Before NOA existed, a group of citizens concerned about domestic violence met at the Lumpkin County Library. As a result of this meeting, a telephone hot line was established (706-864-1986) to offer crisis intervention and to refer women and their children to Gateway House in Gainesville.

1990

A concentrated effort to establish a local shelter begain in the spring of 1990...

1992

The original shelter opened on February 29, 1992. It provided emergency housing, food, clothing, medical and transportation resources for up to six women and children who were seeking safe haven from domestic violence. NOA soon began providing individual crisis counseling by a Licensed Counselor and implemented a Women's Support Group. These services were made available to shelter residents and women in the community.

1993

The addition of a Children's Program Coordinator to the the NOA staff made it possible to implement a Children's Program in the shelter.

1994

In March of 1994, NOA began offering a Parenting Class series to teach self-esteem in families and non-violent discipline methods for parents. The classes were made available not only to DFCS and court referrals, but to parents in the community who had an interest in improving their parenting skills. In September of that same year...

1995

Rennovation began in the spring of 1995 and within a few months, NOA had a new kitchen and a handicap-accessible bathroom and entry...

1997

NOA began presentations in the schools addressing issues of violence through a Hands Are Not for Hitting program and a basic domestic violence and safety planning program

1998

The Parenting Class series was recreated as a Child Management Class series with several effective changes being implemented.

2000

NOA was founded through the efforts of community volunteers and has continued to grow with the support of both a volunteer board of directors and direct service volunteers. NOA hired a Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator in 2000 to enhance volunteer and outreach services.

2001

The position of Family Violence Assessor was created to coordinate services...

2002

The Strategic Planning Committee of the Board of Directors began the process of reviewing NOA's mission and vision statements and developed a comprehensive plan to address expansion of programs and services...

2005

In a special ceremony on February 10, 2005 at the State Capitol, Governor Perdue recognized NOA as a "Model Domestic Violence Program" for the State of Georgia. NOA was selected as a pilot project by the Department of Human Resources for an innovative project working with Child Protective Services (CPS)...

2006

NOA receives new grant...

2007

Dahlonega Readers Choice Award- Best Non-Profit Organization

2008

New website goes online...