Women's Center of Jacksonville plans Clay County expansion with nearly $1M in funding commitments

The Women's Center of Jacksonville is preparing to expand rape crisis counseling, sexual assault forensic exams and prevention education into Clay County as demand for its services grows across Northeast Florida.

CEO Allishia Bauman, five months into her role, told News4Jax that the nonprofit has been meeting with Clay County law enforcement agencies to discuss the expansion. She described those conversations as collaborative and welcoming.

The center operates a 24-hour rape crisis hotline and provides free mental health counseling, forensic exams, advocacy and community education. Bauman said it is the only forensic exam provider serving the counties in its existing coverage area.

State funding and private gift support expansion

The organization has secured $961,710 in state funding and private funding commitments to strengthen its services.

A $461,710 state appropriation, secured during the 2026 legislative session by state Rep. Jessica Baker and state Sen. Tracie Davis, supports the center's Sexual Assault Forensic Exam, or S.A.F.E., Program, according to Action News Jax.

The program provides medical forensic exams and trauma-informed care for sexual assault survivors while working with law enforcement agencies investigating sexual crimes.

Jacksonville artist and philanthropist Brette Petway also committed a $500,000 matching gift over five years.

The center is seeking new multiyear donations to match Petway's commitment dollar for dollar, potentially generating $1 million in private support.

Unlike the state appropriation, Petway's contribution is unrestricted, allowing the organization to direct funding toward counseling, crisis intervention, education and other needs.

Growing demand creates counseling wait lists

Bauman told News4Jax that demand for the center's services has exceeded capacity in several areas, including mental health counseling.

The organization is working to reduce wait lists and improve access for people who face transportation difficulties, scheduling conflicts or limited awareness of available services.

The nonprofit currently identifies Duval, Nassau and Baker counties as its certified rape crisis service area. Its planned expansion into Clay County would extend its reach into another Northeast Florida community.

The center provides free crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling and assistance navigating medical and legal systems.

According to its rape recovery information, the center offers sexual assault forensic medical exams for adults 18 and older. Exams are available without requiring survivors to file police reports, and there are no residency requirements to receive care.

The organization also provides prevention education, including programs addressing consent, healthy relationships, boundaries and bystander intervention.

CEO emphasizes sustainable growth

Founded in 1995, the Women's Center of Jacksonville became a certified rape crisis center serving Duval, Nassau and Baker counties in 2004 and established its S.A.F.E. Program in 2014.

Bauman previously served as executive director and senior vice president of City Year Jacksonville, where she had worked since 2013.

She told News4Jax that her commitment to community services grew from personal experience. After being forced out of her home at a young age, she received help from Jacksonville residents who provided housing, transportation and other support.

"This community really stepped up for me in ways that they didn't have to, but they did," Bauman said.

She said the experience shaped her desire to provide similar support to others.

As the organization expands, Bauman said her priorities include maintaining service quality, reaching more survivors and reducing counseling wait lists.

The center has not announced a specific opening date or permanent location for expanded Clay County services.

Residents seeking support can call the Women's Center of Jacksonville's free, confidential, 24-hour rape crisis hotline at 904-721-7273 or visit thewcj.org.