The Sexual Abuse Response Center (SARC), formerlly known as the Rape Crisis Center began in 1981. The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) originally opened its doors in 1996 as the result of a cooperative and collaborative effort between the 15th Judicial District Attorney's Office, the Office of Community Services, Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, Lafayette Parish School Board, and the Lafayette medical and mental health communities.
On April 1, 1999, Stuller Place merged SARC and CAC which continued the relationship with the District Attorney's Office and enhanced our association with local law enforcement agencies.
In 2007, a need for adding the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE) came about. SANE offers more specialized medical care to victims of sexual assault ages 12 and over. In 2010, we will be working towards adding a Pediatric SANE program to address the needs of children 11 and under.
With the addition of the SANE Program, it was apparent that the response to sexual assault had noticeable deficiencies. Although the initial response to the victim was a coordinated effort, the investigative and supportive services continued to work independent of each other. Aware of these deficiencies, Stuller Place SANE and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office developed a multidisciplinary sexual assault response team. In August 2007, the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) was created.
On September 1, 2009, the agency's name was changed to Hearts of Hope. The new name is a better fit for describing what the agency is dedicated to, help and healing from sexual abuse and assault. Our staff and volunteers put their heart and soul into providing the highest quality of care when meeting the needs of the victims that receive our services. Our Board of Directors show such dedication and take pride in serving for such a worthy cause. Our community also supports the agency in many ways. We truly appreciate all of those who support our mission and we look forward to continuing all relationships with those who support our mission to end sexual abuse.
