October 30, 2015 - A new owner ribbon cutting event for Janell Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas was held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 in Center.
Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, local officials and community members were present in welcoming the organization to Shelby County. Jenny Fancher, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Assistant Executive Director, welcomed everyone to the event "We're just so pleased that we have this type of new business in Center and Shelby County. It's probably greatly needed here and so we just want to welcome y'all as a new member."
Andy Foster, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Vice President, congratulated the facility staff for becoming a part of the community, "On behalf of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, congratulations for joining the chamber and opening your doors to the community today."
Heather Kartye, Janell Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas Executive Director, described the purpose of the facility and the kind of services that are offered.
"Our agency exists to provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our service area actually consists of nine counties here in East Texas, so we have a relatively large area that we cover and we're so pleased to open this outreach office here in Center."
The Family Crisis Center of East Texas provides support and services to the following areas: Angelina County, Houston County, Nacogdoches County, Polk County, Sabine County, San Augustine County, San Jacinto County, Shelby County, and Trinity County.
Kartye introduced staff members and they include: Greta Rich, Community Development Director; Maria Rodriguez, Legal Advocate; Maria Raley, Child Advocate; Lola Scott, Case Manager; Glenna Harkness, Program Director; Whitney Burran, Operations Director; Lori Coon, Licensed Counselor; Shanie Sanford, Executive Assistant; and Yuri Morado, Receptionist.
The Shelby County office is open Wednesday and Thursday and by appointment on other days. Some of the services provided include legal advocacy, help with protective orders and court accompaniment, counseling, support groups, and an emergency shelter in Lufkin.
For more information call the Lufkin Office at (936) 639-1681 or the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at (800) 828-7233.
