Our History

As a result of a committed group of Hall County DFCS workers recognizing the unique needs of child victims of sexual abuse, a community needs assessment was undertaken with participation from judges, DA's, community mental health workers, and law enforcement officials. The results of their study pointed to a need for specialized services in the community for children who have been sexually abused.

In 1987, the Children's Center for Hope & Healing was formally incorporated. It became a Hall County United Way funded agency in 1989. As the program's service area expanded, so did community support. The United Ways of several other counties joined Hall County in offering support: White County (1992), Habersham County (1993), and Forsyth County (1996). More recently, the Children's Center for Hope & Healing was adopted as a partner agency by Lumpkin and Dawson Counties.

In 1996, Project Pathfinder was born as a result of seeing a rising incidence of children with sexual behavior problems.

Finally, in 1997, the program took its current shape, extending services to adults who have unresolved issues as a result of child sexual abuse.