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.

 

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. 

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.

CAPSA’s volunteer board of directors is crucial in guiding the organization’s vision. These dedicated individuals devote their time and expertise to ensure CAPSA remains focused on effectively supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to creating lasting change for survivors and the community, and we take pride in our exceptional board.

With great pleasure, we introduce our newest volunteer board members, Scott Wyatt and Derek Carlsen, who will further strengthen our team and contribute to CAPSA’s ongoing mission.

SCOTT WYATT

Scott Wyatt boasts an extensive background in law, politics, and education. As the former Cache County Attorney, he was known for his commitment to upholding justice and supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence. His legal experience and dedication to the community continued as a member of the Utah House of Representatives from 2005 to 2007. Scott’s leadership extends into higher education, where he served as the 15th president of Snow College and the 16th president of Southern Utah University.

“I am amazed to see how much CAPSA has grown. Jill and her team have built one of the most impressive nonprofit organizations I’ve ever seen. We are so fortunate to have them serving our neighbors and friends in need of their services.” – Scott Wyatt

DEREK CARLSEN

Derek Carlsen has over 20 years of human resources experience with Schreiber Foods and previously ThermoFisher. A prime example of Derek’s strategic leadership is the implementation of a free health clinic for Schreiber Foods’ employees, aimed at enhancing their overall well-being and serving as a recruitment and retention tool. Recently promoted to Regional HR Director, Derek now oversees multiple Schreiber plants, expanding his influence and support for CAPSA within the corporate sector. Derek plays a pivotal role in maintaining CAPSA’s connection with Schreiber Foods as a home sponsor and golf participant.

“It’s truly an honor to join CAPSA’s board of directors and contribute to an organization dedicated to transforming survivors’ lives. I’ve long admired CAPSA’s exceptional work, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to actively participate in their mission as a board member.” – Derek Carlsen

The inclusion of Scott Wyatt and Derek Carlsen in CAPSA’s already outstanding board of directors not only reinforces the board’s steadfast commitment to advocate for and support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, but also bolsters CAPSA’s capacity to secure vital resources to address the needs of survivors. We are thrilled to integrate their unique perspectives and experiences into our board, enriching the collective expertise of our existing members.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Scott and Derek as they embark on their journey with CAPSA, further fortifying our mission and impact in the community.

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

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.

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!

In recent communications, I have shared the steps CAPSA has taken to ensure the safety of our staff and clients all while implementing new tools and processes to continue delivering essential life-saving services.

We know domestic violence has increased during this crisis; with social distancing, many victims are now trapped with their abusers and increased fear and anxiety often trigger escalated abuse.  Although we are a nonprofit these changes have incurred significant costs, such as implemented technology and expanded services to ensure individuals and families have a safe place to escape abuse and  are able to heal from the associated trauma.

Today I want to share a few stories of those we are serving during this crisis.

THERE IS STILL PROTECTION

A client who recently escaped a very scary relationship approached CAPSA for help. CAPSA met with her via a telehealth like service; through this web tool, our expert caseworker was able to help with safety planning, complete a protective order and submit the protective order online.

Due to changes in court processes, her court hearing was over the phone. This client called her caseworker after and said, “I am actually thankful for the coronavirus. I am not sure I would have had the courage to stand in the same courtroom as my abuser.”

Her protective order was awarded. CAPSA will continue to support her via web and phone meetings. We cannot do this work without your support.

THE GIFT OF A SAFE PLACE

CAPSA’s emergency shelter is for individuals and families who become homeless to escape domestic violence. To increase social distancing and reduce shared spaces, CAPSA has changed our onsite shelter capacity and is utilizing hotels and other offsite shelter options – CAPSA continues our zero turn away policy to qualifying individuals.

To provide a safe space for a client, we placed them in a hotel for several days until there was room in our onsite shelter. Here is her description of entering shelter:

“I never could have imagined that I would be able to feel safe and integrated again in my life. This [shelter] environment is so welcoming and supportive. This was the first time since the abuse began that I was able to sleep without nightmares. When I was shown my room, I saw a “care packet” on my bed; I cried and cried because I felt so blessed. It was such a good feeling after so long of being in crisis mode!”

She had a safe place because of your support.

HELP EVEN DURING A CRISIS

For the last year, CAPSA has supported a client with casework, court advocacy and clinical therapy services. She came to CAPSA because her husband was extremely emotionally and sexually abusive. COVID-19 has been extremely challenging because of the general anxiety and increased responsibilities of working from home, homeschooling and her ex-husband using the pandemic as a way to manipulate court ordered parent time.

CAPSA’s ability to continue offering online therapy has been extremely useful to help her feel supported. She told her therapist, “thank you… it’s so helpful to continue to have some outside perspective with all of this going on.”  While her stressors have increased, because of your support, she has continued to make progress on managing anxiety and feeling peace.

With your help, she has access to quality, FREE clinical therapy.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

These clients only had support because of you and supporters like you.

We cannot perform this work without community support during normal time, let alone during a global pandemic.  With the increased demand for services, the additional cost to provide those services and the reduction in donations and revenue, we need your support now more than ever. We are projecting a $150,000+ shortage over the next 12 months.

If you are in a position to donate at any level – please go to www.capsa.org/donate  This money will support essential services.

Thank you for your support,

Jill W. Anderson

CAPSA| Executive Director

 

Today CAPSA, The Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation and Altabank planned on hosting a CELEBRATION and ANNOUNCEMENT media event.  Although we had to cancel this event due to COVID-19, we still wanted to share the news and celebrate at a distance.

SAFE HOMES – CAPSA’S HOUSING PROGRAM

For individuals and families escaping abuse, a safe home is important to the healing process; this is why CAPSA offers multiple housing programs for our clients. The primary program combines rent subsidies with educational workgroups and case management. Families find housing in our community and are able to remain in this program for up to two years as they work towards independence.

Independance Place

Many clients may not qualify for community based housing because of lack of job history, credit damage by abuse or other reasons; therefore, in 2015, CAPSA built Independence Place, a nine home neighborhood. This is the only neighborhood owned by a nonprofit domestic violence service center in Utah. This neighborhood provides a safety net for families who struggle to secure housing. Families in Independence Place participate in the same transitional housing program and can also stay in these homes for up to two years.

CELEBRATION – HOME AND FAMILY SPONSORS

CAPSA’s transitional housing program averages over 30 families –  the average annual rent subsidies are $6,000 per family per year. Working with Altabank, CAPSA created a home and family sponsorship program in which organizations and donors sponsor a home and family by covering this annual housing cost.

Altabank was our first sponsor and their vision has led to the following sponsors:

We want to thank all of our sponsors for their support of CAPSA and Safe Homes.

When we started this program, our goal was to obtain nine sponsors; we reached that goal earlier this year. This program now generates more than $50,000 per year supporting CAPSA’s housing program and other core services.

You can learn more about home sponsorship at: https://www.capsa.org/home-sponsor

ANNOUNCEMENT – FOURPLEX

Although you may have already seen the media’s coverage on the opening of the fourplex, we had planned to announce it at this event. This fourplex is CAPSA’s newest extension to our transitional housing program.

The Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation purchased a fourplex earlier this year for CAPSA’s exclusive use for our transitional housing program. The property was in need of major repairs, so the Real Salt Lake (RSL) Foundation donated $60,000 to completely renovate these homes. They were scheduled to be completed in late April.

However, due to the COVID-19 public crisis, CAPSA needed more emergency shelter space to accommodate the social distancing precautions and increased demand for shelter. In response to the crisis concerns, the RSL Foundation worked with the contractors on this project to finalize and open these units  almost a month early.

During this crisis, CAPSA will utilize these units for a combination of emergency shelter and transitional housing.

You can read more from:

Cache Valley Daily | HJ NEWS | KSL | ABC 4 | SL Tribune

Video of the progress

ANNOUNCEMENT – INDEPENDENCE WAY

Lastly, CAPSA is excited to announce that we are in the process of building a second neighborhood called Independence Way. We plan to finish this project later this year.

The need for affordable housing is essential in helping our clients. CAPSA had the opportunity to purchase a planned neighborhood development which includes an existing triplex and five building lots. The total cost for this project is $1.8 million. We are excited to report that this project is 100 percent funded.

We want to highlight the major contributors to this project:

We also had several individual donors that contributed to Independence Way.

Thank you to everyone who supported this project to ensure safe homes for our clients.

These homes will also be available for sponsorship. Learn more at: https://www.capsa.org/home-sponsor


We wish we could have shared and celebrated the announcements of these amazing projects with you in person. It is only because of your support that we’re able to accomplish this work – thank you!

I want to start by thanking the entire community for an outpouring of support. As a CAPSA supporter, you recognize how domestic violence and sexual abuse support services are even more critical during a public crisis.

While many nonprofits have reduced services during this public crisis, CAPSA has been ramping up services. I’d like to provide you an update on how.

INCREASED NEED FOR CAPSA

During a public crisis, there is an increased need for CAPSA’s domestic violence and rape support services. With social distancing, many victims are now trapped with their abusers, and increased fear and anxiety often trigger escalated abuse.

Here are some national news reports that demonstrate these concerns:

TIME – https://time.com/580…/coronavirus-domestic-violence-victims/

USA Today – https://www.usatoday.com/…/coronavirus-domestic…/5067349002/

ABC News – https://abcnews.go.com/…/isolation-families-coronavi…/story…

CAPSA is committed to providing all of our core support services while ensuring the safety of our staff – this is true now more than ever. CAPSA’s core services include casework, safety planning, rape exam advocacy, protective order support, legal reporting assistance, clinical therapy and emergency shelter.

How we provide services has and will change some, but the resources, expertise and support CAPSA provides will continue.

USING TECHNOLOGY

In the last two weeks, CAPSA has implemented technology and created procedures to move all casework and clinical therapy to phone and online sessions. CAPSA is utilizing Microsoft Teams to provide encrypted video conferences which meet Tier-D security standards and are protected by the same level of confidentiality as face-to-face meetings.

We have been in contact will all current clients, and the transition to online meetings has been smooth.

Most new clients initiate contact with CAPSA through our 24/7 support phone line at 435-753-2500. During these calls, we assess their safety and start providing case management; the only difference is their follow-up casework will be online or via phone. If we determine they are in immediate danger and emergency shelter is needed, our emergency shelter is still open, though we are established additional processes shared below.

RAPE EXAM ADVOCACY

One exception to moving services online is rape exam advocacy.

We will continue to send a caseworker to the hospital for all rape exams to ensure the client’s rights are honored and to connect them with CAPSA’s services. Follow-up services increase x1,000 when we connect with the individual before the rape exam. Cache Valley Hospital will provide the appropriate protective gear when we are on site.

SHELTER PROCEDURES

In regards to our emergency shelter, we are setting up quarantine and distancing processes. This is a significant undertaking as we operate a homeless shelter for domestic violence survivors.

Currently, our emergency shelter is full; as clients move out we will reduce the maximum number of shelter clients from 32 to 16 to increase distancing and reduce shared common space, including shared bathrooms. We are currently working on other off-site shelter options to increase capacity back to 32 individuals; here is an early story: https://www.facebook.com/172756986111825/posts/2761754623878702/?d=n More to come soon.

All new shelter clients will be placed in a hotel for up to seven days for isolation and observation of symptoms prior to allowing them in our onsite shelter. While at the hotel, if they start showing symptoms, they will maintain isolation for an additional 14 days. After this quarantine period, if we have the space, we will move clients into the shelter.

This isolation protocol has already been put to use, as we have placed a new shelter client in a hotel room for quarantine. This will be expensive, but we feel it is necessary to keep our staff and other clients safe and healthy. This is the type of initiative you support when you donate to CAPSA.

ASK FOR HELP

I would ask you and our community to help share CAPSA’s message and donate to ensure core programs remain available to those needing assistance.

A simple method to share CAPSA’s message is to follow CAPSA on Facebook and to like, share and comment on our posts. There are people in your social network that need to view this message.

You can also help by donating to CAPSA. You can make a donation online at www.capsa.org/donate or by mail at PO Box 3617, Logan UT 84323.

You can also create a Facebook Fundraiser for CAPSA and encourage your friends and family to donate; Facebook fundraisers are easy to set up at www.FB.com/pg/CAPSAservices/fundraisers.

Thank you for your continued support. We cannot do this work without you and need your support now more than ever.

Jill Anderson

CAPSA | Executive Director