Forty-five years later, the organization provides shelter and resources for anyone who has experienced domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault throughout the entire county, Executive Director Cecily Henderson said.
“A big part of our mission, besides the shelter and keeping people safe, is prevention,” Henderson said. “We're very passionate about going around the community and talking about [how to] recognize dangerous things that may be happening and knowing the resources that they can go to.”
By the numbers
In 2023, the 45-bed emergency shelter had clients stay 13,693 times, Henderson said.
Additionally, Henderson said advocates with the nonprofit conducted 104 outreach presentations in 2023, reaching up to 4,000 residents of Galveston County.
The organization also fielded 15,658 hotline calls last year, she said.
“People can call us 24 hours a day, and we will help them,” Henderson said. “They're requesting shelter, or they need crisis intervention, or they're getting referrals and information from us.”
The RCCGC coordinates with county law enforcement, legal aid, the district attorney’s office and other community groups to get victims compensation, housing, jobs and financial assistance when necessary, Henderson said.
How to help
Shelters received 50% less federal funding this past year, Henderson said, but the center will continue to show up to city council meetings and do outreach in Galveston County—especially during October, which is domestic violence awareness month.
“It is an essential service to our county [we’ve provided] over the years,” she said. “If people can come out to our annual fundraiser and want to put a table together and sponsor it, it goes directly back to helping our victims in the shelter.”
On Nov. 14 from 5-8:30 p.m., the RCCGC hosts its Wine, Cheese and Bling open house and fundraiser, where attendees can purchase jewelry, preowned designer bags and fine collectables.
The organization’s next educational luncheon comes in March, where a speaker will share her story of surviving child trafficking, Henderson said.
For more information about resources, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.rccgc.org.
- 1204 45th St., Galveston
- www.rccgc.org
