Who We Are

Our Mission

The Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties is committed to ending sexual assault through education and awareness, and to empower, support and advocate for all those affected by this crime.

Our History

In 1974, the Rape Crisis Center of Akron began as an all-volunteer hotline in the basement of an Akron, Ohio woman’s home.  From 1976 through the early ‘80s, the Rape Crisis Center worked independently, surviving on grants from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. This allowed the agency to hire a full-time director and a part-time staff member. The funding also led to the development of hospital advocacy and counseling programs which utilized volunteer staff.

In 1982, the Rape Crisis Center merged with the YWCA in Akron.  It remained as a program there for the next 23 years.  After the YWCA closed its doors in 2005, the Rape Crisis Program (Akron) joined with the Rape Crisis Center of Medina County and became a sister organization of the Battered Women's Shelter to form the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties.

 

Our Philosophy

~        We offer confidential services to all our clients.
 
~        We believe in each individual’s strength, creativity, and resolution.
 
~        We strive to empower individuals to feel free to make their own choices.
 
~        We will not advocate for any one, specific choice or method of dealing with sexual assault.
 
~        We are committed to cultural awareness and cultural competency in serving all clients.
 
~        We will help individuals explore all options by providing sound information.

 
healing. hope. empowerment.