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C.A.R.E.’s crisis hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by a live person to provide immediate response to the needs of the callers.
One-to-one, supportive assistance to the victims of violent crimes in hospitals and/or court settings.
Leaving is always dangerous. Safely leaving the situation is the goal. Contact C.A.R.E. to help you make a safe plan to leave, or to help you stay home and safe. We offer safety planning, information, referrals, and coordination of services.
Free, individual and group counseling as well as support groups for all those affected by domestic violence or sexual abuse. This can be done by telephone or face-to-face.
Hospital Advocacy is available to recent sexual assault survivors when they go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. We offer 24-hour rape crisis hospital response. C.A.R.E. advocates meet with survivors to offer support, discuss procedures, answer questions and advocate for the rights and the well-being of the survivor. Hospital advocates provide information about C.A.R.E. services and other community resources available to sexual assault survivors.
Free civil legal assistance may be available if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. C.A.R.E. advocates provide support and encouragement during legal proceedings and guide survivors through the protective order process and custody/housing issues. Court advocates assist survivors in court at the Charlotte County Justice Center.
C.A.R.E. staff and trained volunteers provide support and encouragement to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes to ensure their interests are represented, and their rights upheld.
We offer a certified rape crisis center and certified domestic violence shelter for safe haven, providing free emergency shelter for you and your children in a safe, non-violent setting. Relocation assistance is also available for eligible victims.
Community prevention education presentations are provided to schools, churches, nursing homes, businesses, and other organizations by staff and trained volunteers.
Examples of possible topics include:
To schedule, contact Linda Lusk at (941) 639-5499 or click on the button below.
A free program to assist victims with all aspects of establishing financial independence.
Program includes:
These funds are available through the State of Florida Office of the Attorney General for eligible victims of crime to pay for medical expenses, mental health counseling, lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of support for victim’s dependents.
C.A.R.E. has purchased a childcare facility. We will provide in-house childcare for survivors while they go to work or attend training classes to build career skills. This service will be provided free of charge to our clients for children ages 1 to 4.
Our Child Care Program will provide a support system for parents and children during a very stressful time in their lives. Our philosophy is to provide a safe and secure environment where children are encouraged to play, laugh, learn, and put their fears aside. Staff accepts each child as an individual, and helps children develop at their own pace by providing a warm and affectionate environment that celebrates all of the cultures and backgrounds of children.
Our goal is to prepare survivors for independence and personal success. They work to be self-reliant and are free to live in peace.