The mission of Crisis Center North is to empower victims of domestic violence and cultivate attitudes and community behaviors that break the cycle of violence.
Crisis Center North is a 501(c)(3) non-profit counseling and resource center that provides services to victims of domestic violence and their loved ones in northern and western Allegheny County via counseling, therapy, case management, legal and medical advocacy, and economic empowerment services. In addition, the Center provides community trainings on topics related to intimate partner violence and teen dating violence, as well as prevention education programming to local schools.
In 1978, thirteen women joined forces and devoted their time, effort, and resources to establish the North Hills Women’s Center (NHWC). Equipped with a budget of just $13.78, NHWC developed a specialized program of intervention, support, and educational services for victims of DV in the northern and western regions of Allegheny County. In November of 1982, NHWC incorporated as Crisis Center North (CCN). In 1983, CCN became a program member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV).
In 2021, CCN became a $2 million+ nonprofit organization, continuing to provide direction to victims of domestic violence and working toward ending the cycle of violence within our community.
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.
Kelsie Mozzoni LaBarbera, President
Rev. Charissa Howe, Vice President
Mark Roth, Secretary
Carol Young, Treasurer
Dr. Arthur Woods
Christine Stinson
Laura Hilger
Holly Hippensteel
Jennifer Tinker
Julia Hartley