January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Cleveland Rape Crisis Center invites you to take-action to support survivors. This year, we’re proud to highlight our new medical suite—created in partnership with The Centers—to provide trauma-informed care and critical resources for survivors of trafficking.
Looking for ways to get involved?
Together, we can raise awareness and create change for survivors of human trafficking.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is proud to announce that Nicole McKinney-Johnson has been appointed as the organization’s President & CEO, after serving as Interim CEO. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting survivors and advancing trauma-informed care, Nicole’s leadership will guide CRCC as we continue our mission to empower individuals, promote healing, and work toward the elimination of sexual violence.
“We are thrilled to have Nicole officially at the helm,” said CRCC Board Chair, Lisa L. Radigan. “Her vision, dedication, and passion for this work will ensure that CRCC remains a beacon of hope and advocacy for survivors in our community.”
Nicole’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as CRCC will celebrate the 50th anniversary of service. Under her leadership, CRCC will continue to build on the legacy of providing essential resources, education, and support to those affected by sexual violence.
Please join us in congratulating Nicole McKinney-Johnson as we look forward to an exciting future with her as President & CEO of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.
“Together, We Can Accomplish So Much More…”
Visit our Facebook or Instagram to watch part of Nicole’s remarks at our 50th Anniversary Open House.
The Board of the Directors of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) today announced that Nicole McKinney-Johnson will serve as the organization’s interim President and CEO, effective June 10.
“As a community member, volunteer and former CRCC Board member, Nicole has been a strong champion for CRCC’s mission and a fierce advocate for survivors of sexual violence,” said Lisa Radigan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “She understands how critical CRCC’s services are to the community and will be focused on delivering help to those who need it, when they need it.”
With more than 25 years of leadership, business development and human resources experience, McKinney-Johnson has worked in roles with various northeast Ohio businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. Currently, she serves as Chief People Officer and Director of Human Resources for The AKA Team, a construction management company, and the JABALI Group, LLC, an administrative management company. She is taking a leave of absence from her role to serve as CRCC’s interim CEO. McKinney-Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources/organizational management from Wilberforce University and a master’s in business administration/human resource strategies from Ursuline College.
In addition, McKinney-Johnson is actively involved in the Northeast Ohio community as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors at Lakeland Community College, where she serves on their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and a facilitator and curriculum advisor with J.O.B.S. Opportunities Breakthrough Services, a faith-based re-entry 10-week employment placement program. McKinney-Johnson has also served on the CRCC Board of Directors and was the Chair of its Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee, but has stepped down to serve as interim CEO.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead CRCC during this time of transition,” said McKinney-Johnson. “I look forward to working with our Board, incredible staff and partners as we work to secure new leadership. CRCC does important work for our community, and we will remain committed to ensuring equitable access to high levels of care for survivors.”
The Board continues to work with Bridge Partners, a minority-owned executive search firm known for their inclusive search process, to conduct a national search to identify CRCC’s next permanent leader. Sondra Miller, who served as CRCC’s President and CEO for more than a decade, announced in May that she will step down from her role.
Under Miller’s leadership, CRCC grew its service area to four counties in Northeast Ohio and now provides direct services to more than 10,000 survivors annually, regardless of gender identity, age, race or religious preference. She also helped expand CRCC’s work to include raising awareness about the prevention of sexual assault and rape and amplifying the voices of survivors. During her tenure, Miller also forged partnerships with key stakeholders, supporters and funders and diversified CRCC’s revenue sources.
“We are incredibly grateful to Sondra for her commitment and tireless efforts to elevate CRCC’s resources, reach and offerings in Northeast Ohio,” Radigan said. “As we celebrate CRCC’s 50th anniversary this year, we are well positioned to serve survivors and continue providing life-changing care to those who need it most for years to come.”
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About the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s mission is to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promote healing and prevention, and advocate for social change. Our vision is the elimination of sexual violence. Each year, CRCC provides direct support and services to more than 10,000 survivors in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties and reaches tens of thousands more community members with prevention and education programs. Our 24/7 crisis and support hotline is available to call or text at: (216) 619-6192, or visit clevelandrapecrisis.org to learn more.
Sondra Miller to step down after 11 years as President & CEO; Board of Directors has launched search for next CEO
Today the Board of Directors of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) announced that Sondra Miller, who has served as President & CEO for more than a decade, will step down effective May 31, 2024 to pursue other opportunities. The Board has convened a Transition Committee and engaged Bridge Partners, a minority-owned executive search firm known for their inclusive search process centered in equity, to conduct a national search to identify CRCC’s next leader. Sondra will remain as a senior advisor to ensure a smooth transition.
“Under Sondra’s leadership, CRCC has become one of the largest independent rape crisis centers in the nation and is considered a model for similar organizations,” said Lisa Radigan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Sondra has multiplied the impact of CRCC exponentially and during her tenure as CEO, helped more than 100,000 survivors of sexual violence throughout Northeast Ohio receive life-changing, if not life-saving, care. The Board is grateful for Sondra’s leadership and wishes her all the best as she moves forward.”
“It has been my honor to lead CRCC and work alongside team members, community partners and funders who are equally passionate about CRCC’s mission. The work we do has a lasting impact, and I am immensely proud of what we have been able to accomplish together,” said Sondra. “Although I am stepping down as CEO, I will continue to be a staunch advocate for survivors of rape, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.”
Sondra joined CRCC as Director of Education, Outreach & Community Partnerships in 2009 and was appointed President & CEO by the Board in 2013. Under her leadership, CRCC expanded its services to meet survivors where they are and eliminate barriers to accessing care. As a result, CRCC grew its service area to four counties in Northeast Ohio and now provides direct services to more than 10,000 survivors annually, regardless of gender identity, age, race, or religious preference. The scope of CRCC’s work also expanded to encompass raising awareness about the prevention of sexual assault and rape and amplifying the voices of survivors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sondra guided her team to find the best ways to continue providing services and ensure that resources were consistently available during the time of greatest need. In addition, CRCC continues to be a trusted expert and leader in the community during critical social movements and regional events.
CRCC’s growth during Sondra’s tenure has been fueled by partnerships she created and nurtured with supporters and funders. CRCC’s revenue, which now comes from diverse sources at the local, state and national levels as well as from philanthropic partners, has grown sevenfold during this time.
“As CRCC celebrates 50 years of spearheading positive change in Northeast Ohio, Sondra has positioned the agency to serve survivors while working toward a world free from sexual violence in the years to come,” added Lisa. “As we move forward, the Board, employees, and volunteers of CRCC will remain fiercely committed to meeting the needs of survivors.”
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Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s mission is to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promote healing and prevention, and advocate for social change. Our vision is the elimination of sexual violence. Each year, CRCC provides direct support and services to more than 10,000 survivors in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties and reaches tens of thousands more community members with prevention and education programs. Our 24/7 crisis and support hotline is available to call or text at: (216) 619-6192, or visit https://clevelandrapecrisis.org/ to learn more.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s theme for SAAM 2024 is Consent Matters.
Healthy relationships build healthy communities.
This April, help us start conversations about consent, preventing sexual violence, and supporting survivors.
You can make a difference during Sexual Assault Awareness Month! Here are eight ways you can help raise awareness:
Read, print, and share the following resources with your students, colleagues and friends.
Need to talk? We’re here to listen. Text or call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 or chat on our website.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The following is a list of events taking place in Northeast Ohio during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise awareness about rape and sexual abuse in our community.
Jump to month-long events and promotions.
Monday, April 1
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Thursday, April 11
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Tuesday, April 30
This January, you can show your support for survivors and help Cleveland Rape Crisis Center spread awareness about the issue of human trafficking.
1. Wear Blue on January 11. By wearing blue on Human Trafficking Awareness Day, you can help start conversations about the reality of human trafficking in our community. Post a selfie online along with something you’ve learned about sex trafficking and labor trafficking.
2. Donate much-needed supplies for the Drop-in Center. Purchase from our Amazon Wishlist to help us keep up with the need for basic care items for Human Trafficking Drop-in Center visitors.
3. Be informed. Take some time to learn about human trafficking and sex trafficking in our community. Read 10 Things to Know about Sex Trafficking (En Español: 10 cosas que hay que saber sobre el tráfico sexual) and follow Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to learn more.
4. Spread the word about life-saving services. Did you know Cleveland Rape Crisis Center offers a 24-hour hotline (855-431-7827) for survivors of human trafficking and others in the community seeking information and support? Post the link to our services or the Drop-in Center to social media to help survivors know they are not alone.
5. Support survivors of human trafficking by making a donation online today.
Click here to learn more, or call (855) 431-7827.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center provides specialized advocacy, counseling, case management, professional training, and a 24-hour hotline to survivors of human trafficking in Northeast Ohio.
Project Description / Scope of Work
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) in conjunction with project partners and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is soliciting requests for proposals for the purpose of developing an educational video series.
The educational video series will train and educate organizations around targeted human trafficking curriculum with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth. Using CRCC staff and/or CRCC partnership spokespeople, video content will be delivered through on-camera spokesperson(s) and textual elements.
Target audience will include system providers through which LGBTQ+ minors come into contact. Videos will need to be short in length and engaging – to be utilized as an educational resource.
Project Timeline
Submission Requirements / Deadlines
Submissions should be submitted electronically to Donisha Greene at donishag@clevelandrcc.org no later than November 18th.
