By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Canadian County’s domestic violence agency has staff available to provide services to victims at two locations in this county.
Intervention & Crisis Advocacy Network (ICAN) opened its El Reno program house in August 1997, and has been the only onsite domestic violence/sexual assault service provider at the Cardinal Point Family Justice Center since March 2021.
ICAN served 681 clients in Canadian County during calendar year 2023.
ICAN’s services are being highlighted throughout October, which is being observed as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
ICAN is one of 32 domestic violence and sexual assault programs certified by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office to provide services to anyone impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Recertification is required every three years.
ICAN’s service areas are Canadian and Grady counties.
“ICAN has been Canadian County’s domestic violence agency for 38 years,” Executive Director Matt Whetzel said.
ICAN – which has offices in El Reno and Chickasha – provides crisis intervention, transportation to a safe place, safety planning, hospital and court advocacy, and transitional housing assistance for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
“I am extremely honored to be a part of the ICAN team and take seriously the role of honoring the legacy of the many board members, staff, and community members who have been a part of, received services from, or supported ICAN during the last 38 years,” Whetzel said. “I am equally grateful for the community partners our ICAN teamwork with every day to serve those impacted by domestic violence.
“ICAN staff is on track to serve 5% more individuals in 2024 than we served in 2023. As we prepare for 2025 and beyond, ICAN is committed to continue providing, as well as, expanding trauma-informed, victim-centered services 24-hours a day to anyone victimized by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking in Canadian County.”
This is ICAN’s mission statement: “We intervene in times of crisis; advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; and network with community partners to empower victims to become survivors.”
ICAN was born in November of 1980 from a group of students in a class at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. They recognized a need for rape victims to have emergency services and support.
In February 1981, the agency was incorporated. Volunteers were recruited, trained and the 24-hour crisis line for rape victims was set up in May 1981.
In May 1986, the agency received a grant to open a satellite office in El Reno to serve victims in Canadian County.
Associate director Carolyn Husmann joined ICAN in February 1995.
After having offices in rented or donated space in El Reno, the satellite office moved into the El Reno program house in August 1997.
Whetzel has been ICAN’s executive director since March 2021.
A SAFE PLACE
Terry Martin, manager of Nina Willingham Senior Housing in Yukon, serves on ICAN’s Board of Directors.
“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by rape, stalking, sexual assault, or battering,” Martin said. “ICAN helps these victims get to a safe place and get the help they need.”
Martin referred to a poster in the ICAN office that touches her heart.
“It is a casket and spray of flowers on top that says, ‘He beat her 150 times. She only got flowers once!'” she said.
ICAN’s other Canadian County board members are:
- David Craig, Detective – El Reno Police Department.
- Rep. Brian Hill, House District 47 – Oklahoma House of Representatives.
- Paul Reynolds, Lieutenant – Canadian County Sheriff’s Office.
- Rosalia Pecina, Owner – Pecina’s Mexican Restaurant in El Reno.
- Brittany Hewitt, Business Development – Express Employment Professionals in Yukon.
Canadian County residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to support ICAN:
- Volunteer to help with the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Event fundraiser.
- Volunteer to provide assistance to clients at either ICAN location.
- “Like” ICAN on Facebook / Instagram and share ICAN’s posts.
Canadian County residents who are experiencing domestic violence – or knows someone who is – should call ICAN’s 24/7 Crisis Line at (405) 262-4455
For more information, visit www.icancrisisnetwork.com or call (405) 262-4449.
