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.
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:
- 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.
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.
November Newsletter
CAPSA’s Annual Wine Pairing: A Night of Fine Dining, Community, and Tribute
Every fall, community members gather for one of CAPSA’s most anticipated events of the year: the Annual Wine Pairing Dinner. Held at the beautiful Logan Country Club, the evening is more than a celebration of fine food and wine. It is a celebration of community, compassion, and the collective effort to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Cache Valley.
This year’s event carries a special meaning. We are dedicating this year’s Wine Pairing to the memory of Mike Parent, a beloved friend of CAPSA and an enthusiastic supporter of this very event. Mike’s passion for winemaking was matched only by his generosity. For nearly twenty years, he bottled his private cabernet sauvignon, crafted from grapes grown at a family friend’s vineyard in California’s Alexander Valley. Each fall, his family would gather from across the country to help with the bottling, turning it into a cherished tradition. Mike donated much of his wine to charitable causes, including CAPSA, where it helped raise thousands of dollars to support survivors.
Tragically, Mike passed away this past July. While his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit, generosity, and love for both wine and community will be felt throughout this year’s pairing. Hosting this event in his honor is both a tribute and a reminder of the power of individuals who choose to make a difference in their community.
A Tradition of Excellence
CAPSA’s Wine Pairing has become a cherished annual tradition for the organization, bringing together community members, businesses, and advocates to raise critical funds for our mission. Each year, thousands of dollars are raised to support CAPSA’s life-saving services, which include emergency shelter, therapy, housing assistance, and advocacy for survivors.
One of the elements that makes the Wine Pairing so remarkable is its consistency and quality. The event has been routinely hosted at the Logan Country Club, a venue that provides an intimate and elegant atmosphere perfectly suited for an evening of connection and generosity. Each year, CAPSA partners with Justin Hamilton and his team atOff-Premise Catering, who design and execute a truly unforgettable meal.
Guests are treated to a five-course meal, each course carefully paired with a selection of fine wines. From the thoughtful presentation to the robust flavors, every detail is crafted to delight and surprise. For many attendees, the Wine Pairing is not only an opportunity to support a cause close to their hearts but also a highlight on their culinary calendar.
Stories That Inspire
While the food and wine provide a memorable experience, the heart of the Wine Pairing lies in the stories shared during the evening. Each year, Jill Anderson, CAPSA’s Executive Director, speaks to the audience. She shares real stories of real survivors: women, men, and children whose lives have been forever changed through CAPSA’s programs and services. These stories are raw, emotional, and deeply moving.
There is a moment, every year, when the room goes quiet. Wine glasses are set down, forks rest on plates, and every heart in the room turns toward the stories of survival and resilience. It is in these moments that the need for CAPSA becomes undeniable. The services CAPSA provides are not abstract. They are lifelines for people in our very own community.
The generosity that follows is always overwhelming. Year after year, attendees give from their hearts, whether through donations, auction bids, or simply spreading the word about CAPSA’s work. The Wine Pairing is proof that when people gather together with a purpose, incredible things can happen.
Why It Matters
Domestic and sexual violence are issues that affect every community, including ours. Survivors need safe shelter, supportive services, and advocacy to rebuild their lives. CAPSA provides all of this and more, but we cannot do it alone. Events like the Wine Pairing allow CAPSA to continue offering these vital services free of charge to survivors and their families.
The need speaks for itself. Each story shared at the Wine Pairing is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person. Someone’s daughter, son, friend, or neighbor. Attending the event, donating, or supporting CAPSA in any way is not only an act of generosity but also an act of solidarity with survivors.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for this year’s Wine Pairing, we invite our community to join us in honoring Mike Parent’s legacy, enjoying an evening of incredible food and wine, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors.
Together, we can ensure that CAPSA remains a place of safety and a source of hope. Together, we can celebrate community and generosity. And together, we can raise a glass to Mike, to survivors, and to a future free from violence.
Join Us October 24th
Tickets are still available for this year’s Wine Pairing, and we would love to have you join us for this meaningful evening. Seating is limited, and this event has sold out in the past, so we encourage you to reserve your spot. Tickets can be purchased online at capsa.org/wine, where you’ll also find more details about the event. Every ticket purchased helps CAPSA continue providing life-saving services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in our community.
Join the Purple Promise: Take a Stand This Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) brings communities together to honor survivors, raise awareness, and inspire action. This year, CAPSA invites local businesses and organizations to take part in a powerful new movement: the Purple Promise.
The Purple Promise is more than a pledge; it’s a commitment to help end domestic violence and build a safer, stronger community for everyone. By joining, your business becomes a visible ally in the fight to create a future free from abuse.
What the Purple Promise Means
When your business makes the Purple Promise, you’re standing side by side with survivors, advocates, and community members who believe that safety, respect, and compassion should be universal.
By taking the Purple Promise, you pledge to:
1. Stand for Safety
You affirm your support for survivors and your dedication to promoting healthy, respectful relationships. Domestic violence affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. By taking a public stand, your business sends a powerful message that everyone deserves to live free from fear and harm.
2. Strengthen Community
Your commitment helps fund CAPSA’s life-saving programs: from emergency shelter for families escaping abuse, to counseling, advocacy, and prevention education that breaks the cycle of violence. Every contribution helps provide safety and hope to someone in need right here in Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho.
3. Show Your Colors
Purple is the color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s a symbol of courage, survival, and peace. By displaying purple ribbons or signage in your business, you help raise awareness and encourage others to join the cause. When your customers see purple, they’ll know your business stands for safety and compassion.
A Powerful Way to Give Back
Businesses that take the Purple Promise are invited to contribute $1,000 (or more) as a Purple Promise Partner. This partnership directly funds CAPSA’s critical services and programs, ensuring that survivors in our community have the support they need to heal and rebuild.
Your generous contribution provides:
Emergency Shelter – Safe, confidential shelter for individuals and families escaping danger.
Counseling and Advocacy Services – Professional support that helps survivors navigate their healing journey.
Prevention Education – School and community programs that teach healthy relationship skills and prevent future violence.
Every dollar makes a tangible difference in someone’s life. When your business joins the Purple Promise, you’re not just donating. You’re helping save lives.
Recognition for Purple Promise Partners
To thank our Purple Promise Partners for their compassion and leadership, CAPSA offers several forms of recognition throughout the month of October:
Website & Social Media Recognition – Your business will be featured on CAPSA’s website and social media channels during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighting your commitment to ending abuse.
Purple Promise Window Decal & Digital Badge – Display your support proudly with a custom Purple Promise decal for your storefront and a digital badge to share online. These materials show your customers that you care about creating a safer community.
Optional Training – CAPSA staff can visit your business to provide an optional on-site presentation, offering education on recognizing signs of abuse, supporting survivors, and building a culture of safety. To schedule a training, please reach out to kara@capsa.org, and we’d be happy to coordinate those details.
By joining the Purple Promise, your business becomes part of a visible movement that encourages others to take action. Together, we can turn awareness into lasting change.
Why Your Support Matters
Domestic violence is more common than many realize, and it affects every community. Survivors often face overwhelming barriers when trying to escape abuse, from financial hardship to social stigma. CAPSA provides free, confidential support to help survivors find safety, healing, and hope.
When local businesses stand behind this mission, it sends a strong message that our community does not tolerate abuse and that survivors are supported, believed, and valued. Your participation in the Purple Promise helps sustain the programs that make this vision possible.
Make Your Purple Promise Today
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, join CAPSA in making a difference. Become a Purple Promise Partner and take a stand against domestic violence. Your pledge represents compassion, leadership, and community strength.
Let’s work together to shine a light of hope and create a community free from violence.