CAPSA Awarded $3.6 Million to Launch Transitional Housing Project in Garland, Expanding Survivor Support in Northern Box Elder County
GARLAND, Utah — CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse) has been awarded $3.6 million through Utah’s Deeply Affordable Housing Fund (DAHF) to support the development of transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Northern Box Elder County. The funding will allow CAPSA to complete essential infrastructure for the full site and construct two fourplexes as the first phase of the project.
The project is being developed on seven acres of land donated in 2024 by Dr. Jan-Erik and Jennifer Schow. The Schows donated the land with the hope of increasing access to safety and stability for survivors in Tremonton, Garland, and surrounding rural communities where distance often prevents individuals from seeking help.
“Survivors in Northern Box Elder County face real barriers, especially when support services are a long drive away,” said Jill Anderson, CEO and Executive Director of CAPSA. “This award helps us move forward with greater confidence and momentum. Transitional housing will provide stability during the critical period after leaving abuse, helping survivors move toward long-term safety, healing, and independence.”
“We toured CAPSA in Logan and saw firsthand how deeply survivors are supported there,” said Dr. Jan-Erik and Jennifer Schow. “We also knew that survivors in our community need help closer to home. Donating this land felt like a meaningful first step in bringing more support to Northern Box Elder County.”
Tremonton and Garland represent a combined population of more than 10,000 residents. While Box Elder County is home to established and dedicated survivor services, the Northern part of the county currently lacks transitional housing options for individuals and families rebuilding after abuse. CAPSA emphasized that this effort is intended to be complementary to the services already provided in Box Elder County and is focused on addressing a long-term housing gap that often forces survivors to return to unsafe situations or leave their community altogether.
Housing is consistently cited as one of the top barriers survivors face when leaving an abusive relationship. Rising costs and limited availability in Utah make it especially difficult for survivors to secure safe and stable housing. Transitional housing is a proven strategy that supports survivor safety and long-term outcomes by providing stable living options paired with supportive services.
In addition to DAHF funding, CAPSA has secured support from additional significant donors to help expand the project beyond the first two fourplexes. CAPSA is especially grateful for the commitment of Dell Loy Hansen, his family foundation, and the Wasatch Group, who are heavily involved as partners in helping bring this vision to life. This funding enables CAPSA to include additional fourplexes and office space to provide survivor services closer to home.
CAPSA has formed a local advisory board comprised of Northern Box Elder community members to guide engagement and build strong partnerships as the project progresses.
To learn more about CAPSA’s services or the Garland transitional housing project, contact info@capsa.org.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, help is available:
CAPSA (Logan): (435) 753-2500 New Hope Crisis Center (Brigham City): (435) 723-5600
About CAPSA
CAPSA is a nonprofit organization serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in northern Utah and southern Idaho. CAPSA provides crisis response, shelter, transitional housing support, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education. CAPSA’s mission is to create safe homes and empowered communities.
Choosing therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you have experienced abuse or trauma. Many people begin searching for therapy with questions like Will I feel safe? Will I be believed? Will this actually help? At CAPSA, we understand those concerns, and we center our therapy services around meeting survivors with care, respect, and compassion.
Therapy at CAPSA is specifically designed for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related trauma. Our trauma-informed approach looks different from traditional therapy because it prioritizes safety, choice, and healing at your pace.
A trauma-informed approach to therapy
CAPSA provides trauma-informed therapy, meaning we recognize how trauma impacts the mind and body and how those effects can show up long after the harm has ended. Trauma can affect emotions, memory, relationships, physical health, and a person’s sense of self.
Our therapists are trained to understand trauma responses not as problems to fix, but as natural reactions to harmful experiences. Whether you feel anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, numb, or unsure where to begin, therapy at CAPSA meets you exactly where you are.
Safety and trust come first
Feeling safe is essential to healing. Many survivors have had their safety violated by someone they trusted, which can make reaching out for therapy especially difficult.
At CAPSA, therapy is never rushed or forced. You decide what to share and when to share it. Your therapist will not pressure you to talk about painful details before you are ready. Trust is built slowly and intentionally, and your consent guides the process.
Therapy that honors your autonomy
One of the core differences in therapy at CAPSA is the emphasis on choice. Survivors often come from situations where control was taken from them. Therapy here is designed to help restore a sense of autonomy.
You are the expert on your own life. Therapy is collaborative, meaning goals are set together and can change over time. Some clients want help processing trauma, others want support building coping skills, strengthening boundaries, improving relationships, or simply having a safe space to talk. There is no single path to healing, and there is no pressure to move in a direction that does not feel right for you.
Care that understands the whole person
Healing does not happen in isolation. CAPSA therapists understand that trauma is often connected to ongoing stressors such as housing instability, legal concerns, financial stress, parenting challenges, or safety planning.
That’s why therapy is part of a coordinated support system. While you work with a therapist on healing and coping, you may also choose to work with an advocate or caseworker who can help address practical needs like safety planning, housing options, navigating systems, or accessing resources. With your consent, our team works together to ensure care feels connected and supportive, not fragmented. This approach allows therapy to stay grounded in your lived experience, supporting your needs.
A space rooted in belief and validation
Many survivors come to therapy carrying the weight of not being believed or being blamed for what they experienced. At CAPSA, therapy begins from a place of belief.
You do not need to prove your trauma. You do not need to minimize your experiences. Your feelings are valid, and your story matters. Therapy is a space where your experiences are honored and your strength is recognized, even if you do not feel strong yet.
Healing that looks toward the future
While therapy at CAPSA honors the past, healing the past is only half the story. It is also about helping you build tools for the present and hope for the future.
Therapy can support you in reconnecting with yourself, rebuilding confidence, developing healthier boundaries, and discovering who you are beyond survival. Healing does not mean forgetting what happened. It means finding ways to move forward with greater safety, clarity, and self-compassion.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session at CAPSA
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you are unsure what the first session will be like. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of that uncertainty.
Your first therapy session at CAPSA is focused on getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable. You will not be expected to share everything at once or recount traumatic experiences right away. The session may include:
An introduction to your therapist and their approach
A discussion of what brought you to therapy, at a level that feels safe for you
An overview of confidentiality and your rights as a client
Time to ask questions about the therapy process
A conversation about what you hope to get from therapy
The first session is about connection, not pressure. It is okay if you feel nervous, unsure, or emotional. It is also okay if you are not sure what you want yet. Therapy is a process, and your therapist will support you as you take it one step at a time.
You are not alone
If you are considering trauma-informed therapy at CAPSA, know that you do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out. Seeking support is an act of courage, and you deserve care that is patient, respectful, and centered on your needs.
Therapy at CAPSA is not about fixing you. It is about supporting your healing, honoring your experiences, and walking alongside you at your own pace.
If you are considering trauma-informed therapy at CAPSA, you do not have to take the next step alone. Whether you have questions about therapy, want to explore your options, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available.
Our 24/7 Help Line is available anytime, day or night:
You deserve care that is compassionate, confidential, and centered on your needs. Whenever you are ready, we are here to listen and support you.
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Therapy-With-CAPSA.jpg6281200Taylor Mickelsonhttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngTaylor Mickelson2026-01-19 13:52:372026-01-19 13:45:19Considering Therapy? What Makes Trauma-Informed Care at CAPSA Different
Content Warning: This blog post discusses stalking and related forms of abuse, which may be difficult or triggering for some readers. Please take care of yourself while reading and step away if you need to.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault, confidential support is available. CAPSA’s 24/7 hotline is available at (435) 753-2500. If you are outside our service area, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat with them at www.thehotline.org. You are not alone.
January Is Stalking Awareness Month: Understanding Stalking, Its Impact, and How to Support Survivors
January is Stalking Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a form of abuse that is often misunderstood, minimized, or overlooked. Stalking is not about unwanted attention or persistence. It is a serious pattern of behavior that causes fear, distress, and long-term harm.
At CAPSA, we know that stalking frequently overlaps with domestic violence, sexual assault, and coercive control. Recognizing stalking and responding with compassion is essential to survivor safety, effective prevention, and building communities where abuse is taken seriously.
What Is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of repeated behaviors directed at a specific person that causes fear or emotional distress. These behaviors can occur in person, online, or through technology, and they often escalate over time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States experience stalking in their lifetime, and many are stalked by a current or former intimate partner.
Because stalking behaviors are often framed as concern, jealousy, love, or coincidence, survivors may not immediately recognize what they are experiencing. Others may minimize the behavior or dismiss it as harmless, which can delay support and increase risk.
Signs of Stalking to Look Out For
Stalking does not always look the same, but common warning signs include:
Repeated unwanted calls, texts, emails, or messages
Showing up uninvited at home, work, school, or social spaces
Following, watching, or monitoring someone’s movements
Using technology to track location, access accounts, or monitor activity
Sending unwanted gifts or letters after being asked to stop
Spreading rumors, sharing private information, or impersonating someone online
Threats, intimidation, or attempts to control daily activities
A key indicator of stalking is persistence. If behaviors continue after someone has asked for them to stop, or if they cause fear or distress, they are not harmless.
The Impact of Stalking on Survivors
Stalking can have profound and lasting effects on survivors’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Many survivors report feeling constantly on edge, hyperaware of their surroundings, and unable to relax or feel safe, even in their own homes.
Research shows that stalking is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and post-traumatic stress. Survivors may change routines, avoid public places, limit social connections, or miss work or school to reduce risk.
Even after stalking behaviors end, the trauma can linger. Fear does not simply disappear when contact stops.
There is no single “right” way to respond to stalking. Survivors make choices based on safety, survival, and available support. All of these responses are valid.
Why Stalking Awareness Matters
Stalking thrives in silence and misunderstanding. When communities lack awareness, survivors are more likely to be dismissed, blamed, or told their experience is not serious enough.
Awareness helps people recognize the warning signs earlier, respond with empathy instead of judgment, and challenge harmful beliefs about entitlement, control, and power in relationships. It also strengthens prevention efforts by addressing abuse before it escalates.
Stalking Awareness Month is an opportunity to change how we listen to survivors and how we show up for one another.
How CAPSA Supports Survivors of Stalking
CAPSA provides confidential, trauma-informed support to survivors of stalking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Our advocates believe survivors, respect their choices, and understand that safety looks different for everyone.
Support may include emotional support, safety planning, help navigating resources, or simply having someone to talk to who understands. Survivors do not need to prove their experience or meet a certain threshold to deserve help.
CAPSA also prioritizes prevention through our Prevention and Education team, which works throughout the community to address the root causes of abuse and promote healthy, respectful relationships.
How You Can Help Prevent Stalking and Support Survivors
Everyone has a role to play in preventing stalking and supporting survivors:
Believe survivors when they share their experiences
Avoid minimizing fear or questioning their reactions
Learn the signs of stalking and share accurate information
Offer support without pressure or judgment
Encourage connection to local resources like CAPSA
Community support reduces isolation and saves lives.
Moving Forward This Stalking Awareness Month
Stalking is often quiet, persistent, and deeply harmful. January reminds us that abuse does not always look dramatic to be dangerous.
By increasing awareness, practicing compassion, and committing to prevention, we can create safer communities where survivors are supported and believed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or any form of abuse, CAPSA is here to help.
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/01-08-26-Stalking-Awareness-Blog-Header.jpg6281200Maddie Sotohttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngMaddie Soto2026-01-08 10:00:462026-01-06 12:41:51Living Under Watch: The Reality of Stalking
North Box Elder County Housing Project Press Release
CAPSA Awarded $3.6 Million to Launch Transitional Housing Project in Garland, Expanding Survivor Support in Northern Box Elder County
GARLAND, Utah — CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse) has been awarded $3.6 million through Utah’s Deeply Affordable Housing Fund (DAHF) to support the development of transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Northern Box Elder County. The funding will allow CAPSA to complete essential infrastructure for the full site and construct two fourplexes as the first phase of the project.
The project is being developed on seven acres of land donated in 2024 by Dr. Jan-Erik and Jennifer Schow. The Schows donated the land with the hope of increasing access to safety and stability for survivors in Tremonton, Garland, and surrounding rural communities where distance often prevents individuals from seeking help.
Tremonton and Garland represent a combined population of more than 10,000 residents. While Box Elder County is home to established and dedicated survivor services, the Northern part of the county currently lacks transitional housing options for individuals and families rebuilding after abuse. CAPSA emphasized that this effort is intended to be complementary to the services already provided in Box Elder County and is focused on addressing a long-term housing gap that often forces survivors to return to unsafe situations or leave their community altogether.
Housing is consistently cited as one of the top barriers survivors face when leaving an abusive relationship. Rising costs and limited availability in Utah make it especially difficult for survivors to secure safe and stable housing. Transitional housing is a proven strategy that supports survivor safety and long-term outcomes by providing stable living options paired with supportive services.
In addition to DAHF funding, CAPSA has secured support from additional significant donors to help expand the project beyond the first two fourplexes. CAPSA is especially grateful for the commitment of Dell Loy Hansen, his family foundation, and the Wasatch Group, who are heavily involved as partners in helping bring this vision to life. This funding enables CAPSA to include additional fourplexes and office space to provide survivor services closer to home.
CAPSA has formed a local advisory board comprised of Northern Box Elder community members to guide engagement and build strong partnerships as the project progresses.
To learn more about CAPSA’s services or the Garland transitional housing project, contact info@capsa.org.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, help is available:
CAPSA (Logan): (435) 753-2500
New Hope Crisis Center (Brigham City): (435) 723-5600
About CAPSA
CAPSA is a nonprofit organization serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in northern Utah and southern Idaho. CAPSA provides crisis response, shelter, transitional housing support, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education. CAPSA’s mission is to create safe homes and empowered communities.
Considering Therapy? What Makes Trauma-Informed Care at CAPSA Different
What Makes Therapy at CAPSA Different
Choosing therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you have experienced abuse or trauma. Many people begin searching for therapy with questions like Will I feel safe? Will I be believed? Will this actually help? At CAPSA, we understand those concerns, and we center our therapy services around meeting survivors with care, respect, and compassion.
Therapy at CAPSA is specifically designed for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related trauma. Our trauma-informed approach looks different from traditional therapy because it prioritizes safety, choice, and healing at your pace.
A trauma-informed approach to therapy
CAPSA provides trauma-informed therapy, meaning we recognize how trauma impacts the mind and body and how those effects can show up long after the harm has ended. Trauma can affect emotions, memory, relationships, physical health, and a person’s sense of self.
Our therapists are trained to understand trauma responses not as problems to fix, but as natural reactions to harmful experiences. Whether you feel anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, numb, or unsure where to begin, therapy at CAPSA meets you exactly where you are.
Safety and trust come first
Feeling safe is essential to healing. Many survivors have had their safety violated by someone they trusted, which can make reaching out for therapy especially difficult.
At CAPSA, therapy is never rushed or forced. You decide what to share and when to share it. Your therapist will not pressure you to talk about painful details before you are ready. Trust is built slowly and intentionally, and your consent guides the process.
Therapy that honors your autonomy
One of the core differences in therapy at CAPSA is the emphasis on choice. Survivors often come from situations where control was taken from them. Therapy here is designed to help restore a sense of autonomy.
You are the expert on your own life. Therapy is collaborative, meaning goals are set together and can change over time. Some clients want help processing trauma, others want support building coping skills, strengthening boundaries, improving relationships, or simply having a safe space to talk. There is no single path to healing, and there is no pressure to move in a direction that does not feel right for you.
Care that understands the whole person
Healing does not happen in isolation. CAPSA therapists understand that trauma is often connected to ongoing stressors such as housing instability, legal concerns, financial stress, parenting challenges, or safety planning.
That’s why therapy is part of a coordinated support system. While you work with a therapist on healing and coping, you may also choose to work with an advocate or caseworker who can help address practical needs like safety planning, housing options, navigating systems, or accessing resources. With your consent, our team works together to ensure care feels connected and supportive, not fragmented. This approach allows therapy to stay grounded in your lived experience, supporting your needs.
A space rooted in belief and validation
Many survivors come to therapy carrying the weight of not being believed or being blamed for what they experienced. At CAPSA, therapy begins from a place of belief.
You do not need to prove your trauma. You do not need to minimize your experiences. Your feelings are valid, and your story matters. Therapy is a space where your experiences are honored and your strength is recognized, even if you do not feel strong yet.
Healing that looks toward the future
While therapy at CAPSA honors the past, healing the past is only half the story. It is also about helping you build tools for the present and hope for the future.
Therapy can support you in reconnecting with yourself, rebuilding confidence, developing healthier boundaries, and discovering who you are beyond survival. Healing does not mean forgetting what happened. It means finding ways to move forward with greater safety, clarity, and self-compassion.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session at CAPSA
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you are unsure what the first session will be like. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of that uncertainty.
Your first therapy session at CAPSA is focused on getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable. You will not be expected to share everything at once or recount traumatic experiences right away. The session may include:
The first session is about connection, not pressure. It is okay if you feel nervous, unsure, or emotional. It is also okay if you are not sure what you want yet. Therapy is a process, and your therapist will support you as you take it one step at a time.
You are not alone
If you are considering trauma-informed therapy at CAPSA, know that you do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out. Seeking support is an act of courage, and you deserve care that is patient, respectful, and centered on your needs.
Therapy at CAPSA is not about fixing you. It is about supporting your healing, honoring your experiences, and walking alongside you at your own pace.
If you are considering trauma-informed therapy at CAPSA, you do not have to take the next step alone. Whether you have questions about therapy, want to explore your options, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available.
Our 24/7 Help Line is available anytime, day or night:
Utah: 435.753.2500
Idaho: 208.540.8536
You can also reach us by email at info@capsa.org.
You deserve care that is compassionate, confidential, and centered on your needs. Whenever you are ready, we are here to listen and support you.
Living Under Watch: The Reality of Stalking
Content Warning:
This blog post discusses stalking and related forms of abuse, which may be difficult or triggering for some readers. Please take care of yourself while reading and step away if you need to.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault, confidential support is available. CAPSA’s 24/7 hotline is available at (435) 753-2500. If you are outside our service area, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat with them at www.thehotline.org. You are not alone.
January Is Stalking Awareness Month: Understanding Stalking, Its Impact, and How to Support Survivors
January is Stalking Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a form of abuse that is often misunderstood, minimized, or overlooked. Stalking is not about unwanted attention or persistence. It is a serious pattern of behavior that causes fear, distress, and long-term harm.
At CAPSA, we know that stalking frequently overlaps with domestic violence, sexual assault, and coercive control. Recognizing stalking and responding with compassion is essential to survivor safety, effective prevention, and building communities where abuse is taken seriously.
What Is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of repeated behaviors directed at a specific person that causes fear or emotional distress. These behaviors can occur in person, online, or through technology, and they often escalate over time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States experience stalking in their lifetime, and many are stalked by a current or former intimate partner.
Because stalking behaviors are often framed as concern, jealousy, love, or coincidence, survivors may not immediately recognize what they are experiencing. Others may minimize the behavior or dismiss it as harmless, which can delay support and increase risk.
Signs of Stalking to Look Out For
Stalking does not always look the same, but common warning signs include:
A key indicator of stalking is persistence. If behaviors continue after someone has asked for them to stop, or if they cause fear or distress, they are not harmless.
The Impact of Stalking on Survivors
Stalking can have profound and lasting effects on survivors’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Many survivors report feeling constantly on edge, hyperaware of their surroundings, and unable to relax or feel safe, even in their own homes.
Research shows that stalking is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and post-traumatic stress. Survivors may change routines, avoid public places, limit social connections, or miss work or school to reduce risk.
Even after stalking behaviors end, the trauma can linger. Fear does not simply disappear when contact stops.
There is no single “right” way to respond to stalking. Survivors make choices based on safety, survival, and available support. All of these responses are valid.
Why Stalking Awareness Matters
Stalking thrives in silence and misunderstanding. When communities lack awareness, survivors are more likely to be dismissed, blamed, or told their experience is not serious enough.
Awareness helps people recognize the warning signs earlier, respond with empathy instead of judgment, and challenge harmful beliefs about entitlement, control, and power in relationships. It also strengthens prevention efforts by addressing abuse before it escalates.
Stalking Awareness Month is an opportunity to change how we listen to survivors and how we show up for one another.
How CAPSA Supports Survivors of Stalking
CAPSA provides confidential, trauma-informed support to survivors of stalking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Our advocates believe survivors, respect their choices, and understand that safety looks different for everyone.
Support may include emotional support, safety planning, help navigating resources, or simply having someone to talk to who understands. Survivors do not need to prove their experience or meet a certain threshold to deserve help.
CAPSA also prioritizes prevention through our Prevention and Education team, which works throughout the community to address the root causes of abuse and promote healthy, respectful relationships.
Learn more or get help:
How You Can Help Prevent Stalking and Support Survivors
Everyone has a role to play in preventing stalking and supporting survivors:
Community support reduces isolation and saves lives.
Moving Forward This Stalking Awareness Month
Stalking is often quiet, persistent, and deeply harmful. January reminds us that abuse does not always look dramatic to be dangerous.
By increasing awareness, practicing compassion, and committing to prevention, we can create safer communities where survivors are supported and believed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or any form of abuse, CAPSA is here to help.