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About Us


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.

History

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.

Impact of CCN's Services: FY 2022-2023 Statistics

Recent News

May 2024

Crisis Center North twice honored with international awards

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.

Learn More

June 2023

In Memory of Penny (2007-2023), a Dog Who Saved Lives

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.

Read Obituary

Leadership Team

Grace Coleman

Grace Coleman

President & CEO
Thomas Barnhart

Thomas Barnhart

Director of Programming
Michael Brayack

Michael Brayack

Grants and Publications Manager

Board of Directors

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

Awards & Recognition

May
2024
Purple Ribbon Volunteer of the Year Award
Joyce Lunz
Alliance for HOPE & DomesticShelters.org
May
2024
Purple Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Award
Grace Coleman
Alliance for HOPE & DomesticShelters.org
Nov
2022
American Humane Hero Dog Awards
Hero Veterinary Nurse Award: Cheri Herschell, CCN Canine Intervention Specialist
American Humane
May
2022
National Crime Victims Research Award
Dr. John Chapin
U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
Nov
2021
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Award
Program Award: Mobile Advocacy Program
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
DEC
2019
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Award
Survivor Activist Award: Roxanne Davis, CCN Counselor
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
APR
2017
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards
Program Award: Victim Assistance Canine Program (Paws For Empowerment)
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
May
2017
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards
Individual Prevention, Education & Outreach Award: Leon Strimel, CCN Prevention Educator
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
May
2017
Gender & Sexual Justice Caucus and Women of Color Caucus Diversity Award
Grace Coleman, CCN Executive Director
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Purple Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Award
Grace Coleman
May
2024
Alliance for HOPE & DomesticShelters.org
Purple Ribbon Volunteer of the Year Award
Joyce Lunz
May
2024
Alliance for HOPE & DomesticShelters.org
National Crime Victims Research Award
Dr. John Chapin
May
2022
U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Award
Program Award: Mobile Advocacy Program
Nov
2021
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
American Humane Hero Dog Awards
Hero Veterinary Nurse Award: Cheri Herschell, CCN Canine Intervention Specialist
Nov
2022
American Humane
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Award
Survivor Activist Award: Roxanne Davis, CCN Counselor
DEC
2019
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Gender & Sexual Justice Caucus and Women of Color Caucus Diversity Award
Grace Coleman, CCN Executive Director
May
2017
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards
Individual Prevention, Education & Outreach Award: Leon Strimel, CCN Prevention Educator
May
2017
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards
Program Award: Victim Assistance Canine Program (Paws For Empowerment)
APR
2017
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Crisis Hotline & Text/Chatline

Crisis Center North’s 24/7 hotline is free and confidential for anyone affected by domestic violence. Call to learn more about our services, schedule an appointment, or just for emotional support. We are always here to offer support. Visit the Resources page for referrals to other community resources and groups.

Hotline Number
412-364-5556

Text (SMS) Number
Unavailable Nov 10 - Nov 16

Toll Free
1-866-782-0911