About Us

Dedicated to helping victims in Charlotte County

Our mission at C.A.R.E.

To help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes in Charlotte County. The Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies, Inc. [C.A.R.E.] works to create safety in our community by helping survivors and by promoting non-violent and healthy relationships by education and example.

The history of C.A.R.E.

Watch a video about our history

The history of C.A.R.E., the Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies, video cover image
Karen McElhaney, The Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies, Inc. Executive Director

Supporting the mission of C.A.R.E.

Executive Director

Karen McElhaney

“I’ve always been motivated to help women,” McElhaney said. “It’s what I always wanted to do.”

Karen McElhaney grew up in Pittsburgh earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She also holds a master’s degree in Social Sciences from Capella University. Karen & family relocated to Charlotte County in 2012 from Canton Ohio where she provided social work at Mercy Medical Center. She currently resides in Port Charlotte with her husband, Don. They have a total of seven children and step-children, and seven grandchildren. She became Executive Director of C.A.R.E. in 2016 bringing over 20 years of non-profit experience with her.

“I want C.A.R.E. to be available for every victim. If you don’t personally know about C.A.R.E., your neighbor does, your family does, and you’re going to get that help. That’s what is important.”

Segment sourced from Charlotte Sun Article by Rusty Pray: Guardian of a safe haven originally printed May 19, 2019

Board of Directors

Officers

Marie Hicks | Chair

Cynthia Rebholz-Rubin | Vice Chair

Megan Dubbenah | Treasurer

MaryLou Proudfoot Kennedy | Secretary

Judith Harris | Chair Emerita, C.A.R.E.

Sheriff Bill Prummel

Mary Grace Lorah

Brad Swezey

Toni Ivankovic

Lauren Knight

Addie Blackburn

Cait Waksler

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