To help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes in Charlotte County. 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.
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Our Mission
Board of Directors
Officers
Alyson Burch: Chair
Cait Waksler: Vice Chair
Megan Dubbanch: Treasurer
Marie Hicks: Secretary
Kelly Evans
Katie Wallace
Shawna Ross
Bill Prummell
Mary Grace Lorah
Misty Raines
Toni Ivankovic
Executive Director
“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.”
Sourced from Charlotte Sun| Article by Rusty Pray: Guardian of a safe haven originally printed May 19, 2019
Edited/Updated July 2021
Community Partners
C.A.R.E. appreciates the contributions all of our Community Partners. Click the link below to see our full list.
Our Locations
Our Funders
