About CAAP
Aiken - Allendale - Barnwell - Edgefield - McCormick - Saluda
Over the past three years alone, we have:
- Served over 2,200 victims
- Provided roughly 10,000 nights of safety for families fleeing abusive situations
- Championed progression in counseling for 516 new individuals
Our Story
1979
Originally named the Coalition to Assist Abused Persons, CAAP was established in 1979 by Dan Barton, a local minister and his wife, Melanie Barton, to assist victims of domestic violence.
1984
CAAP opened its first emergency shelter for battered women and their children to shelter domestic violence victims of Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell counties.
CAAP also started a sexual assault program to serve as the rape crisis center for Aiken County. A satellite office was opened in Edgefield to assist victims of sexual assault in Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties.
1995
CAAP changed its official name to the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Inc.
The name was updated in honor of longtime, dedicated board member and volunteer, John Cumbee. Until his unexpected death in 1994, Mr. Cumbee assisted the Cumbee Center for several years with everything from budget matters to painting.
2017
CAAP increased its capacity to serve by moving into a larger office.
With an intentional focus on awareness of violence issues and the free, confidential services offered, CAAP has experienced an increase in demand for these services the past few years. As a result, it has expanded its capacity to serve additional clients by moving into a larger office in December 2017. This office located at 254 Beaufort Street, NE in Aiken is outfitted with more confidential office spaces as well as a large conference room for educational workshops, community collaborations, and staff development. CAAP is delighted to have space for new staff that were needed as well as room for future growth.
TODAY
Continuous improvement of all services.
With generous donations from our friends and partners, CAAP has made significant improvements to its emergency shelter which serves women and children who are fleeing abuse. After a year of intense training for all staff in trauma-informed care, it is initiating changes in all aspects of the agency, including renovations to make our client spaces more inviting, additional training that allows staff to view clients through the lens of the trauma they have experienced, and incorporating survivor stories and feedback into how it shapes its policies and protocols. The Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers continue to ensure that the agency follows best practices in carrying out its mission of serving survivors.
Our Story
1979
Originally named the Coalition to Assist Abused Persons, CAAP was established in 1979 by Dan Barton, a local minister and his wife, Melanie Barton, to assist victims of domestic violence.
CAAP opened its first emergency shelter for battered women and their children to shelter domestic violence victims of Aiken, Allendale and Barnwell counties.
CAAP also started a sexual assault program to serve as the rape crisis center for Aiken County. A satellite office was opened in Edgefield to assist victims of sexual assault in Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties.
1984
1995
CAAP changed its official name to the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Inc.
The name was updated in honor of longtime, dedicated board member and volunteer, John Cumbee. Until his unexpected death in 1994, Mr. Cumbee assisted the Cumbee Center for several years with everything from budget matters to painting.
CAAP increased its capacity to serve by moving into a larger office.
With an intentional focus on awareness of violence issues and the free, confidential services offered, CAAP has experienced an increase in demand for these services the past few years. As a result, it has expanded its capacity to serve additional clients by moving into a larger office in December 2017. This office located at 254 Beaufort Street, NE in Aiken is outfitted with more confidential office spaces as well as a large conference room for educational workshops, community collaborations, and staff development. CAAP is delighted to have space for new staff that were needed as well as room for future growth.
2017
TODAY
Continuous improvement of all services.
With generous donations from our friends and partners, CAAP has made significant improvements to its emergency shelter which serves women and children who are fleeing abuse. After a year of intense training for all staff in trauma-informed care, it is initiating changes in all aspects of the agency, including renovations to make our client spaces more inviting, additional training that allows staff to view clients through the lens of the trauma they have experienced, and incorporating survivor stories and feedback into how it shapes its policies and protocols. The Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers continue to ensure that the agency follows best practices in carrying out its mission of serving survivors.
Board of Directors
Emily Kirk
Vice Chair
Principal Communications Specialist at SRNS. Emily joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and has served as the Vice Chair since 2023.
Ebony Kerlin, PA-C
Secretary
Physician Assistant at SRNS and the Clyburn Center for Primary Care. Ebony joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and has served as the secretary since 2023.
Paul Hunt
Treasurer
Management at Fluor Intercontinental. Paul joined the Board of Directors in 2020 and has served as the treasurer since 2024.
David Washington
Board Member
Retired South Carolina Highway Patrol and Educator. David joined the Board of Directors in 2022.
Vickie Butler
Board Member
Director of Edgefield – McCormick County Adult Education and Family Literacy. Vickie joined the Board of Directors in 2023.
Tangela
Board Member
Human Resources Employee Relations Investigator at SRNL. Tangela joined the Board of Directors in 2025.
