This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - Women’s Center plans expansion as demand for services grows

The Women’s Center of Jacksonville is preparing to expand services into Clay County while facing growing demand for counseling, rape recovery, forensic exams and prevention education across Northeast Florida.CEO Allishia Bauman, five months into the job, says the organization operates a 24/7 rape crisis hotline and is the only forensic exam provider serving the counties in its coverage area. The center also provides free mental-health counseling and community education.“We are really, we’re needing more support to be able to provide more support in our community for folks who need it,” Bauman said. She said the organization currently has wait lists in several areas, including counseling, and is working to make services more accessible to people who face transportation, scheduling or awareness barriers.PREVIOUS EPISODE | New program pairs AmeriCorps members with employer-ready skillsThe planned Clay County expansion comes as the area continues to grow. Bauman said the center has been me