Our Story
Founded in 1971 in response to the tragic suicide of teenager Karen Leshk, the Crisis Center began with volunteers operating the Rap Line crisis hotline. Co-founders Rev. Dr. Donald G. Capp and Shirley Caylor secured initial funding from the city of Gary, and the center has since expanded to include vital services such as the Alternative House emergency shelter for children and youth, Safe Place outreach for youth in crisis, and Teen Court prevention and early intervention services.