About Us

Our Mission

Is to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking through advocacy, counseling, and shelter services in a space designed for healing and hope.

Vision

The Rape & Abuse Crisis Service will be the premier resource for Central Missouri affecting community change in response to interpersonal violence so that all women, men, and children are able to live free and without fear in communities that support and strengthen safety and justice for all.

Our History

RACS was founded in 1980 by volunteers who saw the need to support survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. These innovative women started a 24/7 hotline. RACS became a certified nonprofit in 1981. In 1982 RACS utilized “safe houses” to shelter those fleeing abuse. That year, RACS became a United Way Partner Agency and a Volunteer Coordinator was hired as the first paid staff member. Leila Reynolds became RACS’ first Executive Director in 1983. RACS purchased the first building in 1984 to serve as the first RACS shelter.

In 1997, RACS raised in excess of $1.5 million ($550,000 from Mo Dept. of Public Safety), for the construction of a new shelter designed to house 40 guests. The shelter was completed in 1999 and has 9 suites which can house a total of 42 guests.

RACS is currently in its 44th year of serving survivors in Central Missouri. The agency continues to expand and enhance services that are provided at no cost to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

In 2020, Angela Hirsch joined the RACS team as the current Executive Director.

Our Impact

To the RACS Case Manager from a past guest: Sometimes I wasn’t the easiest person to deal with or even talk to at times. But I just want you to know I appreciate everything you have done for me and my son. Just in the short time of being at RACS, so many things have changed in a good way. I do feel stronger as a person, I have noticed that I have more good days and just feel happier. I see that you genuinely love helping people. You always believed in me, and now I have started believing in myself. This chapter in my life is called: knowing my worth and acting accordingly. NO more settling for less. I know what me and my children deserve. Thank you again for believing in me and just being there when I needed a friend. I never had anyone in my entire life believe in me like you have. That to me is a precious gift you gave me and I will cherish that the rest of my life.

I feel safe here. I've never felt safe anywhere. I don't know how I could have made it thought the darkness that I was in were it not for this place. Thank you for helping me to see that there is light. I am stronger, I am braver, I am a survivor. Thanks to all of you here.

Our Strategic Plan

The RACS strategic plan is a 4-year plan, and was implemented in 2021 and runs until 2025. The plan’s purpose is to help the organization continue to grow and provide more success stories of healing and hope. The implementation of this plan will bring new programs for survivors, raise awareness, identify new funding opportunities, build partnerships, and RACS will become more established in its eight outer counties.