Our Staff

History & Mission

ACCESS, the Assault Care Center Extending Service and Support, arose from the need to confront and combat the issues of sexual assault and domestic violence in Story County. The agency began in 1974 with the help of the Iowa State University Government of the Student Body. Originally a rape crisis center, ACCESS services were expanded over the years to include a 24-hour crisis hotline and shelter for battered women and their children. In 1981, we opened our first shelter facility, a place where women and children could share a safe environment and more readily receive the services our growing staff and volunteers were ready to provide. ACCESS continues to serve Story and Boone Counties.

Our Mission
ACCESS is a harbor for all whom have experienced domestic and sexual violence, providing a safe environment for empowerment and exploration of personal strengths. ACCESS advocates for social change, partnering with other agencies to deliver education and professional training to end domestic and sexual violence.

Our Goals

• Provide a safe environment for all people who have experienced domestic and sexual violence, regardless of race, national origin, gender, sexual identity, religion, immigration status, age or ability.
• Advocate for individuals who have experienced domestic and sexual violence.
• Promote social change in the judicial, political, and medical systems.
• Partner with other agencies to promote policies, procedures, and programs to create a safe community.
• Provide education and professional training to understand and end domestic and sexual violence.
• Continue to seek resources to implement programs to achieve the vision.

What We Do?

• 24-hour Crisis Line: Listening, support, information and advocacy
• Shelter: Safe, temporary housing for women and their children.
• Children's Programs: Counseling, advocacy, outings, and play groups.
• Individual Counseling: Short-term counseling to adult survivors of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence or dating violence.
• Support Groups: Support groups for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and children who have experienced or witnessed family violence.
• Advocacy: Support, information and referrals for clients working with the legal, medical, or social service systems.
• Community Education: Educational programming to schools, community groups, organizations and agencies.
  
• Crisis Response Services
  SART (Story County Sexual Assault Response Team): Crisis support and on-going advocacy.
  Call 29-ALERT (292-5378) to speak with an ACCESS volunteer about your options.