Gateway Center asks Ben Hill County for startup support to open local child‑advocacy services

Katie Rumsey, executive director of The Gateway Center Inc., told the Ben Hill County Commissioners on March 5 that the nonprofit—which provides child‑advocacy and sexual‑assault services to the Cordele Judicial Circuit—wants to open a local office in Ben Hill County because about 50% of the center’s cases originate there. "Our office is in Cordele, so victims must travel with officers to Cordele to receive services," Rumsey said, adding that Dorminy Medical Center has offered a room to host the local site.

Rumsey said startup costs for equipment and furnishings would be about $15,000 and that sustaining the local services would cost roughly $5,000 per year. She asked the board to consider contributing to those costs. County Manager Michael Dinnerman said he would meet with Rumsey to discuss the center’s needs and follow up with the commission.

The request would place victim‑services capacity in Ben Hill County rather than relying on travel to Cordele, a change the presenter said could reduce delays and barriers for survivors. The Gateway Center’s model combines forensic interview and advocacy services for children with sexual‑assault services for adults; Rumsey described the center’s work as serving both child and adult survivors in the circuit.

No formal county commitment was made at the meeting; the commission added the Gateway Center item to the agenda for discussion and tasked staff to meet with the organization. Next steps are a staff follow‑up meeting with The Gateway Center and potential future requests for funding or a formal agreement.