Our Scope
The SWCC provides direct services to primary and secondary survivors and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, sexual harassment, stalking, and child abuse. We are the initial contact for victims in crisis through our 24-hour safe line as well as through referrals from law enforcement, medical personnel, court administration, and other agencies such as churches, health and human service groups, and mental health centers; many victims also “walk-in.”
There is no age limitations on services. We also have a youth program which is designed to provide services, outreach, and education to youth, families, schools, and communities.
We serve residents of Jackson, Cottonwood, Nobles, Rock, and Pipestone counties who are or have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, sexual harassment, stalking, and child abuse.
Our primary purpose is to serve any and all victims who seek our services (unless a conflict of interest is present) but we also serve victims who have immigrant and refugee status (English and non-English speaking). We will give information and/or referrals if individuals do not meet our criteria for services.
Our History
The Southwest Crisis Center (SWCC) opened its office doors in Worthington in 1984 to serve battered women in Nobles, Rock, and Pipestone Counties, later adding Jackson and Cottonwood Counties. The SWCC (then known as New W.A.V, 'Women Against Violence') was an outreach office of the Non-Violence Network of Southwest Minnesota in Marshall. In 1987, the SWCC added the Sexual Assault Program to the services provided. During this time there were two staff to provide all coverage, a program coordinator and an administrative assistant. In 1990, the name changed to the Southwest Crisis Center. The Sexual Assault Program provides services to all victims/survivors of sexual assault, regardless of age or gender. The Domestic Violence Program provides services to women and their children who have been battered by a significant person in their life. In 2014 we added services for youth victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. In 2020, we added children's advocacy services.
Meet The Team
Sara Wahl
Executive Director
Kari Voss-Drost
Assistant Director
Allan Bakke
Regional Navigator
Stephanie Darnell
Youth Program Manager
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Dulce Willardson
Child Advocacy Center Program Manager
Tracee
Regional Advocate
Addie King
Jackson/Cottonwood County Advocate
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Marlen Balster
Youth Advocate
Chris Hebert
Finance Manager
Mary Montero
Alejandra Lopez Solorio
Child & Family Advocate
