Cherokee Family Violence Center

We are the Cherokee Family Violence Center (CFVC). Located in Cherokee County, Georgia, we provide safety, support, and shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. What began as a concerned group of Canton First United Methodist Church members almost 35 years ago is now one of the most comprehensive domestic violence support organizations in Georgia. From opening our first 24-hour crisis hotline and sheltering our first families in the mid-1980s, to offering assistance with filing Temporary Protective Orders, to implementing a Multicultural Program and the state's 24-hour Spanish language crisis line in 2003 - CFVC's services grew right along with the needs of our community. CFVC also entered into a partnership with NuRock Development Corporation in 2003 to build a $6.8 million, 72- unit Transitional Housing Apartment Complex geared specifically for victims of domestic violence and their children. Made possible through funding provided by the Department of Community Affairs, the first families moved into Hearthstone Landing in January of 2005. At any given time, 70 women and 125 children call Hearthstone Landing home. The income-based apartment complex is comprised of two, three and four bedroom apartments. It is the only project of its type in Georgia - and one of the largest in the United States. In 2006, this project was awarded the Magnolia Award for Special Achievement in Affordable Housing by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. CFVC continues to expand the services that we offer to victims of domestic violence in Cherokee County and in Georgia. We now provide on-site support services to both English and Spanish speaking clients living in our Supportive Transitional Housing Program. In addition, we provide referrals for Legal Assistance to victims who need help with divorce, child custody and other civil legal issues. Lastly, we are proud to note that CFVC is the only domestic violence program in the state to be able to directly assist immigrant victims of domestic violence with immigration appeals and protections, having been accredited by the United States Board of Immigration and Appeals in 2011.

The Cherokee Family Violence Center enhances the safety of those impacted by intimate partner violence through services that empower victims while advocating for a community standard of zero tolerance for violence in the home.

Stephanie Villasenor is currently the Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator for Cherokee Family Violence Center. She just celebrated her 5 year “work-aversary” spreading word about the mission of the agency! Her ability to discuss CFVC with anyone at any time, with an amazing sense of humor and candor, continues to increase the visibility of the agency and awareness of domestic violence issues within our community