Sports Locker • November/December 2024 • RACS Rape & Abuse Crisis Service

Each year, Redemption Inside the Walls selects a nominated beneficiary to support with proceeds from the yearly event at the fairgrounds. In 2024, the Rape & Abuse Crisis Service was our beneficiary. We would like to thank RACS Director Angela Hirsch and her entire team for their hard work and dedication as they serve their clients and families.

The history of the Jefferson City Rape & Abuse Crisis Service is rooted in a profound sense of community, compassion and determination to address the impact of domestic and sexual violence. In 1980, a group of prominent women in the Jefferson City community recognized the urgent need for intervention after witnessing the suffering of friends, family members, and neighbors due to abuse. Their commitment to providing support to victims led them to establish an emergency telephone hotline, marking the beginnings of a safe and supportive resource for those in need.

In 1981, the Jefferson City Rape & Abuse Crisis Service was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The establishment of RACS formalized the group’s commitment to support survivors of violence. In 1982, RACS became a United Way agency, securing crucial community support. That same year, the first staff member was hired as a volunteer coordinator and a victim advocacy program was established. Additionally, “safe homes” were established and set up, providing temporary refuge for survivors until RACS was able to purchase the first shelter in 1984.

Now, almost 45 years later, RACS continues to provide intervention, support, and safety to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in nine central Missouri counties and to survivors throughout the state. RACS’ mission, “To support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in a space designed for healing and hope,” is reflective in all the services and efforts put forth.

All direct services, including advocacy, case management, counseling, crisis intervention, and shelter, are provided freely and confidentially to survivors throughout Cole, Gasconade, Maries, Miller, Morgan, Moniteau, Osage, Southern Boone and Southern Callaway counties. RACS is dedicated to ensuring that survivors have a safe place to go when it isn’t safe for them to be at home, along with providing healing and hope to all survivors where and when they need it.

As we look toward the future, RACS is dedicated to expanding the agency’s traditional services to include early childhood development and family services, prevention education, and housing opportunities to those the agency serves. Through innovation, compassion, and determination, RACS will continue to be a beacon of hope for those who experience violence at the hands of another until interpersonal violence no longer impacts a single member of our community.

Redemption Inside the Walls, C&S Employment Solutions, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Sports Locker Magazine and all our sponsors were honored to support this wonderful organization. For more information or help, contact:

Angela Hirsch • Executive Director Rape & Abuse Crisis Service PO Box 416 • Jefferson City, MO • 65102-0416 Phone: 573.634.8346 ext. 101 • Cell: 573.291.1400 Hotline: 1.800.303.0013