Press Releases
Contact Peaceful Paths at
352-377-5690 for more information.
February 5, 2026
Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network: Free and Confidential Services in Alachua, Bradford, and Union Counties.
24 hour Helpline - 352-377-8255 || 24 hour Text - 352-727-0948 || Gainesville Outreach Office - 352-377-5690
GAINESVILLE- Peaceful Paths is the state-certified Domestic Violence center serving Alachua, Bradford and Union
Counties. In light of the domestic violence related murders experienced in Bradford and Union County recently,
we extend our deepest sympathy to those involved and we would like to remind the community of our free and
confidential services.
Our Gainesville Outreach Campus accommodates walk-in service options Monday through Friday during normal
business hours of 9 am to 5 pm. Our campus offers a multitude of supports that include youth services, legal
services, individual and family trauma-informed therapy, support group, financial literacy, housing advocacy,
food and clothing pantries, and individualized case management.
Our 46-bed Gainesville Residential Campus provides emergency shelter for survivors and their families, and also
includes a pet room for survivors that have small pets. We maintain seven supportive housing units that provide
temporary housing for up to a year while survivors can utilize our wrap around services and address unique
obstacles that may prevent them from accessing traditional independent housing. In 2025, we provided more
than 60,000 services to survivors in our tri-county area.
Education and prevention are fundamental to create the lasting societal change needed to save lives. Last year
Peaceful Paths empowered 3,786 youth with violence prevention education through school and community
programming partnerships. Free training is available for youth and adults in workplace, faith-based or
community settings.
“Peaceful Paths remains committed not only to the immediate work of keeping survivors and their dependents
safe, but in vocalizing the need for fundamental systems change. We advocate for and strive to create a reality
where we are not silent about violence and where we hold people accountable for perpetuating abuse,” states
Chief Financial Officer, Erica Rodriguez Merrell.
Allies are fundamental to creating impactful change for survivors so Peaceful Paths relies on volunteers, interns,
donation drives/events, and planned giving from community members to further our mission. More information
on how you can uplift and support survivors in our area can be found online at peacefulpaths.org in the Support
Us section.
If you or someone you know needs help, Peaceful Paths is here to offer support and information. 24/7 Helpline
Advocates are available by phone (352-377-82555) or text (352-727-0948) to answer questions about our free
and confidential services. More information can also be found online at www.peacefulpaths.org or by calling our
main office at 352-377-5690.
October 1, 2025
Bringing Awareness to Domestic Violence
Saving lives and creating change is central during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
GAINESVILLE- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Peaceful Paths, the local state certified domestic violence agency, invites you to learn more about supporting survivors in our area. A wonderful way to learn more is by attending Peaceful Paths’ inaugural Strength in Strides Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 12, 2025 in downtown Gainesville. The walk looks to raise awareness of the prevalence of Domestic Violence and involve the community in supporting survivors in the local area. Domestic Violence affects more than 12 million people a year in the US, with over 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the US having experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
This year Peaceful Paths has provided services to over 1,100 survivors and their children through residential and outreach programs, demonstrating that Domestic Violence continues to seriously impact Alachua, Bradford, and Union County communities.
The agency dedicates efforts to increasing safety, support, and paths to self-sufficiency for every survivor. They strive to fill gaps, meet emerging needs, and build best practices for survivors and their families. Peaceful Paths’ advocates, leadership, and Board of Directors work to ensure that survivors gain information and are connected to resources they need to move forward. A survivor shares, “During my stay I have gained a wealth of knowledge, insight, and confidence that I honestly didn’t know I was capable of… They have helped me grow and heal in such a special way. Making the decision to walk through the doors was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But, it has by far been the best decision I've ever made in my life. “
Peaceful Paths offers a helpline that is available to survivors and allies seeking assistance 24/7. All of their services are free and confidential. People seeking support may also walk in to Peaceful Paths’ Outreach office Monday through Friday and speak with a certified advocate. Additionally, they offer free education on Intimate Partner Violence and building healthy relationships to students, organizations, and businesses in the community. Contact them today for a presentation and learn more about recognizing the signs of domestic violence and supporting survivors.
2025 October Events
Strength in Strides Awareness Walk | October 12, 2025 2:00 -5:00 pm, Bo Diddley Plaza
Join Peaceful Paths for our Inaugural Strength in Strides awareness walk on October 12th, 2025 to support survivors of Domestic Violence and to help us bring awareness to the many challenges that survivors face every day. Participants will learn about the free and confidential services offered at Peaceful Paths and how the community can support our mission to save lives and create change. Learn more here: https://www.peacefulpaths.org/strengthinstrides
For more information on the agency or any of these events, please contact Crystal Sorrow at 352.377.5690, csorrow@peacefulpaths.org, or visit us on the web at www.peacefulpaths.org
We exist to save lives and create change.
December 27, 2024
Peaceful Paths Board of Directors Names Crystal Sorrow as Chief Executive Officer
Gainesville-Peaceful Paths is pleased to announce that Crystal Sorrow has been named Chief Executive Officer effective
January 1 st , 2025. Sorrow was previously the Director of Education and Youth Services, and has served as the
Interim CEO since July 2024 when Dr. Theresa Beachy, who had led the agency for 24 years, transitioned to
become the Organizational Strategist at the Center for Nonprofit Excellence at the Community Foundation of
North Central Florida. The Peaceful Paths Board of Directors named Sorrow as incoming CEO in a unanimous
decision.
Ms. Sorrow brings more than 20 years’ experience leading teams, creating programming, and educating
students and the community. Her deep ties and robust networks within our community make her an
excellent choice to lead Peaceful Paths forward as they continue serving survivors and their families.
Sorrow has expressed gratitude and excitement as she steps into the CEO role stating, “I want to thank the
Peaceful Paths’ Board of Directors for their knowledge and guidance during my time as Interim CEO. I am
inspired by the trust they have placed in me with the offer of the CEO role. It is an exciting time to lead the
agency, as Peaceful Paths has served survivors of domestic violence in the Gainesville area for fifty years. I
envision continuing that legacy of programming while growing new community connections. Every day
Peaceful Paths’ advocates and leadership team strives to empower survivors and educate the community. I
am honored to support them and represent the agency as CEO.”
Peaceful Paths is the state certified center that serves survivors of domestic violence in Alachua, Bradford,
and Union counties. The mission of saving lives and creating change utilizes intervention and prevention to
address the spectrum of issues surrounding intimate partner violence. Peaceful Paths provides free and
confidential services including 24-hour text/helpline, emergency shelter, supportive housing, trauma
informed counseling, support groups, youth programming, community education and training, violence
prevention programs, food and clothing pantries, and legal services. Since January 2024, Peaceful Paths has
provided services to more than 4,000 survivors and their children.
For more information please contact Crystal Sorrow at 352-377-5690,
csorrow@peacefulpaths.org, or visit us on the web at www.peacefulpaths.org
We exist to save lives and create change.
October 1, 2024
Fifty Years of Bringing Hope and Change
Saving lives and creating change is central during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
GAINESVILLE- Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network will commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness
Month during October 2024, and encourages you to learn more about domestic violence and supporting survivors in our
area. Since January 2024, Peaceful Paths has provided services to 3,453 survivors and their children through residential
and outreach programs, demonstrating that Intimate Partner Violence continues to seriously impact Alachua, Bradford,
and Union County communities.
In celebrating 50 years of service to the tri-county region, Peaceful Paths reflects on the journeys of the 10,000 families
supported with shelter services through the years. The agency strives to fill gaps, meet emerging needs, and build best
practice for survivors and their families. Peaceful Paths’ advocates, leadership, and Board of Directors work to ensure
that survivors can access what they need, when they need it, to move forward in the way that is best for them. This is
the legacy Peaceful Paths has built and will continue to build upon. A survivor shares, “I can’t express how grateful I am
for all that you’ve done for me…I know it sounds strange, but your concern for me helped me feel that same kindness
for myself when I felt unworthy and helpless.”
Peaceful Paths offers free and confidential services and a helpline that is available to survivors and allies seeking
assistance 24/7. They offer free education on Intimate Partner Violence and building healthy relationships to students,
organizations, and businesses.
2024 October Events
Domestic Violence Awareness Displays | October 1-31
The community can experience the Clothesline Project in displays around the community. This project highlights the
experiences of survivors through hand-illustrated t-shirts. This year, host sites will feature a shirt and awareness
materials that can help the public learn more. Sites include the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Santa Fe
College, City Auto, Alachua PD, Best Restoration, and the Community Foundation of North Central Florida.
22 nd Annual Guest Chef Gainesville| October 3 5:30-9:00
Guest Chef Gainesville is Peaceful Paths' annual signature fundraising event to support our mission to save lives and
create change. Make a significant impact on the lives of domestic abuse survivors while you sample more than 30
delicious dishes prepared by local foodies that advocate for our cause. Socialize comfortably both indoors and outdoors
while sipping complimentary beer and wine. Browse our extensive list of silent auction items on your mobile device.
Enjoy entertainment from amazing musical performers, free valet parking, and much more. Purchase tickets here:
www.guestchefgainesville.com
Business Before Hours | October 15 8:30-10
Join us for Business Before Hours, a structured yet relaxed environment for making effective connections within the
Chamber business community. This is your opportunity to experience a unique look into our mission in action.
Network and tour our Outreach Campus to learn about how you can support survivors. Attendance is limited
to 50. Register here: https://gainesvillechamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/35678
For more information on the agency or any of these events, please contact Crystal Sorrow at 352-377-
5690,csorrow@peacefulpaths.org, or visit us on the web at www.peacefulpaths.org
We exist to save lives and create change.
We exist to save lives and create change.
June 12, 2024
Peaceful Paths Appoints Interim CEO
Current Leadership Team member, Crystal Sorrow, will serve as Interim CEO
GAINESVILLE - The Board of Directors of Peaceful Paths, Inc. are pleased to announce that an interim CEO, Crystal Sorrow, has been appointed as their long-term Chief Executive, Dr. Theresa Beachy, moves into a new position locally. Dr. Beachy has led the agency since July 2000, and is leaving to head the Center for Nonprofit Excellence at the Community Foundation of North Central Florida on October 1, 2024.
Ms. Sorrow stated, “I am incredibly excited to serve as Interim CEO, providing continuity for survivors and their families, as Peaceful Paths celebrates fifty years of service. I anticipate fruitful collaborations with staff and community partners during this transition, and am inspired to continue my career-long work of serving families in the local area.”
Dr. Beachy and Ms. Sorrow will serve as co-CEOs from July 1-September 30. The interim appointed has served as the Director of Education and Youth Programs at Peaceful Paths since 2020, and has over 20 years’ experience leading teams, creating programming, and educating students and the community. Ms. Sorrow is uniquely qualified to lead the agency in the transition, and will ensure continuity of services. Peaceful Paths is a recognized best practice center for Domestic Violence programming, and is committed to the mission of saving lives and creating change. Crystal’s skills and dedication will safeguard the mission over the coming months until the permanent CEO is named. Ms. Sorrow can be reached at csorrow@peacefulpaths.org or by calling 352-377-5690, ext. 506.
For more information on the agency or how you can be an ally in our work, please contact Crystal Sorrow at 352-377-5690 or visit us on the web at www.peacefulpaths.org
We exist to save lives and create change.
