well-being when violence is in the picture," said Sarah Schanck, director of One Safe Place Macon and Mercer alumna. "We get to help people lead a safer life."
Leaders Dee Simms, Jamie Bormann, and Suzanne Walker have witnessed substantial growth during their tenure. Simms brought extensive experience from her previous roles in prosecution and advocacy before joining Crisis Line as executive director until her retirement this summer. Bormann now leads as executive director with Walker as director of programs.
Bormann emphasized the transformative nature of their work: "Pretty quickly upon working here for a short time, I realized this is more than just a job."
The organization has expanded its staff to 32 members and broadened services to meet community needs. Initiatives include making sexual assault services more victim-centered.
"Our perspective of services has changed over the years," Walker noted. "We exist to help others."
In 2013, they added a rural outreach advocate for accessibility beyond Bibb County. With Victims of Crime Act grant funding in 2018, they enhanced sexual assault services by offering in-house forensic exams conducted by trained nurses.
"This is about what the people that need us need," Simms stated regarding service improvements.
Crisis Line also established its own counseling center in 2018 with two therapists providing free one-on-one counseling and support groups.
Susan Johansen joined the team seven years ago after working with a batterers’ intervention program: "(I love) being able to provide validation to clients who feel so isolated."
Additionally in 2018, they launched a full-service legal program offering free assistance on various issues stemming from victimization.
Trineice Hill became part of this initiative as an attorney: "Helping people break the control that keeps them in the domestic abuse cycle is super rewarding."
Their latest project involves opening One Safe Place Macon—a comprehensive facility bringing together multiple agencies under one roof—set for completion within a year.
"We are co-locating 18 agencies into...one spot," Schanck explained about leveraging skills towards community transformation through her role at Crisis Line.
The aim is for One Safe Place Macon to serve as an exemplary model nationwide according to Bormann: "It will give victims one place...to see multiple agencies that can provide services."
Simms highlighted its potential impact: "Much of what Crisis Line has done has led us up...for a family justice center."