The Collins Center, originally known as Citizens Against Sexual Assault of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, Inc. (CASA), is a grassroots organization that began over twenty years ago.
In October, 1987, a well known community member, Shirley Collins, was sexually assaulted in Harrisonburg and died as a result of her injuries. In response, community members were moved to take action and take a look at how sexual violence was affecting the community. A needs assessment indicated that many people were seeking services for sexual assault and abuse, but few resources were available that could address their needs. As a result, CASA was incorporated in 1988 and began providing services in October of 1989.
What began as an agency with only volunteers and 2 part-time employees, has grown to include extensive prevention and education efforts and specialized advocacy and support for victims of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.
As CASA’s services expanded, a new, more comprehensive need was recognized – the need for accessible mental health treatment. In January, 2007, CASA took on a new name to continue honoring the memory of Shirley Collins and expanded the organization to more fully serve the community. As such, the organization continues to provide its comprehensive services for victims and survivors of sexual assault, and in addition offers professional therapy for all mental health issues.. In addition, when presented with an opportunity to support child victims of abuse and neglect, the Collins Center responded. In the summer of 2008, a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) was added to the Collins Center and continues to work with the community Multi-Disciplinary Team to best serve child victims of abuse and neglect.
The Collins Center currently has nine full time staff, two part time staff, and a volunteer staff of over 35 individuals. The agency provides direct services to victims of sexual assault, reaches nearly 4,000 people through its prevention outreach annually, and serves men, women and children through its therapy program.