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Saranoni’s Donation of Blankets Brings Comfort to Survivors and Gratitude to CAPSA’s Donors

Saranoni’s Donation of Blankets Brings Comfort to Survivors and Gratitude to CAPSA’s Donors

Saranoni, a luxury  blanket company, has made a generous donation of blankets to CAPSA to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The donation includes blankets for CAPSA’s shelter, providing comfort to individuals during their stay, as well as blankets to be gifted to individual donors who support CAPSA’s vital efforts.

CAPSA, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and shelter to survivors, relies on community contributions to sustain its critical work. Recognizing the importance of expressing gratitude to these generous donors, CAPSA sought a partnership with Saranoni to provide high-quality blankets as tokens of appreciation to CAPSA’s numerous donors, an invitation that Saranoni welcomed. In time, “thank you’s” weren’t the end of Saranoni’s donations!

Saranoni’s substantial donation of blankets aims to bring comfort and warmth to both survivors seeking support from CAPSA and the organization’s valued contributors. The blankets donated to CAPSA’s shelter have a meaningful impact on survivors, as individuals often arrive with nothing. Many survivors have expressed that their time in the shelter is the first time they have felt safe and able to sleep without fear in a long time. Saranoni’s blankets provide an additional layer of comfort to help them heal and rebuild their lives.

In addition to supporting survivors directly, Saranoni’s donation includes blankets to be gifted to CAPSA’s individual donors during various honorary events. These blankets serve as symbols of gratitude, recognizing the significant contributions made by these individuals in supporting CAPSA’s mission. CAPSA understands that these meaningful gestures help foster a sense of community and inspire continued support for their vital services.

“We are incredibly grateful for Saranoni’s generous donation,” expressed Alyna Ohling, CAPSA’s Marketing and Community Engagement Director. “The blankets provided by Saranoni not only offer physical comfort to survivors but also symbolize the shared commitment to creating a safer and more caring society. We deeply value this partnership and the positive impact it will have on both our donors and the survivors we serve.”

Saranoni

Saranoni, founded by Nathan and Emily Peterson, is a business dedicated to serving others and making a positive difference in the world. Their belief in doing the job right and serving those around them aligns perfectly with CAPSA’s mission. Saranoni’s blankets are crafted to bring warmth, comfort, and create cherished moments that become special memories.

CAPSA

CAPSA is a non-profit organization providing support, shelter, and resources to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Serving Cache and Rich Counties, CAPSA offers 24-hour support phone lines, emergency shelter, casework, rape exam advocacy, prevention education, transitional housing, and clinical therapy. All of CAPSA’s services are provided free of charge and kept confidential. CAPSA’s vision is a world with empowered survivors, safe homes, and children living without fear.

The collaboration between Saranoni and CAPSA exemplifies the spirit of compassion and community engagement.

 

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Stander Increases their Support of CAPSA’s Annual Golf Tournament

Stander increases their support of CAPSA’s Annual Golf Tournament to honor founder Jan Miller’s love and support of CAPSA. 

Stander, a local mobility device company, and the family of Jan Miller, the founder and former CEO of Stander, have committed to becoming the presenting sponsor for the Jan Miller Memorial Golf Tournament for CAPSA. This move marks an increase in the companies’ support of the non-profit organization, which provides help and support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape in Cache Valley and Rich County.  

The Jan Miller Memorial Golf Tournament is one of CAPSA’s most significant in-house fundraising events, raising over $50,000 each year. All of CAPSA’s services are provided free of charge, and the funds raised from this event go towards supporting individuals and families escaping violence, beginning new lives, and healing from associated trauma. 

Jan Miller, who was a longtime board member of CAPSA, was passionate about empowering survivors of domestic violence to become independent. She served on the board from 2006 until her passing in 2018 and as the board president was instrumental in the establishment of Independence Place, a CAPSA-owned neighborhood of nine homes, the creation of an endowment, and the expansion of therapy services. In honor of Jan’s memory, CAPSA renamed the annual golf tournament to the Jan Miller Memorial Golf Tournament in 2019. 

Stander has been a longstanding supporter of CAPSA and has now committed to becoming the presenting sponsor of the Golf Tournament. This sponsorship is a testament to the company’s commitment to honoring Jan’s legacy and love for CAPSA.  

The Jan Miller Memorial Golf Tournament will take place on June 8, 2023, at the Logan Golf and Country Club. The registration, sponsorship, and tournament details can be found at www.capsa.org/golf. 

ABOUT CAPSA  

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

ABOUT STANDER 

Jan Miller founded Stander, a company that invents and manufactures mobility devices for the elderly and disabled, in 1998 and served as Stander’s Fearless Leader (president and CEO) until her passing. Jan, along with her husband Troy Miller (engineer), were first inspired to create mobility devices to assist Jan’s grandmother. These inventions enabled Essie to live independently in the comfort of her own home. This victory, combined with Jan’s commitment to better society, inspired her to create Stander, Inc. Since then, Stander has invented over 30 innovative mobility solutions to help the elderly and disabled live more independently. 

For further information, please contact Alyna Ohling, the Community Engagement Director for CAPSA, at alyna@capsa.org or 435-752-2500. 

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Local Tattoo Artist Gives Back

Neil Roberts has created a raffle for a 6 hour dragon tattoo piece. All proceeds will be donated to CAPSA.

Tattoos have long been used as a way to express oneself, to mark a momentous occasion, or to commemorate a loved one. But for one local tattoo artist, his reason for giving back to his community is deeply personal.

CONTINUUING HIS MOTHER’S WORK

Neil’s mother was part of the original Code R response team at CAPSA. He talks of his mom leaving at all hours to support survivors of Sexual Violence. To this day, the Code R teams responds to support survivors of Sexual Violence at Cache Valley Hospital where they can receive a Forensic Sexual Assault Examination.  Through his mother’s work with Code R, Neil saw firsthand the impact that CAPSA had on survivors and their families.

For him, giving back to CAPSA is a way to honor his mother’s dedication to the organization and to continue her legacy of service to survivors. He sees his art as a way to raise awareness and support for CAPSA, and to help ensure that survivors have access to the resources and support they need.

THE DRAGON AS THE ART PIECE

The reason Neil has chosen a dragon as the art for the piece is because of the symbolism of the dragon as a hero and protector. In many cultures, dragons are seen as powerful symbols of strength, courage, and resilience. They are often depicted as guardians or protectors, watching over those who are vulnerable and defending them from harm.

For the artist, the dragon represents the kind of strength and resilience that survivors of domestic and sexual violence must have in order to heal and rebuild their lives. Through his art, he hopes to celebrate this strength and to remind survivors that they are not alone.

Neil mindfully sees his art as a way to give back to the community, and to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been impacted by domestic and sexual violence.

For the artist, supporting CAPSA is not just a matter of philanthropy, it is personal. Through his art and his dedication to the organization, he hopes to honor his mother’s legacy and importantly support survivors.

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Hope Begins with Communities

Highlighting our work and collaboration at city councils across Cache Valley is one way we engage with the communities that we support and that support us. We believe that bringing awareness is vital to ensuring that survivors in all areas get the help they need. These presentations are given twice annually, once in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and once in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

At CAPSA, we know that hope begins when survivors feel supported by their community. To give hope to survivors we encourage communities and individuals to start by believing and help connect survivors to CAPSA. We have several programs and services that work collaboratively to offer hope and support. One of our core services is advocacy, provided by our Casework team.

We have 6 outreach caseworkers and 4 outreach casework interns at CAPSA. Our caseworkers are often the first to have these hard and personal conversations with survivors of sexual assault and rape. During these conversations, our caseworkers help survivors understand their feelings, their reactions, and help normalize all of it. They approach every conversation in a way that gives power and control back to the survivor and empowers them to make choices that are best for them.

In terms of statistics, last year:

  • There were 39 Forensic Sexual Assault Examinations done at Cache Valley Hospital that our team responded to.
  • 52% of our clients disclosed sexual assault either as a primary or secondary survivor.
  • CAPSA assisted a total of 631 sexual assault clients.

 

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Fight Against Domestic Violence will be sponsoring the playground in Independence Place for $6,000 per year

CAPSA is excited to announce Fight Against Domestic Violence, an international foundation based out of Salt Lake City, will be sponsoring the playground in Independence Place for $6,000 per year.  

Background

Independence Place, a neighborhood owned and operated by CAPSA, is made up of nine single family homes, a playground, and a neighborhood garden. Part of a larger transitional housing program, Independence Place allows for more flexibility to support families who may not qualify for other housing opportunities. While in CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program, participants receive housing assistance and continue to work with CAPSA staff for up to two years as they work on life assets.

CAPSA is the first and only nonprofit domestic violence shelter in Utah to build their own neighborhood. Independence Place is considered a flagship transitional housing program for the state of Utah.

“Our clients really start to heal once they are safe and have a place to call home. This is why finding housing is among the first priorities when families enter our emergency shelter,” stated Jill Anderson Executive Director of CAPSA. “The vision of Independence Place is to ensure CAPSA is always able to provide housing to our clients now and in the future. By owning our own housing, it allows us to help more of our clients and their families start new lives free from abuse.”

Independence Place broke ground in 2011 and was completed in 2015. The neighborhood was fully funded by private donations from foundations, businesses, and individuals including the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Wasatch Property Management Group, Conservice, Sports Academy, Riverwoods Conference Center, Schreiber, and many individual donors. Since 2015, CAPSA has been able to provide housing assistance and housing to an average of 30 families per year.

Independence Place Sponsorship

As a nonprofit, CAPSA relies on community support both financially and through direct support. The Independence Place sponsorship program accomplishes both by raising money to cover many of the neighborhood expenses and fund other outreach services and offset some maintenance cost. It is also to connect the community to CAPSA and demonstrates to our clients they are supported.

“The vision of this sponsorship program is more than just raising money. It is linking the community to CAPSA by giving them ownership in their sponsored home,” stated James Boyd Development Director at CAPSA. “We want these organizations to feel like these homes are their homes. We put their name of the home and give them multiple service project opportunities.”

The amount of $6,000 is the average cost for CAPSA to subsidize housing for our families.

“It is amazing to see how the healing really begins when a family is in a safe home. They begin on a path that changes generations,” stated Anderson. “$6,000 is really a small investment for this family and for our community. We are lucky to have great businesses in our community, and now across the state, who can see this vision and want to support this program and these families.”

Lewiston State Bank became the first home sponsor in January 2018. “This program does so much for our community, and we are happy to be a sponsor,” said Judd Austin, president of Lewiston State Bank. “The Bank takes pride in being an annual sponsor.”

Other businesses join Lewiston State Bank as an ongoing sponsor including Malouf Foundation, Icon Foundation, and MW Construction.

Fight Against Domestic Violence

Fight Against Domestic Violence (FADV) is committed to providing education, awareness, outreach, and resources to domestic violence victims and those who support them.

FADV’s Executive Director, Dr. Jessie Richards, is an Aggie and a long-time supporter of CAPSA and Cache Valley. “CAPSA is such an inspiration,” stated Richards. “It is one of the first shelters to implement a ‘zero-turn-away’ policy, which means it is constantly innovating new ways to support survivors.” Because of her relationship to Logan, FADV has also financially supported research on domestic violence at Utah State.

“CAPSA is a leading voice in Housing First policies, creating safe and stable environments for survivors. We want to be part of their innovation,” stated Brooke Muir, FADV’s Program Director. Muir, and Richards, along with Stephanie Buehner, FADV’s Outreach Director, chose to sponsor CAPSA’s playground at Independence Place starting in January of 2019. “We know how crucial it is for children to feel safe and happy while they are in transitional housing.” Stated Buehner. “That’s why this playground is so important to FADV and to the larger community.”

In addition to sponsoring projects such as the Independence Place playground, FADV provides funds to service providers all over the state. Over a million people each year will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. To provide the best care for victims/survivors, service providers rely on support from corporations and individuals, as federal funding does not fully meet many crisis needs. FADV works to fill those funding gaps by distributing unrestricted “Crisis Cash” grants and facilitating other donations and resources to help support survivors. To get involved, or to become a corporate partner making changing in our community, visit www.fadv.org or send an email to Stephanie@fadv.org.

CAPSA still sponsorship opportunities for four of the homes and the neighborhood garden. By becoming an annual sponsor of a home, an organization will receive signage one of CAPSA’s home, public recognition, and optional team building service opportunities. To secure your sponsorship please contact James Boyd at (435)753-2500 or james@capsa.org.

About

CAPSA is a Cache Valley nonprofit domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape recovery center serving northern Utah. CAPSA provides trauma informed services including advocacy, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and clinical therapy for women, men, and adolescence impacted by abuse. All services are FREE and confidential. Please call our support line anytime at (435)753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate. Learn more about CAPSA at www.capsa.org.

Fight Against Domestic Violence (FADV) is a 501-c3 organization committed to providing education, awareness, outreach, and resources to domestic violence victims and those who support them. Learn more at www.fadv.org.

Contact

James Boyd, Development Director for CAPSA, james@capsa.org, 435-760-5277 (cell)

Jessie Richards, Executive Director for FADV, Jessie@fadv.org, 801-792-0543 (cell)

Stephanie Buehner, Outreach Director, Stephanie@fadv.org, 801-541-4941 (cell)

 

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Malouf, MW Construction & ICON join Lewiston State Bank in each sponsoring a home within CAPSA’s transitional housing neighborhood

On January 30, 2018, Lewiston State Bank announced its continual support of Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse by sponsoring a house within CAPSA’s nine-home transitional housing neighborhood, Independence Place. Lewiston State Bank’s gift has become the seed for additional sponsorships.  

CAPSA offers a transitional housing program for clients leaving shelter. The program combines rent subsidies (CAPSA pays the full rent for 3 months and then gradually transitions the rent over two years) with educational workgroups and case management for an average of 20 families between CAPSA’s Independence Place neighborhood and apartments in the community.  

The program focuses on developing independence by reducing housing expenses and assisting clients as they work toward a life asset such as a down payment on a home, starting a business or pursuing an education.  

CAPSA began seeking sponsors in response to a growing concern that the Transitional Housing – Violence Against Women Act funding will not be renewed. This would represent a significant loss in funds for CAPSA’s clients and transitional housing program. 

CAPSA has been a beneficiary of the transitional housing grant for the last nine years and utilizes the money to fund scatter site rent subsidies, workgroups, and a full-time caseworker.  

Jill Anderson, CAPSA’s executive director, thanked Lewiston State Bank for being the first business to fund a home, and thereby create momentum for this project. 

“Though CAPSA owns nine homes, if the federal funding fails to renew, it will be devastating because CAPSA will no longer have funds to assist the current twelve families or future families with scatter-site housing support and the salary of a full-time caseworker,” Anderson said. “This is why Lewiston State Bank’s initial annual commitment and example was so important.”  

Dale Buxton, Lewiston State Bank president, said he wanted the donation to spur other businesses forward. The gift was given with the hope to encourage future donations, not to bring any praise or credit to the bank.   

Buxton’s goal has been realized, as the Malouf Foundation, MW Construction and the ICON Foundation have all agreed to sponsor a home. These combined sponsorships will bring in $30,000 for CAPSA and aid four families.  

“It’s amazing to have so much community support,” Anderson said. “To have four businesses provide this kind of assistance to us within the last two months, it’s overwhelming.” 

The Malouf Foundation has supported CAPSA for more than 8 years with donated sheets, pillows, and blankets for more than 300 shelter clients each year. Starting in 2016, Malouf began hosting an annual art auction fundraiser on CAPSA’s behalf which has raised over $65,000 for CAPSA. Malouf employees also participate in a payroll deduction system, where employees donate a little from each paycheck to support CAPSA’s zero turn-a-way initiative.  

Kacie Malouf, co-founder of Malouf and member of CAPSA’s board of directors, said she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to assist in this way.  

“One of the things employees find especially engaging and fulfilling about working at Malouf is the opportunity to serve within the community,” Malouf said. “As a company, we feel strongly that our success in business motivates and allows us to give back to the community. We believe in CAPSA’s mission and we’re committed to helping them.”

MW Construction has been supporting CAPSA for years including building CAPSA’s shelter and recent Gail Bird Wienshenker Therapy and Mary Palley Children Center Addition which opened one year ago. So, when Mike Funk, owner of MW Construction, heard about the Independence Place sponsorships, he concisely and quickly said, “I’m in.” 

“I love the work CAPSA does because it truly helps people” Funk states. “I am grateful to be a small part of this organization and to show my support. I encourage other businesses to find ways to support CAPSA and see how your support will benefit our community.”   

The ICON Foundation’s committee is full of amazing people who are committed to helping CAPSA in whatever way possible. 

Part of the mission of ICON’s foundation is to help provide year-round relief for members of the community in critical need. 

“In February, we asked Jill and James to come and present on CAPSA’s needs,” ICON Foundation Chairman, Jamie Jorgensen said. “They listed security needs, technology needs and the need for families to have a safe place to stay. When they presented, I knew we needed to be a part of as many initiatives as we could to help. CAPSA has an amazing staff whose dedication to their mission is incredible. I am a native of Cache Valley and one of the main reasons I love living here so much is the generous support of the community and how everyone takes care of each other to make it a wonderful, safe and happy place for everyone to live.”  

Jorgensen continued saying she feels very fortunate to be a part of this initiative, and she looks forward to providing ICON employees with opportunities to serve.  

As part of sponsoring a home, CAPSA’s goal is to have each organization take pride in their home and help maintain its beauty. 

“We want organizations to come out and plant flowers together, rake leaves together and be involved in the upkeep and maintenance of the house,” James Boyd, CAPSA’s development director said. “For us, it’s about more than the money. It’s about getting the wonderful people from each organization involved in supporting survivors of abuse.”  

With these three new sponsorships, CAPSA now has only five homes without sponsors. Boyd said CAPSA’s goal is to have every house sponsored by the end of the fiscal year, in June. A house sponsorship costs $6,000 a year. To learn more about the details, please contact James Boyd at james@capsa.org or (435) 760-5277.  

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Contact: James Boyd, Development Director for CAPSA, james@capsa.org, (435) 760-5277 

Give Local

With Thanksgiving coming up, we think of our blessings and how we can better help those in need. As you consider what you can do to give back for all you’ve been given, consider giving local. By giving local, you’re ensuring your gift has an immediate impact on your neighbors and friends.

CAPSA development director, James Boyd created a flyer to learn how to give local and how to use your tax write-offs or estate planning to give local, but another good way to give local is to follow non-profits on social media. Often, the most pressing needs are expressed through this outlet.

Planned Giving Flyer

CAPSA Facebook | Stokes Nature Center Facebook | Cache Education Foundation Facebook | Cache Community Food Pantry Facebook | Common Ground Outdoor Adventures Facebook | Four Paws Rescue Facebook | The Family Place Facebook | Cache Valley Veterans Association Facebook | Little Lambs Foundation for Kids Facebook

CAPSA urges community members to donate locally

Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse has created a campaign designed to help local CPA’s and accountants encourage community members to donate to local non-profits.

Similar to Lee’s branded Buy Local campaign, this campaign encourages residents to keep their charitable giving within Cache Valley.

Matt Whitaker, executive director of the Cache Community Food Pantry, said the Give Local campaign will assist the Food Pantry in many ways.

“Although we receive many food donations throughout the year, we still need financial support to pay for foods that are not commonly donated, overhead, etc.,” Whitaker said.  “The Give Local campaign will go a long way in filling that need.”

Whitaker also expressed appreciation for CAPSA and its efforts to benefit the community at large. Speaking of CAPSA’s development director, James Boyd, Whitaker said, “The efforts by James Boyd to initiate the Give Local campaign is a perfect demonstration of the quality organization that CAPSA is. They are interested in lifting the entire community, not solely those who rely on the services that CAPSA provides.”

Since beginning the campaign in October, Boyd, Whitaker and other non-profit participants have reached out to local financial advisors and met with them regarding the Give Local program.

Troy Martin of Cook Martin Poulson, PC said he’s “All in” when it comes to the Give Local initiative.

“Everyone wants to go travel to South America and work in orphanages or build grass huts, but you don’t have to leave Cache Valley to help someone,” Martin said.

Sammie Macfarlane, executive director of Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, said it’s the willingness of people to give within the community that makes it so special.

“Common Ground Outdoor Adventures is thrilled to be a part of the Give Local Campaign! Seeing individuals invest right here in their own community, to assist those in need, is at the core of what makes Cache Valley such a great place to live.”

As executive director of CAPSA for more than twenty years, Jill Anderson has seen first-hand how generous community members are.

“While we sometimes see the worst of what’s happening in our community, we also get the honor of seeing the best of our community in the support they give to us every year,” Anderson said.

That support enabled CAPSA to become the first and only zero-turn-away shelter in Utah. This means if anyone experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse comes to CAPSA needing therapy services, shelter or any form of assistance, they will receive it.

“I can only imagine the courage it takes to leave an abusive situation,” Anderson said. “CAPSA is making sure that courage is not in vain. We are here to be a safe place for everyone.”

Boyd said he created the Give Local campaign because he knew what a difference every non-profit makes.

“The Cache Education Foundation is bringing technology into the classroom,” Boyd said. “Stokes Nature Center is providing outdoor learning opportunities to children, and Four Paws Rescue is finding homes for pets who have been deemed by someone else as too old or too much work to care for. I wanted to highlight these great things and show individuals they could make a drastic difference in someone’s life by giving locally.”

Learn more about this program by visiting capsa.org/GiveLocal.

Contact:

Katie Stringham, CAPSA Development Support Coordinator, katie@capsa.org, 435-753-2500.

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