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Our Mission
It is our goal to reduce the physical and psychological aspects associated with the trauma of sexual assault and to enhance the treatment and recovery processes. RCEA empowers people through healing and social change to eliminate all forms of sexual violence. We are committed to transforming lives by providing services and education to meet the needs of our diverse community.
Our Vision
To create a community free from all forms of sexual violence.
Our History & Purpose
Turning Interest Into Action
In September 1970, Rape Counselors of East Alabama (RCEA) opened after extensive research, planning, and training by a dedicated group of community leaders who recognized the relevance of sexual assault and rape in the community. Operating from a home of the wonderful lady who helped start RCEA, Inc., volunteers devoted to the cause began answering crisis calls.
Dependent solely on private donations, RCEA existed on a tenuous basis. The organization was accepted as a Community United Way agency, and a sense of permanence was instilled. RCEA began to look toward the future and to plan for the continuing growth necessary to serve the community's expanding needs. It is financed by United Way allocations, ADECA, and other foundation grants.
Today, RCEA has expanded as a rape crisis center to assist community members in Lee, Macon, Chambers, Russell, Randolph, and Tallapoosa Counties. Our purpose is to provide a helping response to human needs at all times while mobilizing and educating a network of professional and community leaders. RCEA now provides 24-hour hotline services; prevention education services to local organizations like schools, churches, and businesses; and victim support and advocacy, such as victim assistance in the justice system, support with loved ones, and counseling referrals.
Our Team
Vickie Dearing
Executive Director
vdearing@yahoo.com
Vickie has a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Auburn University and a Master’s in Special Education from Auburn University. She volunteered part time at RCEA in college, and realized that victim advocacy was her passion. While also teaching special education, she became Executive Director in 2000 and has since built a substantial network of social services professionals that collaborate and advocate for survivors of sexual assault. Vickie is both educated and passionate about sexual assault prevention, victim services, and the assault recovery process. Vickie is a devoted wife and mother of four kids and four dogs, and she enjoys spending quality time with her family by camping and travelling.