ABOUT CAPSEA

Supportive and happy CAPSEA staff always ready to assist

a little more about us

cAPSEA is here for you. always.

Every human being has the right to live a safe and healthy life, free of violence and abuse. For over four decades, CAPSEA’s team has worked tirelessly to help Elk and Cameron county community members live safer, healthier lives. What began as the Elk County Crisis line has evolved into a comprehensive non-profit victim service agency committed to providing high quality, long-term care. We are here for you – every step of the way.

Why We Exist

our Mission, Vision, & Values

Our MISSION: Citizens Against Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Abuse (CAPSEA) Inc. is committed to providing education to communities and confidential, trauma-informed, individualized services to all people impacted by violence, abuse, and crime throughout Elk and Cameron Counties. 

Our VISION: Every individual in our region is aware that CAPSEA is the go-to safe haven for trauma, violence, and abuse services, and citizens are educated and inspired to actively make communities safer and break the cycle of violence.

Our VALUES: 

  • Confidentiality: Trust and privacy are the cornerstones fo all we do.
  • Safety: All individuals have the right to live free of violence and abuse. 
  • Accessibility: Services are provided to individuals at no charge in a non-judgmental environment.  
  • Empowerment: All individuals are supported to improve themselves and their situation.  
  • Respect: All individuals are treated with dignity and in the highest regard. 
  • Collaboration: We build relationships with others to achieve our mission. 
  • Adaptability: We adjust and transform to meet evolving needs.  

How we can help

our core services

CAPSEA is more than a 24/7 hotline and emergency shelter. We are committed to supporting and empowering victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and helping you to take back control of your life.

24/7 Confidential CAPSEA Hotline

24/7 Hotline

CAPSEA's trained staff provides a 24-hour, confidential hotline, which serves as a central point of access for crisis counseling, safety planning, and referrals.

Housing and Shelter for victims

Crisis Shelter & Housing

Emergency shelter and temporary housing services for men, women, children, and families are in need of a safe haven from abuse.

Services for Crime Victims

Crime Victim Services

CAPSEA's staff helps victim of and witnesses to violent crimes with everything from obtaining legal representation, to coordinating counseling.

Abuse Victim Support System

Abuse Victim Services

CAPSEA’s staff helps victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse navigate the legal and medical processes that can result from experiencing trauma.

Individual Group Counseling and Support

Counseling & Support

CAPSEA's trained professionals provide individual and group counseling sessions, helping people to move forward with their lives.

Teacher educating and training individuals on sexual assault

Education & Training

CAPSEA's educators train professionals, students, survivors, and community members to identify and escape abusive situations.

how we started

our history

CAPSEA has provided life-saving services and shelter to countless adults and children over the past 43 years. The organization was founded in 1977 as The Elk County Crisis Line and has since transformed into a 501(c)3 designated non-profit victim service agency with a volunteer board of directors. CAPSEA’s evolution has allowed our team to provide a continuum of services to victims and their families:

  • 1977: The Elk County Crisis Line was founded.
  • 1984: The organization changed its name to Citizens Against Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Abuse, establishing the highly recognizable acronym CAPSEA.
  • 1988: CAPSEA opens its Emergency Shelter, Cheryl’s House.
  • 2000: CAPSEA expanded its services to include an Incredible Years positive parenting workshop series for service recipients and their children.
  • 2015: The organization added a Legal Advocate position dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support, Protection From Abuse order assistance, and any related court accompaniment.
  • 2015: The Permanent Housing Program grew to include rental assistance, allowing for additional housing, case management, and follow-up to qualified individuals and families throughout Elk and Cameron counties.
  • 2017: CAPSEA becomes the only certified Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR) Counseling victim service agency in the state of Pennsylvania, improving the organization’s ability to provide life-changing therapy services.

Learn more about how you can help

help us to help others

women gathered laughing and smiling together

If you or someone you know needs help, call our 24-hour Hotline: 

Elk County Hotline: 814-772-1227

Cameron County Hotline: 814-486-0952