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CAPSA selected as one of Utah’s 100 Companies Championing Women

Logan, UT – CAPSA, a nonprofit domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape support and recovery center serving Northern Utah has been recognized as one of Utah’s 100 Companies Championing Women by Inspire In Utah, an initiative of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. This recognition identifies and celebrates companies that offer family-friendly policies and practices, as well as women-specific initiatives known to impact the recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing of women employees, managers, and leaders.

CAPSA was founded in 1976 by a group of volunteer women who established a rape support phone line in response to several high-profile sexual assaults. Law enforcement began sharing this phone number with domestic violence victims, and CAPSA expanded its scope to support both domestic and sexual violence – this shift included providing shelter for individuals and families of domestic violence in their own homes.

“CAPSA was founded and built by women on the foundation of supporting and empowering women,” stated Jill Anderson, CEO of CAPSA. “We want all women to be safe and successful in their personal and professional lives. This commitment includes the women who work at CAPSA.”

CAPSA’s onsite and discounted childcare for staff was recognized by 100 Companies Championing Women as a significant benefit for reducing the barrier of childcare and allowing for continued professional growth. CAPSA’s childcare is a small part of a larger children and youth program for the children of survivors of domestic and sexual violence staying in CAPSA’s emergency shelter, utilizing casework/advocacy, participation in support groups, and/or meeting with their clinical therapist.

“Within our onsite daycare, our staff’s children learn compassion, empathy and to involve others,” stated Anderson. “It is so sweet to see a timid child who may need CAPSA services enter our trauma informed children’s center and hear this core group of staff children say, ‘Look a new friend!’ This provides a safe welcome space for all children.”

CAPSA’s children’s programs include youth advocacy and utilize child development models that prioritize emotional wellness, compassion, and empathy. CAPSA has been providing children’s services, including onsite childcare to staff, since 2002.

“When I recently toured CAPSA, I was very impressed by their vision for supporting the women they serve and employ,” stated Susan Madsen, founding director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project. “Knowing that nonprofits often face limited resources, it is even more remarkable that CAPSA has been offering onsite childcare for more than 20 years.”

CAPSA was nominated for onsite childcare, flexibility with work schedule, paid family leave, transitioning support after maternity leave, pay equity efforts, women leadership, and women presence on the board of directors.

“CAPSA is honored to be recognized as one of Utah’s 100 Companies Championing Women,” said Jill Anderson, CEO of CAPSA. “We remain committed to our mission of empowering women and providing the support and resources they need to reach their personal and professional goals. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters.”

ABOUT CAPSA

CAPSA is a nonprofit domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape support and recovery center serving Cache and Rich Counties. Each year, CAPSA serves more than 1,900 women, men, and children fleeing abuse and healing from the trauma associated with domestic violence or sexual abuse. CAPSA’s support services include 24-hour support phone line, emergency shelter, casework, rape exam advocacy, legal advocacy, prevention education, transitional housing, and clinical therapy. All CAPSA’s services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. Learn more and donate at capsa.org.

CONTACTS

CAPSA: James Boyd, Chief Development Officer, 435-753-2500, james@capsa.org

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Malouf to provide bedding to CAPSA’s Shelter

The Malouf Foundation Announces their Continued Commitment to Provide Bedding to CAPSA’s Shelter

Logan, UT – The Malouf Foundation has recently announced its continued commitment to providing bedding to the Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse (CAPSA)’s emergency shelter. The CAPSA shelter is a 36-bed homeless shelter that provides refuge to survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation.

During their stay at CAPSA’s emergency shelter, individuals and families meet with shelter caseworkers daily to develop personalized action plans that prioritize their goals, including securing safe and affordable housing, obtaining employment, obtaining protective orders, and supporting children’s physical, social, and emotional needs.

In FY22, CAPSA sheltered 271 individuals (140 women, 21 men, and 110 accompanied children) for a total of 5,857 nights (average of 22). Jill Anderson, CEO and Executive Director of CAPSA, emphasized the shelter’s vital role in the lives of survivors, stating, “Domestic violence is complicated and often dangerous. When individuals and families enter CAPSA’s emergency shelter, they are often escaping danger, and all are working to build a new life free from abuse.”

The Malouf Foundation, based in Logan, Utah, has grown to become a national organization focused on reducing sexual exploitation through education including OnWatch™, promotes healing through Rooms Restored™ and Restorative Care Centers, and furthers advocacy for survivors through children’s justice centers. While the Malouf Foundation’s programs grow, Kacie Malouf, co-founder of Malouf Companies™ and Malouf Foundation board chair, reaffirmed the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting individuals impacted by sex trafficking and exploitation, stating, “CAPSA is the sex trafficking aftercare center serving Cache County and Northern Utah and has been a supportive partner of the Malouf Foundation.”

Malouf Foundation has been providing bedding to CAPSA since 2011. Donations have included pillows, comforters, sheet sets and mattress protectors for use in the shelter. Malouf Foundation also donates mattresses, bed frames and bedding to many families moving from shelter to housing. Malouf Foundation also donated and installed new furniture and room accessories for a common living space at CAPSA through our Rooms Restored program.

“As we expand our reach and impact, we remain committed to supporting local individuals impacted by domestic violence and sexual exploitation, stated Kacie Malouf.  “Malouf Foundation will continue to support CAPSA and their mission. We know their programs are saving and changing lives.”

If you would like more information about CAPSA or to find support, please call their 24-hour crisis support line at (435) 753-2500 or visit capsa.org.

ABOUT MALOUF FOUNDATION™

Formalized in 2016 and operating out of Logan, Utah, the Malouf Foundation™ is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to confronting child sexual exploitation, specifically sex trafficking and online abuse. The Foundation fulfills their mission by providing education through OnWatch™ and Smart Defense™; promoting healing through the Juniper Scholarship™, Rooms Restored™, and restorative care centers; and advocating for survivors through Heroes Landing™ and the “We Believe You” campaign. In January 2022, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation officially became a part of the Malouf Foundation™ to broaden the impact of both organizations. For more information visit malouffoundation.org.

ABOUT CAPSA

CAPSA is a nonprofit domestic violence, sexual assault and rape support and recovery center serving Cache and Rich Counties. Each year CAPSA served more than 1,900 women, men, and children fleeing abuse and healing from the trauma associated with domestic violence or sexual abuse. CAPSA’s support services includes 24-hour support phone line, emergency shelter, casework, rape exam advocacy, legal advocacy, prevention education, transitional housing, and clinical therapy. All CAPSA’s services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. Learn more at capsa.org.

CONTACTS

CAPSA: James Boyd, Chief Development Officer, 435-753-2500, james@capsa.org

Malouf Foundation: Beth Thompson, 800-517-7179, beth.thompson@maloufcompanies.com

IMAGES

Click the image to download full size photo.

Sign honoring Malouf Foundation’s continued support of CAPSA. In the closet you can see Malouf bedding which is used for individuals and families transitioning from emergency shelter to CAPSA’s transitional housing.

Sign honoring Malouf Foundation’s continued support of CAPSA. The sign is located next to CAPSA’s main stairs and right off of the entry.

CAPSA’s accessible shelter room – bedding provided by Malouf with handmade quilts donated by the community.

 

CAPSA’s shelter room – bedding provided by Malouf with handmade quilts donated by the community.

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Introducing Lindsay Kirby & Shauna Karren

We are excited to introduce two new additions to the CAPSA board, Shauna Karren and Lindsay Kirby. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and perspective that will greatly benefit our organization and contribute to our continued growth and success.

Shauna Karren is an experienced professional with a background in employee training and human resources. With over seven years at Utah State University and nearly 16 years at Conservice, she has a proven track record of building and leading successful programs. Her passion for providing resources to individuals who have experienced abuse, led to the formation of the CAPSA-Conservice partnership. Through this partnership we provide trainings to employees, have signage throughout their building, and are equipped to provide a confidential on-site response to support survivors. With a Bachelor’s degree in business management and a Master’s degree in instructional design, Shauna brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the board.

Lindsay Kirby is a proud wife, mother, and dedicated community leader. With a background in the financial industry and her own business, Kirby Creative Accounting, she has a lot of experience and a commitment to giving back. She and her husband became home sponsors for CAPSA in memory of her father-in-law, who passed away from cancer in 2019. Lindsay is eager to continue serving the Cache Valley community through her involvement with CAPSA.

We are grateful for the support of our board members, who play a critical role in helping us to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. The work we do is life-changing and is made possible by this support and leadership.

Thank you Lindsay and Shauna, and welcome to CAPSA’s board!

What Does CAPSA Stand For?

CAPSA stands for Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse

In 1976, two high-profile rape cases occurred on Utah State University’s campus. This troubled many community members, and deciding to act, they created the Cache Valley Rape Crisis Team. The team was a hotline and calls were directed toward the University’s Women’s Center. 

In 1979, Utah passed a spousal abuse act, which made domestic violence illegal. With this legislation, both the need and funding for domestic violence shelters increased. The response team changed its name to Citizens Against Physical & Sexual Abuse, and community members began housing individuals within their own homes. 

From there CAPSA has grown into a 34-bed domestic violence shelter with caseworkers and a therapy program. We also have a housing program, child advocacy, and an education department dedicated to educating youth in hopes to prevent future violence. CAPSA is a team of some of the best people who have a passion for serving our community and helping people heal from abuse.  

 

A few of our team members share what CAPSA means to them

 Brenna, Children and Youth Services Manager  

“CAPSA gives a sense of hope. I love coming to work every day knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Their voices deserve to be heard and are often overlooked. I am happy to build relationships with our young generation in hopes to set them up for success in every aspect of their life.” 

 

Victoria, Diversity Caseworker 

“I think CAPSA for me means a place of healing and hope no matter where you come from or your immigration status, everyone is welcome here to heal and move forward.” 

 

Maddie, Community Engagement Coordinator 

“To me, CAPSA represents a true sense of hope in the face of hardship. In a world where we’re all constantly inundated with horrifying headlines and shockingly sad stories, it’s really easy to start feeling overwhelmed and to wonder where to even begin helping everyone who needs it. It’s really nice to work at a place like CAPSA, where helping survivors of abuse is the sole focus, but a major emphasis is also placed on self-care. We know that taking care of ourselves is critical to doing the work we do as successfully as possible.”