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Our Story

More Than 50 Years of
Changing Lives

From a single phone line answered in hope, to a full-service crisis agency serving thousands — this is the story of Community Crisis Services, Inc.

Our History

Every great organization begins with a single act of compassion. For CCSI, it was a phone call. In May of 1970, a small group of dedicated community members answered a simple but powerful question: “What if someone in crisis had someone to call?” What started as one suicide prevention hotline has grown — call by call, shelter bed by shelter bed — into one of Prince George’s County’s most vital lifelines.

Today, CCSI is the Lead Domestic Violence Agency in Prince George’s County, the operator of the only year-round overnight shelter for families in the greater Metro DC region, and one of only six regional backup centers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. We are Bigger. Better. Bolder. Brighter — and we are just getting started.

May 1970
A Hotline is Born
Community Crisis Services was founded with a single suicide prevention hotline — six simple words: “Hotline, how may I help you?” answered by compassionate, trained volunteers ready to listen.
Growing Years
Expanding Our Reach
CCSI grew its services beyond crisis calls, adding information and referral services, child and adult abuse reporting, and 9-1-1 diversion services — becoming the first point of contact for people experiencing crisis across the region.
2018
A Historic Merger — Family Crisis Center Joins CCSI
In 2018, CCSI acquired Family Crisis Center, Inc. — a landmark moment that significantly expanded our ability to serve the community. This merger brought Domestic Violence Services, the Safe Passages Emergency Shelter, Family Violence Intervention Programs, and more under the CCSI umbrella, making us the Lead Domestic Violence Agency in Prince George’s County and one of the most comprehensive crisis service organizations in the region.
Domestic Violence Services
Safe Passages Shelter Opens
CCSI became the Lead Domestic Violence Agency in Prince George’s County, opening the Safe Passages Emergency Shelter with 43 beds for survivors of intimate partner violence — providing not just shelter, but counseling, case management, and a path to safety.
Warm Nights Program
From 25 Beds to 100+
What started as a 25-bed cold weather shelter grew into the Warm Nights Shelter Program — a year-round program with over 100 beds and the only overnight shelter in the greater Metro DC region able to serve families with children.
Today
A Full-Service Crisis Agency
CCSI now averages 125 calls per day across three suicide prevention hotlines, serves as a regional backup center for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and provides a 24/7/365 Social Safety Net for Prince George’s County and beyond.

Our Mission & Vision

Everything we do is guided by one belief — that every person in crisis deserves compassionate, immediate, and non-judgmental support. That belief has never wavered in over 50 years of service.

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Our Mission

“Community Crisis Services provides compassionate crisis support through its hotline, safe shelter programs, and information and referral services.”

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Our Vision

A community where every person in crisis has access to immediate, compassionate support — and where no one faces their darkest moment alone. Bigger. Better. Bolder. Brighter.

Our Community Impact

Every number below represents a real person — a family that found shelter, a veteran who called instead of giving up, a survivor who found safety. This is what 50+ years of showing up looks like.

50+ Years Serving Prince George’s County
125 Crisis Calls Answered Every Single Day
100+ Shelter Beds for Families in Need
43 DV Shelter Beds for Survivors
6,000+ Agency & Program Referrals via 2-1-1
200% Increase in Overnight Call Rate
24/7 Always Here — 365 Days a Year
1 of 6 Regional Backup Centers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Awards & Recognition

The work CCSI does has been recognized by community leaders, state organizations, and national bodies alike. But our greatest honor remains the trust placed in us by the people we serve.

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David M. Sargent Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) Law Enforcement Award
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence Annual Celebration
Awarded to Gabrielle Parson in recognition of outstanding dedication to the Lethality Assessment Program and its mission to prevent domestic violence homicides across Prince George’s County.
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Standards for Excellence Accreditation
Standards for Excellence Institute
CCSI has earned accreditation recognizing our commitment to the highest standards of ethics, accountability, and effectiveness in nonprofit management and governance.
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Contact USA Member — Promoting Excellence in Crisis Services
Contact USA
CCSI is a proud member of Contact USA, a national organization dedicated to promoting excellence in crisis intervention and emotional support services.
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American Association of Suicidology Member
American Association of Suicidology
As a member of the AAS, CCSI upholds national standards in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention — serving as one of only six regional backup centers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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Maryland Charity Campaign — MCC #6106
Maryland Charity Campaign
CCSI is a proud participant in the Maryland Charity Campaign, allowing state employees to support our mission through workplace giving. Give a little — help a lot!

Be Part of Our Story

For over 50 years, CCSI has been here for this community. Now we invite you to be part of what comes next — as a donor, a volunteer, a board member, or simply someone who shares our story.

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