S.A.R.A., Inc.

A nonprofit organization

OUR MISSION:

S.A.R.A., Inc. is dedicated to the empowerment of sexual assault victims through direct client services; community education that impacts deep-seated beliefs and behaviors; and the development of a coordinated community response to the crime of sexual assault.

Testimonials

"S.A.R.A., Inc. provides so many services for our community. The obvious services of forensic interviewing and crisis intervention occur, however additional educational and prevention services are happening all the time. S.A.R.A., Inc. staff are going into the schools and conducting several programs such as Darkness to Light, a curriculum targeted at staff to help identify signs of sexual trauma in students. They also go into schools providing the evidence based curriculum of Safe Dates to middle school aged students. This curriculum helps students identify healthy and unhealthy relationships and gives the students tools to know what to do when they see unhealthy relationships - whether it is their own or those around them. These are just two of the services they provide that I have taken advantage of and have firsthand knowledge. I have had the privilege of being on the Sexual Assault Prevention Team, working closely with Paula and her team. Their dedication to prevention is so obvious through their very thoughtful and intentional work with program parameters, goals and outcomes. I strongly support the many services of S.A.R.A., Inc. provided in Morgan County." - Matthew McClain, BA, MC/SC, Counselor, Abner S. Baker Central School, Fort Morgan, Colorado.

"...the staff at SARA House has been extremely helpful in the resolution of the cases I have had occasion to investigate, and in the support they have provided to victims. I have been pleased with services provided by SARA, Inc. and look forward to continuing to utilize their services in future investigations. ...SARA House has proven to be a valuable resource to the community and Northeast Colorado." - Gerard O'Halloran, Investigator, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Akron, Colorado.

Mission

OUR MISSION:

S.A.R.A., Inc. is dedicated to the empowerment of sexual assault victims through direct client services; community education that impacts deep-seated beliefs and behaviors; and the development of a coordinated community response to the crime of sexual assault.

Background Statement

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY OF S.A.R.A., INC.

S.A.R.A., Inc. was developed in 2007 to assist in the investigative process of child sexual abuse cases and support of adult sexual assault victims and victims of childhood molestation. It was founded to provide a child/family-friendly, safe and neutral environment where police detectives, social workers, mental health therapists and medical professionals can talk with victims and family members in surroundings that lessen the anxiety and re-victimization by system response teams. Children and teens who have been sexually or physically abused can tell their stories, undergo a comprehensive medical exam and receive victim advocacy services in a safe, respectful environment as they begin their healing process.

S.A.R.A., Inc. is the only rape crisis/child advocacy center in the Thirteenth Judicial District, State of Colorado. Nonprofit 501(c)3 tax status was obtained April 2007.

Until S.A.R.A., Inc. was established, law enforcement and the department of human services performed forensic interviews. In 2009 a part-time Forensic Interviewer and SANE Coordinator were hired. Services were expanded and the number of victims served continues to increase yearly. With the purchase of a photocolposcope with grant funds from the VAWA Stimulus Funds and United Way of Morgan County, S.A.R.A., Inc. began providing medical exams in November 2009. S.A.R.A., Inc. is the only center in the Thirteenth Judicial District area providing pediatric forensic medical exams. S.A.R.A., Inc. contracts with Morgan County Sexual Assault Examiner (SAE) to provide medical exams.

Who S.A.R.A. Inc. Serves

S.A.R.A., Inc. serves children and teens who are suspected of being sexually, physically or emotionally abused, those who may be victims of neglect, and witnesses to violence/crime. Ages served are from approximately age 2 (able to communicate) up to age 18, as well as developmentally disabled adults. Cases must be referred by law enforcement or social services and S.A.R.A., Inc. primarily serves victims in the Thirteenth Judicial District, State of Colorado. Other jurisdictions are served, as needed. Adult victims of sexual assault and childhood molestation may receive assistance with reporting, medical forensic examinations, trauma-focused therapy, and on-going support.

Program Services

• Forensic Interviews

The Forensic Interviewer conducts investigative interviews of children suspected of being sexually, physically or emotionally abused, in collaboration with law enforcement, social services and the District Attorney's office.

• Family/Victim Support Services

Victim/Family Support Advocates provide direct services, support and referrals for children and families receiving services at S.A.R.A., Inc. throughout the investigative and court process.

• Medical Services

A Sexual Assault Examiner (SAE) provides physical examinations, treatment and referrals for treatment and evidence collection for children who are suspected of being sexually, physically and/or emotionally abused and adult victims of sexual assault and childhood molestation.

• Trauma-Focused Therapy

Using knowledge of trauma and recovery to design and deliver services.

• Parent Support Groups

Individual and group support are provided to offer information and support to non-offending parents and caregivers of children who have been sexually abused.

• Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)

Professionals in the community review crimes against children cases. The MDT is made up of representatives from the following areas: law enforcement, social services, district attorney's office, medical and mental health professionals, forensic interviewers, the executive director and victim advocacy from S.A.R.A. Inc.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

S.A.R.A., Inc.

other names

S.A.R.A., Inc.

Year Established

2006

Tax id (EIN)

20-5474742

Category

Mental Health & Crisis Intervention

Address

418 Ensign Street
Fort Morgan, CO 80701

Service areas

Morgan County, CO, US

Other

970-867-2121 111

Other

970-867-4714

Other

855-440-7272