A Dedicated Office Creates a Safe Space for Cortez Survivors

Without local advocacy and therapy services, Cortez residents miss out on survivor support, prevention education, and information about healthy relationships. Renew, Cortez’s domestic violence shelter, and the Sexual Assault Support Organization (SASO) decided to partner to fill this gap. Their idea? Establish a local office with specialized sexual assault advocacy, therapy, and support services. To get the project up and running, staff with both organizations reached out to LOR for support. LOR’s funding will help Renew and SASO purchase and install furnishings like soundproof panels and window coverings, supply prevention education and other outreach materials, and create an emergency fund with grocery cards, gas cards, cellphones, and hotel stays for survivors. The new center will ensure that Cortez residents can access the services and support they need in a trusted, safe space.