The Rowan Center

What The Rowan Center does

The Rowan Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1979 (originally as the Rape Crisis Center, rebranded in 2019) that delivers sexual violence prevention, crisis response, and trauma recovery services to residents of eight towns in Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. Its service architecture comprises four interconnected pillars: school-based prevention education aligned with Connecticut state requirements, a 24/7 multilingual crisis helpline (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole) and crisis counseling, State-certified hospital/police/court victim advocacy accompaniments, and the Trauma Recovery Practice (Trauma Recovery Clinic), a CT Department of Public Health-licensed outpatient therapy clinic offering EMDR and other evidence-based modalities to HUSKY-insured adults statewide. All crisis, advocacy, counseling, and prevention services are provided free of charge to survivors; clinical services accept HUSKY insurance reimbursement. Operating metrics for July 2024-June 2025 include 8,244 direct services for victims and survivors, 4,093 helpline calls, 1,141 counseling sessions, 22,100 people educated through 795 presentations across 45 schools, and a 59% year-over-year increase in client referrals with an 86% increase in client accompaniments.

The organization's technology and product stack centers on trauma-informed clinical practice and a growing digital footprint. The Trauma Recovery Clinic delivers EMDR therapy with documented pilot outcomes including a 64% average reduction in PTSD symptom severity for EMDR clients and a 56% decrease for clients receiving combined short- and long-term therapy. KidSafeHQ, launched in 2025 with a $100,000 Impact Fairfield County grant, is a web-based parent-education platform offering age-appropriate safety guides, digital wellbeing resources, and an Ask Scout Q&A tool. The 2025 Trauma Fellowship Program trains graduate-level clinicians in trauma-informed modalities over a three-year curriculum before placing them across Connecticut, functioning as a workforce-pipeline product in addition to a clinical service.

Revenue is generated through diversified nonprofit streams: voluntary individual donations, foundation and corporate grants (notably the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation underwriting the Trauma Recovery Clinic and Impact Fairfield County funding KidSafeHQ), state and federal government funding for sexual assault crisis centers, fundraising events (Winter Wonderland Gala, Gingerbread Houses and Cocktails for a Cause), and recurring HUSKY Health insurance reimbursement for Trauma Recovery Clinic sessions. The organization is governed by an independent Board of Directors (Chair Jennifer Barnard, Vice Chair Keiley Fuller, Treasurer Kristen Antonopoulos of American Express, Secretary Katherine Samy) and led by CEO Sharon Walker Epps (effective January 1, 2025), with approximately 20+ paid staff and supplemental volunteer advocates. It maintains Charity Navigator's 4-star rating and a Candid Platinum Transparency badge.

Name

The Rowan Center

Legal name

The Rowan Center

Website

https://therowancenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Rowan Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1979 that provides free sexual violence prevention education, 24/7 multilingual crisis intervention, victim advocacy, and long-term trauma therapy to residents of eight towns in Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Crisis Intervention and Trauma Recovery Services

NAICS

Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Child and Youth Services (624110), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Domestic Violence & Abuse Support Services (BPAGAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Legal Aid & Client Advocacy Services (BPAGAEAM), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Public Student Support & Related Services (Counseling, SEL, Health, Safety) (EDAJAAAK), Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)

Keywords

• Sexual violence prevention
• Crisis intervention services
• Trauma recovery therapy
• Victim advocacy services
• Prevention education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Stamford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Freewill donations from individuals supporting the mission to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.
2. Corporate/Foundation Grants: Grant funding from foundations such as the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and Impact Fairfield County ($100,000 grant for KidSafeHQ).
3. Government Funding: State and federal funding for sexual assault crisis centers and prevention programs.
4. Fundraising Events: Revenue from events such as Winter Wonderland Casino Night, Gingerbread Houses and Cocktails for a Cause, and galas.
5. HUSKY Insurance Reimbursement: Trauma Recovery Clinic accepts HUSKY insurance for long-term therapy services, providing revenue stream for clinical services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Rowan Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sexual violence resource center providing free, confidential services across four pillars: Prevention Education (K-12 and community programs), 24/7 Crisis Response (helpline and crisis counseling), Victim Advocacy (hospital/police/court accompaniment by State-certified advocates), and Trauma Recovery Practice (long-term trauma-informed therapy including EMDR for HUSKY-insured adults).

Product overview

The Rowan Center is a nonprofit sexual violence resource center providing a comprehensive suite of trauma support and violence prevention services. The organization operates four interconnected service pillars: Prevention Education Programs (K-12 school-based and community education covering boundaries, consent, and digital safety), Crisis Services (24/7 helpline and crisis counseling), Victim Advocacy (hospital, police, and court accompaniment), and the Trauma Recovery Practice (long-term, trauma-informed therapy including EMDR for HUSKY-insured adults). Additionally, KidSafeHQ provides online safety resources for families, the Student Advisory Board engages youth in prevention efforts, and Certified Advocate Training prepares community volunteers to serve as State-certified crisis counselors. All core services are free and confidential, available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, serving eight towns in Lower Fairfield County.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Trauma Recovery Practice: A licensed, long-term clinical therapy clinic offering trauma-informed, outpatient, individual mental health therapy to low-income and underinsured victims and survivors of trauma. Currently serves adults (18+) with HUSKY Health who have experienced sexual violence, domestic violence, and/or other trauma.
• KidSafeHQ

Products and services

• Prevention Education Programs Age-appropriate education programs for K-12 students (elementary through high school), parents, educators, and community members focused on preventing sexual violence through teaching boundaries, consent, digital safety, and bystander intervention. Programs include K-2nd grade curriculum, middle school programs (6th-8th grade), and high school programs (9th-12th grade) aligned with Connecticut state requirements. Free to schools and community organizations.
• 24/7 Crisis Helpline

Quantifiable outcome

• 64% reduction in PTSD symptom severity for clients receiving EMDR therapy
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Co-hosted Anti-Trafficking Coalition bringing law enforcement, community partners, and service providers together to fight human trafficking in Fairfield County. Joint initiative to ensure survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking have safety, support, and resources.
• New Canaan Behavioral Health AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing collaborative behavioral health resources and referrals.
• Anchor HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGBTQ+ medical center in Stamford and Hamden, CT. Caroline Chadwick, Head of Case Management & Public Policy, serves on The Rowan Center's Board of Directors.
• Family CentersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing family services and resources in Fairfield County.
• Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual ViolencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide alliance of which The Rowan Center is a member center. One of nine regional member centers serving the eight towns of Lower Fairfield County.
• InspiricaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty.
• Building One CommunityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner serving the immigrant and refugee population in Stamford.
• Domestic Violence Crisis CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing domestic violence crisis services.
• Kids in CrisisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing services for youth in crisis. Co-presented college safety panel at Greenwich Library.
• Stamford HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partner providing medical services in Stamford.
• SilverSourceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner serving seniors in Stamford.
• StamfordConnectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ferguson Library's city resource guide providing community resource connections.
• Citizens ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated 60 self-care bags for survivors, demonstrating community support for trauma survivors.
• Darien DepotminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing resources in Darien.
• Catalyst CTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization in Connecticut.
• Resources to RecoverminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing recovery resources.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Safe Horizon: New York-based victim services nonprofit offering crime victim advocacy, rape crisis services, and trauma counseling. Comparable for its scale and integrated crisis/counseling/advocacy model in a way that closely parallels The Rowan Center's service pillars.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): National sexual violence nonprofit operating the National Sexual Assault Hotline and online survivor resources. Comparable because it is the macro-level analog of The Rowan Center's crisis helpline and prevention mission, and is the most recognizable brand in this space.
• End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI): National training and resource organization supporting victim advocacy and sexual assault response. Comparable because both organizations train professionals (law enforcement, healthcare, etc.) on victim-centered practices and produce curriculum and research.
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): National resource center providing education, tools, and technical assistance on sexual violence prevention and response. Comparable because both organizations develop curriculum, training materials, and resources used by local programs and schools.
• Joyful Heart Foundation: National nonprofit founded by Mariska Hargitay focused on ending sexual assault, family violence, and child abuse through healing, prevention, and advocacy. Comparable in combining survivor services, education, and high-profile advocacy to drive impact.
• Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence: Statewide alliance of nine regional sexual assault crisis centers of which The Rowan Center is a member. Peer because it represents the broader network in which Rowan operates, sets statewide standards, and channels state-level funding and policy advocacy.
• Raliance: National sexual violence prevention coalition funding research, education, and prevention initiatives. Comparable because it operates at the policy and grantee level intersecting with The Rowan Center's prevention and education programming.

Direct peers

• Interval House: Connecticut's largest domestic violence service provider offering shelter, advocacy, counseling, and prevention education. Comparable because it offers the same combination of crisis intervention, advocacy, and community education focused on abuse/violence response in CT.
• The Center for Family Justice: Bridgeport-based CT Alliance member center providing similar integrated sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse crisis response, advocacy, and counseling across southern Connecticut. Directly comparable because of adjacent geography, same state alliance membership, and parallel service pillars.

Regional players

• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC): Cambridge-based regional center providing crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education in Massachusetts. Comparable because of similar integrated service pillars (helpline, medical advocacy, EMDR-style counseling, school prevention), though operating in a different New England geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/therowancenter

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Rowan Center