Our History & Growth

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The story of Coastal Center for Hope & Healing began in 1978, when a group of local nuns recognized the need for safety and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence in our community. What began as a grassroots effort—often with volunteers opening their own homes to help those in crisis—laid the foundation for an organization that has continued to grow and evolve for nearly five decades.

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The Craven County Commissioners became the first grantor to support the mission, providing critical early funding that helped strengthen and expand the work. As services grew, Coastal Women’s Shelter was formally organized and chartered by the State of North Carolina and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1985.

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For decades, Coastal Women’s Shelter primarily focused on serving women and children impacted by domestic violence. As our community and our understanding of interpersonal violence evolved, so did our services. Today, we recognize that domestic violence and sexual assault can affect anyone, and CCHH serves all survivors, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, or other aspects of identity.

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In 2023, the agency reached another important milestone when it became a dual domestic violence and sexual assault agency following the closure of the local rape crisis center. CCHH stepped forward to help ensure that survivors of sexual assault in our community continued to have access to specialized crisis intervention, advocacy, and support.

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This expansion marked a significant new chapter for the organization. In 2024, Coastal Women’s Shelter became Coastal Center for Hope & Healing (CCHH). Our new name reflects both the evolution of our agency and the full scope of our mission—creating a place where all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can find safety, support, healing, and hope.

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Today, CCHH provides a comprehensive continuum of services designed to meet survivors wherever they are in their journey. Our programs include Emergency Shelter, Courtney’s Home for Hope, crisis intervention, advocacy, prevention and education, and ongoing supportive services that help survivors and their families move toward greater safety, stability, healing, and independence.

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Our work is made possible through grants, foundations, community partnerships, and the generosity of individuals, businesses, churches, civic organizations, and other supporters. As funding needs and resources change, CCHH remains committed to building a diverse and sustainable base of community support so that critical services remain available to survivors when they need them most.

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Helping Hands Boutique, our resale store, is another important part of that mission. Through the generosity of donors and shoppers, the boutique generates revenue to support CCHH programs while also helping provide clothing and other necessities to the individuals and families we serve.

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From a small group of compassionate women who recognized a need and took action in 1978 to the comprehensive dual-service agency we are today, CCHH has continued to grow alongside our community. While the way we serve has expanded, the heart of our work remains the same: we believe every survivor deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered to build a life free from violence.