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By Jeanne Van Atta
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has appointed Nicole McKinney-Johnson as its new president and CEO, marking her as the first African American to hold the position.
Since opening its hotline in 1974, CRCC has transformed the landscape for survivors of rape and sexual assault. Before its inception, many survivors faced a culture of silence and shame. The center’s founders broke that silence, creating a lifeline for those seeking support and validation.
CRCC has played a pivotal role in educating the public about the nature and impact of sexual assault, challenging long-held myths that often complicate survivors’ willingness to seek help. It highlights that many assaults occur between individuals who know each other, further complicating the dialogue around trust and betrayal.
Over the years, CRCC has expanded its services from peer counseling to professional therapy, medical assistance, and legal support. Staff members accompany survivors to emergency rooms and court proceedings, ensuring they are supported throughout their healing journey.
The center’s Faces of Change program empowers survivors to share their stories publicly, fostering both personal healing and broader awareness. Currently, CRCC handles an average of 300 hotline calls each month, including about 20 related to human trafficking.
Recent high-profile cases, such as that of Deshaun Watson, have highlighted the challenges survivors face in coming forward. As community engagement director Donisha Greene noted, the intense focus on celebrity often overshadows the voices of survivors. “They pushed decency away and got behind the celebrity and the money,” she said.
Amid these challenges, CRCC remains committed to empowering survivors. “It’s about empowerment,” Greene emphasized.
McKinney-Johnson previously served as interim CEO while the board conducted its search for a permanent leader. She brings extensive experience in human resources and development, previously holding roles as chief people officer and director of human resources for a construction management firm. She is also a well-regarded board member at CRCC.
The CRCC headquarters is located at the PIVOT Center, 2937 West 25th St., with additional satellite offices in Shaker Square, Clark-Fulton, Mentor, Ashtabula, and Chardon. Its full-service human trafficking drop-in center is at 10450 Superior Ave.
The CRCC’s Crisis & Support Hotline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.
To reach the hotline, call or text 215-619-6192 or 440-423-2020, or chat online at clevelandrapecrisis.org.
