About CAAP

Aiken - Allendale - Barnwell - Edgefield - McCormick - Saluda

This is our Mission.

To support and empower domestic violence and sexual violence victims and their families by providing services, reducing the tolerance of abuse, and advocating for social change. 

We've helped thousands of survivors navigate difficult situations. Our compassionate staff has the experience necessary to match you with exactly what is needed for your unique circumstances.

All of our services are completely free, strictly confidential, and clients' safety is always our first priority.

This is our Mission.

To support and empower domestic violence and sexual violence victims and their families by providing services, reducing the tolerance of abuse, and advocating for social change. 

Above all else, We're here for you.

We've helped thousands of survivors navigate difficult situations. Our compassionate staff has the experience necessary to match you with exactly what is needed for your unique circumstances.

All of our services are completely free, strictly confidential, and clients' safety is always our first priority.

These are the Results

Over the past three years alone, we have:

  • Served over 2,200 victims
  • Provided roughly 10,000 nights of safety for families fleeing abusive situations
  • Championed progression in counseling for 516 new individuals

Our Story

1979

Originally named the Coalition to Assist Abused Persons, CAAP was established in 1979 by Dan Barton, a local minister and his wife, Melanie Barton, to assist victims of domestic violence.

1984

CAAP opened its first emergency shelter for battered women and their children to shelter domestic violence victims of Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell counties.

CAAP also started a sexual assault program to serve as the rape crisis center for Aiken County. A satellite office was opened in Edgefield to assist victims of sexual assault in Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties. 

1995

CAAP changed its official name to the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Inc. 

The name was updated in honor of longtime, dedicated board member and volunteer, John Cumbee. Until his unexpected death in 1994, Mr. Cumbee assisted the Cumbee Center for several years with everything from budget matters to painting.

2017

CAAP increased its capacity to serve by moving into a larger office.

With an intentional focus on awareness of violence issues and the free, confidential services offered, CAAP has experienced an increase in demand for these services the past few years. As a result, it has expanded its capacity to serve additional clients by moving into a larger office in December 2017. This office located at 254 Beaufort Street, NE in Aiken is outfitted with more confidential office spaces as well as a large conference room for educational workshops, community collaborations, and staff development. CAAP is delighted to have space for new staff that were needed as well as room for future growth. 

TODAY

Continuous improvement of all services. 

With generous donations from our friends and partners, CAAP has made significant improvements to its emergency shelter which serves women and children who are fleeing abuse. After a year of intense training for all staff in trauma-informed care, it is initiating changes in all aspects of the agency, including renovations to make our client spaces more inviting, additional training that allows staff to view clients through the lens of the trauma they have experienced, and incorporating survivor stories and feedback into how it shapes its policies and protocols. The Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers continue to ensure that the agency follows best practices in carrying out its mission of serving survivors.

Our Story

1979

Originally named the Coalition to Assist Abused Persons, CAAP was established in 1979 by Dan Barton, a local minister and his wife, Melanie Barton, to assist victims of domestic violence.

CAAP opened its first emergency shelter for battered women and their children to shelter domestic violence victims of Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell counties.

CAAP also started a sexual assault program to serve as the rape crisis center for Aiken County. A satellite office was opened in Edgefield to assist victims of sexual assault in Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties. 

1984

1995

CAAP changed its official name to the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Inc. 

The name was updated in honor of longtime, dedicated board member and volunteer, John Cumbee. Until his unexpected death in 1994, Mr. Cumbee assisted the Cumbee Center for several years with everything from budget matters to painting.

CAAP increased its capacity to serve by moving into a larger office.

With an intentional focus on awareness of violence issues and the free, confidential services offered, CAAP has experienced an increase in demand for these services the past few years. As a result, it has expanded its capacity to serve additional clients by moving into a larger office in December 2017. This office located at 254 Beaufort Street, NE in Aiken is outfitted with more confidential office spaces as well as a large conference room for educational workshops, community collaborations, and staff development. CAAP is delighted to have space for new staff that were needed as well as room for future growth. 

2017

TODAY

Continuous improvement of all services. 

With generous donations from our friends and partners, CAAP has made significant improvements to its emergency shelter which serves women and children who are fleeing abuse. After a year of intense training for all staff in trauma-informed care, it is initiating changes in all aspects of the agency, including renovations to make our client spaces more inviting, additional training that allows staff to view clients through the lens of the trauma they have experienced, and incorporating survivor stories and feedback into how it shapes its policies and protocols. The Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers continue to ensure that the agency follows best practices in carrying out its mission of serving survivors.

Board of Directors

Jessica Coach

Executive Director

Rotarian, SCCADVASA board member, Domestic Violence Fatality Review board and Distinguished Humanitarian 2021. 

Fonda Patrick

Chair

Retiree and Barnwell County School District (6) Board Member. Fonda joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and has served as the chair since 2023.

Emily Kirk

Vice Chair

Principal Communications Specialist at SRNS. Emily joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and has served as the Vice Chair since 2023.

Ebony Kerlin, PA-C

Secretary

Physician Assistant at SRNS and the Clyburn Center for Primary Care. Ebony joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and has served as the secretary since 2023.

Greg Szymik

Treasurer

Urban Planner Specialist. Greg rejoined the Board of Directors in 2021 and has served as the treasurer since 2021.  

Allison Hamilton

Board Member

Executive Director at Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness.  Dr. Hamilton Molnar joined the Board of Directors in 2018. She served as secretary in 2018 and 2019, and served as chair in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Paul Hunt

Board Member

Senior Vice President of Environmental Management Operations at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Paul joined the Board of Directors in 2020.

David Washington

Board Member

Retired South Carolina Highway Patrol and Educator. David joined the Board of Directors in 2022. 

Angela Key

Board Member

Director of Victim Witness Assistance Program, 2nd circuit. Angela joined the Board of Directors in 2022.


Vickie Butler

Board Member

Director of Edgefield – McCormick County Adult Education and Family Literacy. Vickie joined the Board of Directors in 2023.