Important announcement The SMS chat number has changed. The new number is: 1-877-522-6093. The older one is no longer in service.
Important announcement The SMS chat number has changed. The new number is: 1-877-522-6093. The older one is no longer in service.
Every victim of domestic violence has a unique story and set of circumstances. CCN is committed to supporting and empowering any victim regardless of where they are on their personal journey through our free and confidential services. In addition, trainings and presentations are available to educate the community to help break the cycle of violence.
.JPG)
.JPG)
All of the services provided by Crisis Center North are made possible through the commitment and generosity of committed community members and organizations. There are many ways to be a part of CCN’s mission, whether by offering your personal expertise as a board member, supporting CCN events, making donations, or just spreading the word.
A sit down with Grace Coleman, President & CEO of Crisis Center North, to explore the history of CCN and what the future may hold.
In March 2025, Crisis Center North published its latest academic article, entitled “It’s All About the Ruff: Utilizing Therapy Dogs to Address Trauma in Domestic Violence Settings.” The article was published in the People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice (PAIJ), the official peer-reviewed open-access publication of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO, www.iahaio.org). PAIJ publishes articles related to research and practice in the fields of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) and human-animal interactions (HAI) where the wellbeing of humans and animals are concerned.
This article focused on studying the efficacy of CCN’s PAWS For Empowerment program in using animal advocates in child/adult counseling and in courtrooms, and about pet ownership and mental health/coping skills for youth.
This new approach — a technology that can automatically alert authorities when a domestic violence victim is in danger — is just the latest in CCN’s long list of innovative programming for victims and will unveiled at Cocktails & Cuisine on May 16, 2025!
Crisis Center North and the Keystone Link Coalition will host this virtual webinar to share the good news that Pennsylvania now has a pet protective order law and to summarize what this law means and its implications for human and humane services.
On May 3, 2024, Crisis Center North (CCN) received two international awards: President & CEO, Grace Coleman, was selected to receive the Purple Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Award and Joyce Lunz, CCN volunteer, was selected to receive the Purple Ribbon Volunteer of the Year Award.
Penny, the first domestic violence canine advocate in Allegheny County and the first shelter dog in the State to provide courtroom support to victims, died peacefully on Monday, June 26, at the elderly age of 16. Penny served as a trendsetter in the state, opening the doors for other canine advocates in courtrooms, and was recognized nationally for her work. In her career, she provided emotional support to countless victims with her calm demeanor, strong presence, and intuitive understanding of how to help those in need.
