Expanding Access to Mental Health Support for Families in Leon County
In Leon County, many women face impossible choices every day, choosing between paying bills, buying groceries, or securing childcare. These challenges impact not only individual families, but the health and stability of our entire community. At the Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC Leon), we recognize these realities and are proud to partner with the Oasis Center for Women & Girls, a local nonprofit providing critical support, guidance, and counseling for women and their families.
Since 2007, Oasis has served as a safe, empowering space where women and girls can feel supported and understood. Programs such as Girl Circles and summer camps help girls build confidence, communication skills, and resilience. For adult participants, Oasis’s Individual Counseling Program has become a critical resource for women navigating stress, trauma, and life transitions.
Launched in 2023 with CSC Leon’s support, the after-hours counseling program is designed with accessibility in mind. Sessions are offered in the evenings and on Saturdays, with childcare provided on-site. Telehealth sessions are also available, though the initial session is conducted in-person to build comfort and trust. Participants may receive up to 12 free counseling sessions, with opportunities to extend services or transition to affordable long-term care as needed.
The impact of this program is reflected in both its reach and its outcomes. In the past year, Oasis served more than 200 women through its counseling and support programs. Cinthya Dominguez, Director of Empowerment Programs, explains, “Our goal is to create a space where women can focus on themselves without worrying about childcare or scheduling conflicts. We’ve seen lives transformed, women leaving abusive situations, managing stress, and gaining confidence to thrive for themselves and their children.”
One participant’s experience illustrates this impact. While navigating an abusive relationship, she worked closely with her therapist and child advocates at Oasis to develop a safety plan. With ongoing guidance and support, she was able to safely leave the situation and regain stability for herself and her children. Stories like this demonstrate how access to counseling, paired with the right supports, can be truly life-changing.
CSC Leon’s partnership plays a crucial role in sustaining this work. Our investment supports counselors, child advocates, and program operations, ensuring that services remain free and accessible to women who might otherwise go without care. Beyond financial contributions, CSC Leon connects Oasis with the broader community through outreach, training, and events, to further strengthen the safety net available to women and families in Leon County.
Programs like the Individual Counseling Program illustrate the ripple effect of thoughtful community investment. By offering flexible scheduling, child supervision, and accessible mental health care, Oasis empowers women to care for themselves, support their children, and navigate challenges that might otherwise feel overwhelming. Together, CSC Leon and Oasis demonstrate that when community resources and compassionate support align, lives are not only helped, they are transformed.
To access counseling services, call 850-222-2474.
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