Grace and Growth Support Group at Schliemann Center for Women's Health

Baxter Health is encouraging women in the community to take advantage of Grace and Growth, an ongoing support group for female survivors of sexual assault held at the Schliemann Center for Women's Health.

Established last October, Grace and Growth meets on the third Tuesday of every month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Schliemann Center. Participation is open to women ages 18 and over, and no registration is required.

Nationally, 1 in 5 women report experiencing sexual assault in their lifetime. Baxter Health Cline Emergency Center nurses care for women impacted by sexual assault each year, reinforcing the importance of accessible, ongoing support beyond immediate medical care.

Grace and Growth is led by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team that includes three licensed therapists, five Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), a case manager, and Kelly Dicks, MSN, RN, Cline Emergency Center Director. Together, they provide a safe, welcoming, and confidential environment where participants can learn coping strategies, share experiences, build resilience, or simply listen.

“This support group was created with the hope to empower, strengthen, and support women that have been sexually assaulted, to give them the confidence and power that have been taken from them,” said Celia Weed, BSN, RN, Cline Emergency Center. “We want survivors to know they are not alone and that healing is possible in a compassionate and supportive environment.”

Regarding the therapists’ involvement, Jamie Leach, LCSW, states, “We were so glad to be approached by the SANE nurses about starting this group. They saw a need and wanted to fill it. I'm proud to work with people who truly care about others and excited to be a part of this team.”

Baxter Health hopes that survivors throughout the region will consider participating in this caring and accessible resource created especially for them. No matter where a woman is in her healing journey, she is welcome. For questions, please contact the Schliemann Center for Women's Health at (870) 508-2345, or for more information visit baxterhealth.org/schliemann.