East Texas Crisis Center
About Us
Our Story
From small beginnings as an all-volunteer agency, incorporated in 1978, the East Texas Crisis Center has become a safe haven for those impacted by family violence, dating violence, sexual assault and violent crime.
In addition to Tyler and Smith County ETCC also has outreach offices in Henderson, Van Zandt, Wood & Rains Counties reaching underserved populations in some very rural areas.
Programs emphasize personal safety and care, empowerment to make beneficial choices, respect of self and others, encouragement to work toward change and to build strong and supportive relationships.
With help from wonderful supporters throughout the East Texas community we are able to provide to children while they are living in the emergency shelter:
- After-school programs and activities with an emphasis on math and reading.
- Full day summer camp for school age children.
- Early Childhood Education for 3-5 year old children.
- Music, Reading, Art and Science labs.
- Nursery Care for infants.
And for both residential and non-residential clients
- Individual and Family Therapy by Licensed Professional Counselors.
- Risk assessment and safety planning.
- Legal advocacy.
- Support groups.
- Economic education and life skills classes.
Nichole J. Masters-Henry
Nichole Henry is a passionate advocate who uses her own life experiences to inspire and encourage others to overcome adversities.
A Fort Worth native, Nichole discovered her passion for helping others as a teen when she served one summer as a volunteer group facilitator for school-age children at a local apartment complex that served low-income families. Even in her college years she spent her time serving the community. The summer of her freshman year she stayed at the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home leading groups, teaching classes, and providing recreational activities for the children in residence. Since then she has traveled to Iringa, Tanzania to teach women of nearby villages leadership skills; earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s in Professional Counseling; obtained her ministerial license in 2010 and ordination for Elder in 2021.
For 20 years Ms. Henry has worked in the non-profit sector. Her leadership skills coupled with her unyielding conviction to help others succeed have propelled her into key positions at each agency she has worked. She most recently served as Chief Services Officer for a large non-profit in Tarrant County. There she oversaw the agency’s victim services division, which is comprised of 3 departments made up of over 100 employees serving over 3,000 participants annually.
In 2016 Ms. Henry started Women In Power Empowering, a philanthropic group for successful African American women with the goal to make a difference in the lives of women experiencing socioeconomic hardships by providing financial awards, mentoring, and support. The group offers an annual Empowerment Fund to individuals; annual Business Award for small, female owned for for-profit companies; and grants for non-profits.
In 2019 Nichole saw a need for more affordable housing options for families living at or below poverty and seniors in the community. By that fall, Shared Worth was formed.
Ms. Henry continues to seek out opportunities to empower and encourage women. She has recently launched her signature workshop, DreamCatching, focused on helping women move their dreams from vision to reality and executive leadership coaching for aspiring nonprofit leaders through her consulting firm, The Renovated Agency.
Nichole has dedicated her life to serving others and with her infectious smile, caring demeanor, and generous heart she leaves an indelible imprint on the lives of those she encounters.
You’re not alone.
We’re here to help when you’re ready.
24-Hour Crisis Hotline