Center for Positive Change
About CPC
A message from our Founder...
“Center for Positive Change, Inc. is a not for profit 501(c)3 corporation that was established in 2012 to do just what the name states...create an opportunity for our clients, their families, and our community to make positive changes.
We, like all people, have been influenced by the non-violence of icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who stated, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that,’ and Mahatma Ghandi who said, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’
We understand the overwhelming impact of poverty and joblessness. We strive to provide best practice at an affordable cost. We truly are in the ‘change’ business and we are here to help.”
Patricia Hancock, Founder
The History of Center for Positive Change
The Center for Positive Change was founded in 2012 by Patricia Hancock, LCSW, during a time in which many agencies were closing their doors and access to mental health care, especially domestic violence services, was increasingly limited. What began as a determined effort to fill a critical gap in the community grew into a legacy. We owe our gratitude to a handful of dedicated individuals who had a dream and put in the work to make it a reality.
In the early days, CPC operated out of two modest offices (one for administrative tasks and one for clinical appointments), with group services held in the basement of the United Religious Community. Despite limited resources, the foundation of CPC was built on compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving those who might otherwise go without care.
Pat Hancock’s vision was profoundly shaped by the teachings and nonviolence principles of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. She believed in the power of empathy, dignity, and peaceful change to transform individuals and communities alike. That vision became the heartbeat of CPC, guiding its growth and shaping its mission to create safety and support in our own community.
Under Pat’s leadership, CPC grew steadily, grounded in her passion and unwavering dedication, until her retirement in 2023. At that time, Shelby Geyer, who had been with the agency since 2013, stepped into the role of Executive Director. Shelby brought both a deep respect for CPC’s roots and a forward-focused vision for its future.
Today, Shelby remains committed to carrying on Pat’s legacy while expanding CPC’s reach and impact. With a focus on accessibility, innovation, and community engagement, CPC continues to grow, creating an even greater ripple effect of positive change for those it serves.