Be a Beacon of Hope for Survivors

25 years ago, I became a sexual assault advocate for the US Navy. I spent my days providing awareness presentations to active duty sailors and marines, and my nights on- call. This job brought the opportunity of a lifetime - I sailed from San Diego to Honolulu with a battlegroup as part of an effort to reduce rates of sexual assault while on deployment. I didn't know it then, but this was the foundation for the passion I have to prevent sexual violence and advocate for those in need. 

Over the years, I have supported hundreds of survivors in their healing journey. Each one has left a mark, and led me to become the advocate I am today. 

And now, decades later at SAVA Center, I am just as passionate about preventing sexual violence and advocating for those in need. I am also proud that my eldest daughter is following in my footsteps. This year, she became a SAVA SART Peer, providing sexual assault prevention programming to middle and high school youth in our community. 

As Northern Colorado’s only dedicated rape crisis center, SAVA Center has been a beacon of hope for nearly 50 years, walking alongside survivors in their darkest moments. 

But here’s the truth: we are entering one of the toughest years ever. $500,000 of our 2026 grant funding has been cut. One third of SAVA’s entire budget—half a million dollars in support that has historically formed the backbone of our work—gone.

Funding for victim services may have been slashed, but survivors cannot wait. You cannot wait. 

Please join me in giving to SAVA Center on Colorado Gives Day. Your contribution ensures that when a survivor gains the courage to reach out for help, they will be listened to, believed, and supported. Your gift provides one year of therapy to a child survivor of sexual abuse at no cost to the child's family. Your financial support gives young people the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to prevent sexual violence. 

Survivors need SAVA, and SAVA needs you.