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:
- 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:
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.
February Newsletter
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.
January Newsletter
December Newsletter
A Season of Gratitude: Thanksgiving at CAPSA
As Thanksgiving approaches, we at CAPSA are reminded of what this season truly represents: gratitude, generosity, and togetherness. It’s a time when families gather around the table, communities come together in kindness, and we take a moment to reflect on the things that matter most.
At CAPSA, we see Thanksgiving not just as a holiday, but as a reflection of our mission to help individuals and families in our community find hope, safety, independence, and healing. This time of year reminds us how deeply connected we all are and how powerful it can be when a community chooses compassion.
Gratitude: CAPSA’s Annual Gratitude Wall
Every November, CAPSA’s staff and advocates take part in one of our favorite traditions: the Gratitude Wall. Throughout the month, our team adds sticky notes with things we’re grateful for, big and small. By the end of November, the wall is covered in a colorful mosaic of thankfulness, representing the heart of our organization.
You’ll see notes that say things like:
This simple act of daily reflection keeps us grounded in our purpose. It reminds us that even during challenging times, there is always something to be grateful for, especially the opportunity to walk alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives. Gratitude is more than a feeling for us; it’s a practice that helps us stay focused on what truly matters: helping people in our community thrive.
Charitable Giving: The Heart of Our Community
One of the most powerful themes surrounding Thanksgiving is charitable giving. In our community, there’s a shared belief that generosity strengthens us all, that when we look out for one another, everyone can flourish.
CAPSA’s ability to provide free, confidential services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault is only possible because of this community spirit. Every donation, volunteer hour, and act of kindness makes a direct impact. Whether someone donates financially, brings in needed goods, or simply spreads awareness, they are helping provide safety and hope for survivors.
This season, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the donors, volunteers, and partners who make CAPSA’s work possible. Your generosity ensures that individuals escaping abuse have a safe place to stay, children have access to therapy, and families can begin again with dignity and support.
When you give to CAPSA, you’re giving more than money. You’re giving hope, healing, and a future.
A Feast for All: Partnering with Cache Food Pantry
Thanksgiving is often centered around abundance. The warmth of shared meals, the comfort of favorite recipes, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. But we know that for many, access to a Thanksgiving feast isn’t guaranteed.
That’s why CAPSA partners year-round with the Cache Community Food Pantry to ensure our clients have access to nutritious food that fits their unique needs. This partnership is especially meaningful during the holidays.
This Thanksgiving, CAPSA and the Cache Food Pantry are working together to provide vouchers for Thanksgiving dinners to every client and family we serve. Our hope is that everyone in our community can experience the joy of a warm meal and the comfort of belonging, no matter their circumstances.
Safety and Comfort: Everyone Deserves a Safe Home
For many, Thanksgiving means cozy nights, laughter in the kitchen, and the comfort of home. But for some, home is not a safe place. The holidays can be especially difficult for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, when isolation or unsafe environments may feel impossible to escape.
At CAPSA, we believe that everyone deserves safety, comfort, and peace, especially at home. That’s why we provide emergency shelter, housing programs, advocacy, and therapy services to anyone experiencing abuse. Our doors are open 24/7, because everyone deserves to know there is a safe place to turn when they need it most.
If you or someone you know needs help, CAPSA offers free and confidential services. Call our 24/7 Support Line at 435-753-2500 in Utah or 208-540-8536 in Idaho.
Thankful for You
This Thanksgiving, as we gather around our Gratitude Wall and reflect on the year behind us, one thing stands out above all: we are thankful for you.
To our donors, volunteers, partners, and community members, thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for helping us create a community where survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can find safety, healing, and hope. Your generosity and compassion are what make CAPSA’s work possible.
From all of us at CAPSA, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and joy-filled Thanksgiving.
If you’d like to support survivors this holiday season, visit capsa.org/donate. Your gift, no matter the size, helps us provide lifesaving services and ensures that everyone in our community can have something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Every Dollar Makes a Difference: The Many Ways to Give to CAPSA
At CAPSA, there are many ways to give, and every gift helps provide safety, hope, and healing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Whether you choose to give once, give monthly, donate stock, or include CAPSA in your legacy plans, your generosity directly impacts lives in our community.
There are many ways to support CAPSA’s mission—and every contribution, no matter the size or form, helps survivors find freedom and independence.
Give Online
One of the easiest ways to give is by donating online at capsa.org/donate.
You can choose to:
Make a one-time donation of any amount
Set up a recurring donation to provide steady, ongoing support for survivors
Create a donor portal in Virtuous to manage your giving, update payment information, and view donation history (log in here)
When donating online through CAPSA’s website or Virtuous, you can designate where your gift goes:
General Funds: Donations are directed to where the need is greatest across CAPSA’s programs and services.
CAPSA of Idaho: Supports our expansion into Idaho, helping more survivors access free, confidential services.
Endowment: Strengthens CAPSA’s long-term financial sustainability and ensures stability during funding challenges.
Playground: CAPSA is excited to enhance our youth and children’s services with a new playground zone. The playground will feature age-appropriate zones, sensory-rich activities, ample shade for summer play, and enhanced safety measures.
Every dollar helps! Whether you’re covering the cost of emergency shelter, therapy for a child, or resources for survivors rebuilding their lives.
Donate by Mail
Prefer to give by check? You can mail donations to:
CAPSA
Attn: Donations
P.O. Box 3617
Logan, UT 84323-3617
We’ll send a donation receipt to the address listed on the check or in an accompanying letter. Please include your name, address, and phone number so we can ensure your gift is recorded correctly.
Donate Stock to Support Survivors
Donating stock is one of the powerful ways to give and make a meaningful impact while potentially benefiting from tax advantages. By transferring appreciated securities, you can support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault while avoiding capital gains taxes.
Transfer information:
Receiving Institution: Fidelity
Account Name/Registration: CAPSA
Account Number: 645-425002
DTC #: 0226
Contact: Jill Anderson, CEO | 435-753-2500
Stock donations help CAPSA fund vital programs while offering donors a smart, tax-efficient way to give.
Donate Goods
In addition to financial gifts, CAPSA accepts donations of new and gently used items that help clients rebuild their lives.
Visit capsa.org/donate/#donation-needs to see our most-needed items list, which is regularly updated.
Donations can be dropped off at 308 W 1000 N, Logan, UT, during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM).
We also encourage donations to Somebody’s Attic, a local thrift store that donates proceeds to CAPSA and provides vouchers for survivors to shop for what they need.
Please note: We are unable to accept car seats or open/expired toiletries and food items.
Planned Giving
Leaving a legacy through planned giving ensures your support for survivors continues for years to come. There are several ways to give by including CAPSA in your long-term giving plans:
Securities
A gift of appreciated securities saves taxes twice—you receive an income tax deduction for the full fair market value and avoid capital gains tax on appreciation. Speak with your accountant for specific strategies and call CAPSA to get transfer details from Josh Thompson or Jill Anderson.
Gifts Through Your Will or Trust
Including CAPSA in your will or trust is an incredible way to extend your impact.
Recommended text for your will:
You may also choose to leave a percentage of your estate or a specific asset. Consult an estate planning attorney to discuss your goals.
Retirement Plan or Life Insurance Beneficiary
You can name CAPSA as a beneficiary (primary or contingent) on a retirement plan or life insurance policy. Speak with your financial adviser or HR department to complete a beneficiary form.
CAPSA’s Endowment
An endowment is a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding. Endowment funds are invested, and the dividends support CAPSA’s programs every year, creating long-term financial stability.
Because CAPSA’s programs are largely funded by competitive grants that must be renewed every 1–2 years, our endowment helps ensure continuity of services even if a grant is not renewed.
Learn more about how you can contribute to CAPSA’s endowment at capsa.org/get-involved/endowment.
Smith’s Community Rewards
You can support CAPSA simply by grocery shopping!
When you link your Smith’s Rewards to CAPSA through Community Rewards, a portion of every purchase supports survivors at no cost to you.
Here’s how:
Visit smithsfoodanddrug.com/account/communityrewards
Sign in or create an account
Search CAPSA under “Community Rewards”
Click Save
That’s it! Now every Smith’s grocery trip helps provide hope, safety, and independence to survivors.
Ways to Give with Confidence
CAPSA has earned a Platinum Transparency Rating from Candid’s GuideStar—a recognition held by fewer than 5% of nonprofits. This rating demonstrates CAPSA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial integrity.
When you give to CAPSA, you can trust your donation is used responsibly to provide lifesaving services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
No matter how you choose to give: online, by mail, through stock, goods, or planned giving, every dollar makes a difference.
Together, we can help survivors reclaim their safety, their independence, and their future.
CAPSA’s Annual St. Nick’s Shop: Bringing Holiday Magic to Survivors and Their Families
It’s that time of year again. The lights are twinkling, the air is crisp, and the spirit of giving is in full swing. At CAPSA, one of our most cherished traditions each holiday season is the Annual St. Nick’s Shop. This program brings the magic of the holidays to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and their families.
Every December, CAPSA transforms part of our facility into a warm, joyful, and completely free holiday shopping experience for our clients. Through the generosity of our incredible community, survivors can “shop” for gifts for their children and loved ones in a safe and supportive environment.
How It Works
The success of the St. Nick’s Shop depends entirely on community donations. Each year, generous individuals, families, businesses, and civic groups come together to fill the shop’s shelves with new, unwrapped gifts. These items are then displayed like a real store, where survivors can browse, choose, and wrap gifts for their loved ones, all at no cost.
This year, CAPSA is collecting new, unopened, and unwrapped gifts to stock the St. Nick’s Shop. Donations can be dropped off at our main office, located at:
308 W 1000 N, Logan, UT 84321
This year, donations are due by Monday, December 8
Your donations will directly support families in our community who are working toward healing and stability after abuse. Every gift you give helps make the holidays brighter for someone who truly deserves some light this season.
Gift Ideas for the St. Nick’s Shop
Not sure what to donate? Here are some ideas that are always appreciated:
No matter the size or type of your gift, every contribution helps create a joyful and meaningful holiday for survivors and their families.
Why It Matters
At CAPSA, we know that the holidays can be particularly challenging for individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. Many of our clients are starting over, rebuilding their lives from the ground up, and may not have the financial means to provide gifts or create the holiday experiences they wish for their children.
Your donations to the St. Nick’s Shop do more than fill shelves. They send a powerful message: you are seen, valued, and supported by your community.
When you donate to CAPSA’s St. Nick’s Shop, you’re not just giving a toy, a coat, or a game; you’re giving survivors the chance to celebrate the season with joy, dignity, and hope.
A Community That Cares
Each year, we’re deeply moved by the generosity of our community members, businesses, and volunteers who make the St. Nick’s Shop possible. From local families dropping off toys to corporate partners organizing donation drives, every act of giving contributes to a ripple of kindness that reaches far beyond the holidays.
Your support allows CAPSA to continue offering comprehensive, life-changing services year-round, from emergency shelter and therapy to housing assistance and advocacy. Together, we’re building a community where survivors can thrive, not just survive.
Join Us in Spreading Holiday Cheer
As you make your holiday plans and shopping lists this year, consider adding one more stop — CAPSA’s St. Nick’s Shop. Your contribution, no matter how small, helps create moments of magic and meaning for survivors and their families.
Drop off your new, unwrapped gifts by Monday, December 8, at CAPSA, 308 W 1000 N, Logan, UT 84321.
Let’s make this holiday season one of hope, compassion, and community.
Together, we can fill the shelves and the hearts of survivors across Cache Valley.
Donate or Learn More at capsa.org/donate
CAPSA Caseworkers: Partners in Safety, Healing, and Empowerment
At CAPSA, we often say that caseworkers are the heart of our organization. That’s because every survivor’s story is unique, and so are the supports they may need as they rebuild safety, stability, and independence. Some survivors may want help navigating the legal system. Others may need assistance with housing, employment, transportation, or accessing mental health resources. And many simply need a steady, compassionate advocate in their corner.
Rather than “saving” survivors, CAPSA caseworkers walk alongside them. Survivors deserve full credit for their strength, resilience, and the choices they make. Caseworkers provide support, information, and connection, but the survivor remains in control of their journey.
What caseworkers offer is partnership. It is grounded in dignity, respect, and the belief that every person deserves to feel safe and supported.
What Does a CAPSA Caseworker Do?
When someone reaches out to CAPSA, a caseworker is often one of the first people they speak with. But what exactly does a caseworker do?
At CAPSA, caseworkers are trained advocates who support individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of abuse. They listen without judgment, help create personalized safety plans, and connect clients with resources that can make daily life safer and more stable.
A CAPSA caseworker might:
Arrange for emergency shelter when someone needs somewhere immediate and safe to go
Attend court hearings to provide support during protective order processes
Connect survivors with trauma-informed therapists for their mental health needs
Help coordinate access to housing programs, financial resources, or employment services
Offer emotional support and consistent follow-up, helping survivors rebuild confidence and a sense of control
While every survivor’s situation looks different, every caseworker’s goal remains the same: to help survivors identify options, understand their rights, and move forward in ways that feel right to them.
A Model Built on Availability and Accessibility
In the past, caseworkers at CAPSA were often described by specific specialties. While internal funding sources still shape some of our programs, we no longer assign clients to caseworkers based on specialty. Instead, survivors are connected to the first available caseworker within the appropriate program, whether that’s housing, shelter, or social services.
This approach removes unnecessary barriers and ensures survivors receive help quickly. Most importantly, it reinforces that no matter what someone is facing, any CAPSA caseworker is fully trained and prepared to offer support.
This also reflects how caseworkers approach their work: with adaptability, shared knowledge, and teamwork. Caseworkers collaborate constantly, learning from one another and ensuring clients get comprehensive, coordinated care.
Going Above and Beyond — Without Overstepping Survivor Agency
CAPSA caseworkers consistently go beyond what most people imagine an advocate does. If an abuser is monitoring a survivor’s movements, caseworkers may meet at a workplace or other neutral location. They make dozens of calls to help secure resources such as housing, legal support, childcare, transportation, or medical care.
They also complete extensive training in trauma-informed practices, not just in theory, but in how to apply those principles in real moments of crisis and healing.
But one of the most impactful parts of their work is this: Caseworkers make sure survivors know they have choices.
After long periods of control, manipulation, or isolation, having someone affirm your agency can be transformative. Caseworkers provide information, options, and support, but it is always the survivor who makes the decisions.
Hope, Healing, and Empowerment
For many survivors, reaching out to CAPSA can feel like the hardest step. But once they do, a caseworker is there to walk alongside them. Through crisis, through transition, and through rebuilding.
Caseworkers provide connection.
They provide stability.
They provide a nonjudgmental space to process fear, make plans, and reclaim control.
Every survivor’s success comes from their courage and choices. Caseworkers ensure they don’t have to navigate those choices alone.
How to Get Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, CAPSA offers free and confidential services to anyone in need. Caseworkers are always available for consultations to help you understand your options and access support.
Visit capsa.org to learn more or call our 24/7 Support Line:
Utah: 435-753-2500
Idaho: 208-540-8536
You are not alone. CAPSA is here to walk beside you every step of the way.