Our History

Families in Crisis, formed in June 1990 by a number of concerned citizens organized with the idea of starting a shelter for abused women and their children. In July, they received news that a one-time only grant from the Department of Human Services was available to purchase shelters in underserved areas of Tennessee. The group then incorporated and formed Families In Crisis, Inc. which became dedicated to the empowerment of victims of domestic violence and their children and therefore committed to the elimination of violence in their lives.

FIC recognized that the level of domestic violence was great and had a significant impact on not only the individuals involved but the community as a whole. Families In Crisis worked to increase the options available to victims of domestic violence and their children and to deter the repeated cycles of abuse.

The search began for an umbrella agency to sponsor the project, using their IRS 501 C 3 (not-for profit status) until one could be obtained for the new organization. Since 1985, a service project of the McMinnville Junior Auxiliary was providing child abuse prevention and education in the elementary schools, as well as alcohol and drug prevention education to the community and in Warren County schools. Through this involvement, the Junior Auxiliary became aware to what degree domestic violence and abuse affected the community. In August they partnered with Families In Crisis and became the umbrella agency.

With the dedicated efforts of many volunteers, a crisis line was set up and a safe house established. Finally, in November, 1990, the present shelter was purchased. The Executive Director was hired in January 1991 and the shelter’s doors opened for clients in February 1991.

Today Families in Crisis, Inc or FIC is a dedicated domestic and sexual violence shelter program serving Warren, Grundy and Sequatchie Counties. Our mission is to interrupt the cycle of domestic and sexual violence and hold offenders accountable. We do this by offering emergency shelter, a 24 hr crisis hotline, support and services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children. Services may include clothing, food, transportation, court advocacy, assistance in finding employment and permanent housing. We also provide extended services for victims once they leave shelter or for those who have other living arrangements but require court advocacy, information and support. Each week we have advocates that attend court proceedings with our clients so that they don’t feel afraid/alone during the legal process. We also will assist victims in obtaining Orders of Protection and child support. Many of our clients just need someone to talk to or to understand that they are not alone in their abuse, so we offer bi-monthly support group. As part of our on-going efforts to stop the violence before it starts, the FIC staff provides school and community education and awareness programs and literature.

Domestic and Sexual Violence is an epidemic that affects individuals and families from all social, economic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. It cares not who or what you are; therefore FIC has adopted the same philosophy. We serve all victims of domestic and sexual violence without regard to race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Funding

Families in Crisis, Inc. receives funding thru Federal, State, and local governments as well as thru foundation grants, and the continuing generosity of businesses and individuals within the communities we serve. Our primary source of income is thru Federal and State dollars administered by the State of Tennessee, Administration and Finance Department, Office of Criminal Justice Program and Tennessee Housing Development Agent through the Emergency Solutions Program administered by THDA. These funds allow us to provide 24hr emergency services, shelter and court advocacy to victims of domestic/sexual violence, along with individual supportive counseling, support groups, case management and financial assistance. Through the ESG Program, FIC is able to assist our clients with rapid re-housing for them and their children. Through the Wal-Mart Foundation FIC has began the Economic Empowerment Program this program has allowed FIC to offer a holistic program that is sensitive to the full range of issues domestic/sexual violence victim's face, while effectively preparing them for livable wage work in the rural counties they reside in. Through this program FIC provides services to help victims of domestic/sexual violence become independent and economically self-sufficient from the time they separate from the abuser throughout the many hurdles victims encounter in the aftermath of abuse. Through the help of the Baptist Healing Trust, FIC has implemented the New Beginnings Empowerment Program (NBEP). This program is designed to help victims of domestic/sexual violence improve their overall health by providing them with the resources to become safe, independent, mentally & physically healthy and self-sufficient.