For several years now, the Family Crisis Center (FCC) has faced a considerable shortage of space in its downtown Great Bend location, 1924 Broadway.
But now, thanks to a Great Bend couple, this problem will be solved when the Child Advocacy Center moves into the building across the alley, a former dance studio at 1912 Broadway.
Kylee Graves, FCC executive director, said “every day, we witness the courage of survivors and children who are navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This expansion allows us to better meet their needs, provide additional resources and create an environment where they can begin to heal and feel safe.
“I cannot begin to tell you what a blessing this is.”
Currently, multiple staff members share small offices, making it difficult to talk on the phone and meet confidentially with clients.
“Also, when we have more than one client at a time, it is difficult to find a spot to meet with them. This extra building is huge, giving us more space for confidential meetings and the ability to bring new programs to the community in the next few years.”
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Center, along with Sara’s Blessings, will remain in the current location where space will open up to accommodate clients.
“The new owners of the building are graciously creating some office spaces and laying new flooring,” Graves said. “We will start painting and moving in during October and hope to be fully moved in by the end of the year.”
Graves noted that the State Child Advocacy Center grant doesn’t allow the non-profit agency to purchase a property but it can pay rent. “We are so grateful this grant allows us to pursue this new opportunity.”
That gratitude extends to Luke and Brittany Fanshier “for their incredible generosity and support of the Family Crisis Center. There are no words to fully express our gratitude. They have given us the opportunity to grow, expand and continue to create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals and families.
“What makes this gift so meaningful is that it represents a belief in our mission. It is an investment that will have a lasting impact for years to come, while making our community a safer and stronger place.”
New building owners
When Brittany learned about the space shortage and the availability of the neighboring building, “Luke and I began praying about whether there was a way we could help. We felt a desire to support the Family Crisis Center and its mission, while also bringing new life to a historic downtown building.
“The Family Crisis Center is near and dear to our hearts and we have so much respect for the work they do in our community. Their faith-based mission really resonates with us.”
The Fanshiers also encourage other members of the community to support the FCC because it does “incredibly important work,” Brittany added. “There are so many ways to support their mission – time, resources, prayer and spreading awareness about the services they provide.
“Great Bend is our home and we are raising our family here. This makes it especially meaningful that we can support our community in this way.”
The FCC serves survivors and children in Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties. For more information, call 620-793-9941; the 24-hour crisis hotline is 866-792-1885.
