Our Story
Survivors, partners, donors and community members who come to CAPSA, have likely noticed a prominent plaque adorning one of the cornerstones of the North entrance.
Etched on that plaque is a fitting tribute to our “founder” and “friend.” Jenny Box, a lifelong Cache Valley native, was one of the original founding members of CAPSA and continues to be a driving force for building CAPSA into the organization it is today.
Jenny Box – A Brief History of CAPSA
Following 2 high profile rape cases occurring on USU campus, Jenny, along with USU staff, students, and various community members, established the Cache Valley Rape Crisis Team. A team made up of devoted volunteers, Box and others stepped forward to fill a serious need in the community.
As she helped those in crisis, Jenny learned that many survivors of abuse and their families needed a means of escape. A safe and stable place to heal. In 1976, Jenny came to her husband and informed him that they would be sheltering families in crisis, using their own home.
With both in agreement, perhaps without knowing the full scope of the task they were undertaking, Jenny and Thad housed 3 families within the first week of opening their home as a shelter. Thad would later state “I’m a slow learner, but I figured out pretty fast that domestic violence was a problem here in the community.”
Stepping Forward – CAPSA Today
Since then, CAPSA has grown and flourished, serving as a local resource for survivors of abuse in both Cache and Rich County. This growth is due in part to CAPSA’s mission to unite the members of the community in taking a stand against domestic violence and sexual assault.
During the April 2011 Women in Business event, Jenny Box said of CAPSA:
“I can only conclude that this organization exists because it needs to exist, because it was meant to be. When the need is greatest, someone in our community always steps forward and saves the day.”
-source: https://wib.usu.edu/newsletters/2011April.pdf
Jenny Box Memorial Plaque
The philosophy of stepping forward to save the day personifies Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse, and without Jenny Box stepping forward to help establish CAPSA, it would not be the valuable resource to the community it currently is.
As such, Jenny Box will be forever honored on the cornerstone plaque of the CAPSA building, symbolizing her key role of building CAPSA into what it is today.
Give the Gift of Hope
This holiday season, we invite you to give the gift of hope to survivors.
We need your financial, in-kind, and volunteer support to ensure our neighbors, friends, and family members impacted by abuse and trauma have CAPSA’s life-saving and life-changing supportive services.
Three Ways to Give
Monetary
CAPSA relies on monetary community support to provide the services we offer. These funds provide free therapy, supportive advocacy, children’s services, safe housing, and emergency shelter for survivors. No matter the amount, your money goes to helping survivors start over and find hope.
Consider donating- www.capsa.org/donate
In-Kind
In-Kind donations like toilet paper, children’s clothes, paper towels, and winter coats go directly to our clients or our day-to-day operations. As you can imagine, with 70 employees, CAPSA goes through lots of toilet paper and paper towels on a day-to-day basis. When these types of things are donated, we can use monetary donations to go towards our emergency shelter clients, and our other programs.
To make an in-kind donation, contact 435-753-2500. Donations can also be dropped off at 308 W 100 N in Logan, UT.
Volunteering
Another way to give back to CAPSA and your community is by volunteering. Many non-profits, including CAPSA, rely on volunteers to help with the work they do. Our volunteers do the equivalent work of 25 full-time paid employees. We couldn’t do this work without this form of support. We have many different options for those interested in volunteering – there is a place for everyone to help out at CAPSA.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact volunteer@capsa.org.
Thank You
Your donations mean more than you’ll ever know. Below is one of many thank you notes that we received from a client. This is why we do the work we do. And with your support we can continue doing this important work for our community.
CAPSA’s Founding Story
Our Story
Survivors, partners, donors and community members who come to CAPSA, have likely noticed a prominent plaque adorning one of the cornerstones of the North entrance.
Etched on that plaque is a fitting tribute to our “founder” and “friend.” Jenny Box, a lifelong Cache Valley native, was one of the original founding members of CAPSA and continues to be a driving force for building CAPSA into the organization it is today.
Jenny Box – A Brief History of CAPSA
Following 2 high profile rape cases occurring on USU campus, Jenny, along with USU staff, students, and various community members, established the Cache Valley Rape Crisis Team. A team made up of devoted volunteers, Box and others stepped forward to fill a serious need in the community.
As she helped those in crisis, Jenny learned that many survivors of abuse and their families needed a means of escape. A safe and stable place to heal. In 1976, Jenny came to her husband and informed him that they would be sheltering families in crisis, using their own home.
With both in agreement, perhaps without knowing the full scope of the task they were undertaking, Jenny and Thad housed 3 families within the first week of opening their home as a shelter. Thad would later state “I’m a slow learner, but I figured out pretty fast that domestic violence was a problem here in the community.”
Stepping Forward – CAPSA Today
Since then, CAPSA has grown and flourished, serving as a local resource for survivors of abuse in both Cache and Rich County. This growth is due in part to CAPSA’s mission to unite the members of the community in taking a stand against domestic violence and sexual assault.
During the April 2011 Women in Business event, Jenny Box said of CAPSA:
“I can only conclude that this organization exists because it needs to exist, because it was meant to be. When the need is greatest, someone in our community always steps forward and saves the day.”
-source: https://wib.usu.edu/newsletters/2011April.pdf
Jenny Box Memorial Plaque
The philosophy of stepping forward to save the day personifies Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse, and without Jenny Box stepping forward to help establish CAPSA, it would not be the valuable resource to the community it currently is.
As such, Jenny Box will be forever honored on the cornerstone plaque of the CAPSA building, symbolizing her key role of building CAPSA into what it is today.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is domestic violence awareness month. Raising awareness around domestic violence isn’t an easy topic, but CAPSA exists to provide hope. We help survivors in all types of situations find success and healing.
We want to share some success stories that highlight how CAPSA is able to help all individuals in all kinds of situations.
1 in 7 men in Utah will experience domestic violence.
*Names changed to support privacy & confidentiality
Throughout their relationship, Dan’s girlfriend would often ask him to do a lot of things he didn’t want to do, and when he said no, she would threaten to report his past illegal activity. He was also afraid of the physical harm she could cause. Dan had heard of CAPSA through a sign in the men’s bathroom at his work. He never really thought twice about it because for the majority of his life he thought abusive situations really only happened to women. One day he decided to take a card from the bathroom. Later that day he called CAPSA to see how we could help.
Because Dan reached out to CAPSA, he was able to come in and meet with our caseworkers in a safe and confidential space. They reassured him that he was in fact in an abusive situation and that what was happening to him was wrong. CAPSA’s caseworkers and therapists advocated for him and helped him through his situation. Dan realized that men also deserve to be treated with respect and that these situations can happen to men as well.
Men do experience Domestic Violence, CAPSA is here to help.
1 in 5 Utah children will hear or witness domestic abuse.
*Names changed to support privacy & confidentiality
Two young kids had witnessed much of their parents’ fighting from a young age. Jack was only 7 but he could remember the yelling from when he was really little. Their mom, had tried to hide the abuse from her kids to the best of her ability, but when it got really bad, she knew they could tell what was going on. Sarah knew she couldn’t let them continue to hear the things her husband was saying to her. She had always been financially tied to him, which is what had kept her from seeking help before.
Sarah was able to contact CAPSA and stay in our emergency shelter with her kids. She received financial assistance which helped her to secure an apartment for her family while she utilized our therapy programs and furthered her education.
Families are impacted by domestic violence, CAPSA is here to help.
CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.
3 Things you Didn’t Know About CAPSA’s Education Department
Our Prevention and Education Team educate our local youth throughout schools delivering curriculum and content that is designed to help youth recognize the signs of abuse. They love interacting and connecting with the amazing kids in Cache Valley, and Rich County. Our educators all have various backgrounds in health and public education and are passionate about educating our community!
What we teach
CAPSA’s awareness educators present curriculum promoting healthy relationships, reducing risk factors, increasing protective factors, and bringing awareness to CAPSA’s services. They teach about teen dating violence, resources in our community, warning signs of abuse & suicide, and prevention skills that reduce harm and could save lives.
Our current list of courses includes:
Who we teach
Participants include 16,100 youth and 2,357 adults from twenty different middle and high schools across Cache Valley and the Bear Lake area. Presentations are taught in a safe and inclusive environment where students are able to learn and develop skills that will empower them as individuals to stand up against violence in their school, community, and personal life.
Why we teach
CAPSA’s overall mission is to end violence in our community. We know that by teaching the youth in Cache Valley prevention skills and knowledge, they will be more equipped to recognize warning signs in their own lives and in the lives of others.
If you are interested in a youth presentation please reach out to educationteam@capsa.org.
CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.
Housing Program Success Story
Madeline’s Story
Madeline’s story is one that is common among survivors fleeing abusive situations.
*Name changed to protect identity
After experiencing years of physical, emotional, and sometimes sexual abuse at the hands of her partner, Madeline woke in the early hours of a Winter morning and knew this was her chance to get her and her two-year-old son out of this horrific situation. She grabbed her wallet, keys, slipped on a coat, and made sure her son was dressed for the Cache Valley Winter weather. After calling our hotline, Madeline made it safely to our shelter and was immediately assisted by our staff and caseworkers. To this day she still remembers the terrifying feeling that accompanied her. The feeling of not knowing how she was going to be able to support her and her young son. After meeting with caseworkers, she said she was able to establish an action plan and apply for CAPSA’s traditional housing program that would allow her to have a place to stay while she rebuilt her credit and worked towards a stable financial situation. The relief that came when she was able to move into one of our units, secure a job, and put food on the table is something she will never forget. She was able to rebuild her life using our housing services and is now living on her own, and able to care for her and her son with full confidence in herself and her abilities.
CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.
How CAPSA is Preventing Homelessness
The Correlation between Homelessness and Domestic Violence
Abuse often takes many forms – from emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and many more, there are many ways an abuser can hold power and control over their victims. When a survivor flees abuse – there is usually a common outcome: they’re cut off financially. Because of this, finding a place to live for them and their children can be one of the most difficult challenges a survivor will face. CAPSA recognized that providing safe and affordable housing for survivors would decrease survivors’ risk of homelessness and increase their chances of continuing their education and rebuilding their financial sustainability. CAPSA currently serves around 300 clients a year in our housing program, providing relief and a safe place to live.
CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program Provides Relief and Independence
Since starting our housing program in 2007, CAPSA now owns or manages 21 homes which include Independence Place, Hansen Fourplex, and Independence Way.
CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program is a two-year program which includes housing subsidies coupled with advocacy and educational programming. The program focuses on developing independence by reducing housing expenses and assisting clients as they work toward a life asset such as a down payment on a home, and education.
CAPSA’s housing caseworkers help clients find housing and support them during this transition – this may include short-term assistance or housing subsidies for up to two years. This program is successful at helping families start new lives free from abuse.
Support CAPSA’s Housing Program
CAPSA self-subsidies these properties, so the burden for expenses is on CAPSA. We help with maintenance costs and utility costs as well. Housing sponsors support our housing program with an annual sponsorship of $6,000. This represents the average cost for CAPSA to provide housing assistance. These funds will cover housing expenses and program funds.
CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.
5 Steps to Take if You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted and/or Raped
First, this is not your fault. These situations can feel incredibly overwhelming. There are resources for you. We believe you and can help.
*We recognize that there are a lot of barriers to disclosing sexual assault. At CAPSA, our services are confidential- you do not have to report the assault to Law Enforcement to receive support.*
Here’s what to do:
1. Make Sure You are Safe
After experiencing a sexual assault, it is common that you may experience a variety of things. No emotion or feeling is invalid, as everyone responds to situations differently. Because of this, it is important that you ensure your own safety above everything else.
2. Seek Support- Call CAPSA
Once you ensure that you are physically safe, it’s important that you seek support. This can look like reaching out to someone you trust, or if you prefer anonymity, CAPSA is an available resource. We will listen, support, and provide you with resources. When you call CAPSA, we ensure that you are in control. We will never make a decision for you. CAPSA can help show you your resources and options. We are a confidential and free resource for those living in Cache Valley, Rich County, and Franklin and Preston, ID.
3. Consider Medical Attention
It is completely up to you to decide if you want to seek out medical attention and help. Medical facilities are required to report crimes to law enforcement, however, CAPSA is a confidential resource that can help you determine if that’s the step you want to take. CAPSA currently provides support for survivors of sexual assault at Cache Valley Hospital. A SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Nurse can complete a sexual assault forensic exam which helps collect any evidence or DNA into a rape kit. These exams also provide the option to receive pregnancy prevention and STD prevention medications. Exams need to be completed within 5 days or 120 hours after an assault.
If you are in need of an exam, Cache Valley Hospital is currently the only facility in Cache & Rich counties to provide this service.
4. After Care and Support
Following an exam, our sexual assault caseworker will follow up with you within 24-48 hours. They will schedule an in-person meeting to explain your rights and options and answer any questions you have.
5. Explore Your Legal Options
There are many reasons survivors may or may not choose to pursue legal action and report a sexual assault. We encourage survivors to speak with a caseworker who can help you carefully consider all your legal options. Our caseworkers are here to assist you every step of the way as you navigate what feels best for you and your situation.
CAPSA is a non-profit domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape recovery center serving Cache County and the Bear Lake area. It provides support services for women, men, and children impacted by abuse. All of our services are FREE and confidential.
Call 435-753-2500 for CONFIDENTIAL and FREE resources.
*Please note Utah is “Mandatory Reporting state” this means any form of abuse involving a minor is required by law to report.
Function of CAPSA Caseworkers
CAPSA provides Advocacy and Support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape.
CAPSA provides specialized expertise
Just like if someone has cancer, they see an oncologist because they specialize in cancer. With domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape – CAPSA provides specialized expertise.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers are experts in this field and have experience overcoming the many barriers associated with abuse including housing, economic difficulty, legal concerns, court advocacy and more. CAPSA also has strong relationships with law enforcement and a deep network of outside resources to help our clients.
Function of Caseworkers
CAPSA’s Caseworkers work with each client and take the time to understand their unique situation. This includes conducting risk assessments, discussing safety plans, helping file protective orders, and connecting clients to other resources both within CAPSA and throughout the community to ensure each client has a feasible and safe path forward.
Every case is unique, and some situations make it difficult or unsafe for survivors to reach CAPSA. Our Caseworkers specialize in dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape, and they understand the challenges that come with these things. Caseworkers typically work from the office but are equipped to respond to each individualized need. They have, in the past, met with clients at parks, in hospitals where they had appointments, and talked with them over the phone whenever safe, all to ensure those survivors got the help they needed.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers can do the same for you.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers can help you
If you are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, or stalking, CAPSA can help. CAPSA’s Caseworkers will work to inform so that you can understand what is happening and decide for yourself how to move forward. They provide resources to overcome barriers and do not let things like credit score, lack of insurance, or legal status prevent anyone from getting help for their abuse.
Whether you are worried for your safety, concerned for your children, or just wanting help to understand what is happening, CAPSA can help. Please, call our Support Line at (435) 753-2500 to find out what we can do for you.
CAPSA Serves Rural Utah and Idaho Areas
CAPSA serves the Cache Valley & Bear Lake areas, including the rural areas of Rich County, Franklin County, and Preston, Idaho. For survivors who have a hard time traveling to our office, we can meet them where they’re at. We believe in the need for survivors to have access to services even if they live in underpopulated areas.
Why Rural Services Matter
When a sexual assault takes place in a rural area, it is less likely that the survivor will have access to services. It is also likely that because of the cultural aspects of small, tight knit communities, the survivor will be acquainted with their abuser, furthering the fear of reporting. If a survivor does come forward, they are times dismissed or told that there aren’t services for them nearby. Because of CAPSA’s advocacy in rural areas, we have been able to meet and help survivors who otherwise would not have received help or even reported. Our rural caseworker – Marin – travels to Rich County, Garden City, and Preston, Idaho frequently to provide advocacy and build relationships.
Story from our Rural Caseworker, Marin
Law enforcement in a rural area responded to a domestic violence call. They helped the survivor get in touch with CAPSA. She was very hesitant to use CAPSA services because of the barriers in a rural community. She was especially worried that everyone in the small town would know she was using CAPSA services. But with support from caseworkers, she worked through her concerns, overcame barriers, and eventually came to shelter. While in shelter, she worked with a caseworker to find housing for herself and her kids away from her abuser. With support from CAPSA, she was able to find a new life where she and her children were free of abuse.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, call CAPSA at 435-753-2500.
Serving The Underserved
Serving the Underserved
Although CAPSA may initially be perceived as an organization serving a predominantly female clientele, CAPSA serves both men and women, as well as their accompanying children. In addition to extending services beyond those that choose to identify themselves as female, CAPSA seeks to provide services to everyone no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, or citizenship status.
LGBTQ+ Community
CAPSA recognizes the growing need of services for those within different minority groups. Groups such as the LGBTQ+ community have need of resources for dealing with abuse within the community as much as anyone else. Regardless of the way a person chooses to identify themselves in gender or sexual orientation, relationships of any kind still have the potential of becoming abusive.
As part of helping reach out to this community, CAPSA partners with places such as the Cache Pride Center. Through working with Cache Pride Center, learning opportunities are provided as a chance for individuals to ask questions, voice concerns and reservations, and glean more information about CAPSA services.
Differing Cultures, Beliefs, and Race
Just because a person holds a particular belief, or belongs to a certain culture, does not mean they are exempt from the effects of abuse. In fact, some communities experience abuse at far higher rates than others. For these reasons, independent of cultural background or race, CAPSA’s services are accessible to anyone. CAPSA often partners with CRIC, the Cache Refugee Center, to assist refugees entering Cache Valley that may be survivors of abuse.
CAPSA seeks to provide both trauma informed and culturally informed services for all clients. This is accomplished through the direction, supervision, and outreach plans implemented by trained and informed diversity specialists and a team of experienced and knowledgeable advocates.
Service For Everyone
Domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as any form of abuse, is not unique to any one group of people. It is a pervasive issue that can affect any person no matter their age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or social status. Knowing this, it is apparent that services for survivors of abuse should be tailored to fit the needs of all people. CAPSA understands this and therefore prioritizes services that apply to everyone. Our caseworkers and advocates are trained to work with diverse populations.
If you or someone you love is a survivor of abuse, and if you have questions about how CAPSA services can best suit your unique needs, call CAPSA at 435-753-2500. CAPSA Advocates can help you find hope and safety with a personalized plan in line with your specific needs and goals.