Abigail's Arms - Cooke County Family Crisis Center

A study made by the League of Women Voters, Gainesville Chapter, in 1981, pointed to a need in Cooke County to help victims of violent crimes through utilizing a crisis hotline. On June 20, 1983, the telephone line was activated. In April 1988, a second telephone line was installed. From this initial project has grown Abigail’s Arms – Cooke County Family Crisis Center. On June 28th, 2008 the organization known as Cooke County Friends of the Family merged with Abigail’s Arms – Cooke County Family Crisis Center. While Cooke County Friends of the Family was the surviving party in the merger, the organization took over the new name to better capture our mission, as well as future development. The name, Abigail’s Arms, is taken from the Story of Abigail in the Bible, 1 Samuel 25. Abigail’s story showed her to be a wise woman of courage who felt called upon to risk her life in the defense and support of those who depended upon her in their vulnerability. While we are not called upon to risk our lives, we are called upon to speak out against injustice and intercede for the oppressed. Abigail’s Arms - Cooke County Family Crisis Center currently has a professional fulltime staff of 6 and 1 part-time professional counselor and over 40 active volunteers. The Board of Directors is comprised of 15 members providing leadership in executive management and community capacity building. Together this team provides on-going support, information and referrals, as well as guidance through the difficult times incurred after victimizations. The goal is to empower the survivor, help the survivor reclaim their life, help the survivor build self-esteem, and help break the cycle of violence. Victims are encouraged to know their rights and voice their feelings and opinions.