Detroit City Wire

Kimberly Hurst, a survivor of sexual assault, has been recognized as a Women’s History Month honoree in the Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Game Changers series. The initiative celebrates individuals making significant contributions to the Detroit community. Hurst's recognition comes through her work with Avalon Healing Center, which she founded in 2006 to support sexual assault survivors.

Reflecting on her journey, Hurst recalled her initial experience treating a victim during her training at Wayne State University as particularly impactful. "We provide crisis intervention, medical exams, forensic evidence collection, all types of counseling," she said about Avalon Healing Center. The center also engages in advocacy at local and national levels.

Hurst was inspired to specialize as a sexual assault forensic examiner after learning about the role during her career. "I heard about this sub-specialty... I took that training, and I was hooked," she stated. Her work highlighted disparities in available resources for residents across different counties, motivating her to establish Avalon.

"Everything we do is free of charge, and everything we do is confidential," Hurst emphasized. She noted that Avalon is unique in southeast Michigan and one of the largest providers nationwide due to the high number of incidents in the region.

Having assisted over 25,000 survivors, Hurst described Avalon's approach: "We approach it with a trauma-informed lens and with compassion." She expressed gratitude for being honored by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment: "I'm very flattered... this work wouldn't have happened without the people that work here at Avalon."

Avalon Healing Center remains dedicated to supporting survivors through its comprehensive services and community advocacy efforts.