History & Funding

History

Families in Crisis was formed in June of 1990 by a number of concerned citizens with the idea of starting a shelter for abused women and their children. The following month, 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 formed and incorporated Families In Crisis, Inc., which became dedicated to the empowerment of victims of domestic violence and their children, 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 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 (non-profit status) until one could be obtained for the new organization. Since 1985, a service project of the McMinnville Junior Auxiliary included providing child abuse prevention and education in local elementary schools, as well as alcohol and drug prevention education to the community. 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 was established. In November of 1990, the present shelter was purchased, and the executive director was hired. In January of 1991 the shelter’s doors opened for clients in February.

Today, Families in Crisis (FIC) is a dedicated domestic and sexual violence 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, and support and services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children. Services can include clothing, food, transportation, court advocacy, and assistance in finding employment and permanent housing. We can provide extended case management and services for victims once they leave shelter. For those who have other living arrangements, we can still provide services such as court advocacy, community referrals, and support. Each week we have advocates that attend court proceedings with our clients to help ease feelings of anxiousness or isolation 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 monthly support groups. As part of our on-going efforts to stop the violence before it starts, FIC staff provides school and community education and outreach.

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.