Blackburn Center

In 1975, a task force of the National Organization for Women met to address rape and sexual assault issues in Westmoreland County. The result was Westmoreland Alliance Against Rape whose hotline answered its first call on December 6, 1976. Since then, what is now Blackburn Center has grown to a staff of more than 30, with an active team of volunteers. Through this growth, we have developed an array of services for adult and child victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and other crimes, as well as comprehensive community education and professional in-service training programs. Over the years, Blackburn Center's mission has remained fundamentally the same. Every year, thousands of people reach out for our services. Blackburn Center will continue to support victims with our shelter, counseling, and advocacy services as long as there are victims who need us. We urge members of the community to join us in our work to end violence by changing their own attitudes about these crimes and challenging others to do the same.