Office Manager 4/1/21 Office Manager 4/1/21

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Deardeuff

April 1, 2021

Karen has been extremely dedicated to the RRC for several years and has volunteered in multiple departments. Currently, she is assisting our direct service providers in revamping our filing system and other administrative projects. Karen, we thank you for all your work and dedication to the Rape Recovery Center and the survivors in our community.

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

Sexual assault is something that has affected me personally. Volunteering with the RRC has provided me with a great deal of healing and an avenue to make a little difference in the lives of other survivors.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

The training I have received as a volunteer has been invaluable in allowing me to better support survivors that I encounter outside of my work with the RRC. I have also been amazed by the other RRC volunteers and staff I interact with every time I am at the center.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

Seeing and hearing the pain people have to ensure and seeing how that is then compounded by widespread misunderstanding and misinformation about the realities of sexual violence is always difficult.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I love to read, go camping, and scuba dive!

You have immersed yourself in the difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

Seeing the difference, the RRC makes in the lives of survivors always gives me hope. It is also incredible to witness how people survive awful experiences and still show kindness, have hope, and experience joy.

How do you use your voice to support survivors of sexual violence?

I try to use my training, experience, and knowledge about sexual violence to educate people I come in contact with, especially about misconceptions and misunderstandings about victims and perpetrators.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

There are so many ways to help at the RRC! If you are hesitant about working directly with survivors, there are other options. If you are willing and able to work directly with survivors, know that the work is difficult and rewarding. Be prepared to gain a new sense of empathy and understanding.

Office Manager 2/4/21 Office Manager 2/4/21

Volunteer Spotlight: Randi Peery

February 4, 2021

Randi has been incredible and is a compassionate advocate for the RRC and survivors. We thank you for all your work and dedidcation.

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

I volunteered with the Montgomery County Women’s Center in Philadelphia when I lived there, helping to run their Domestic Violence Crisis Line as well as their Safe House. When I moved back to Utah, I wanted to get involved in a similar community organization and found the RRC.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

I love that there isn’t just ONE way to give time to the RRC. There is so much work to be done and many ways to contribute each person’s unique skills or availability.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

Finding a balance between giving too much and taking care of your mental health can be a challenge. The work the RRC is doing is SO important but it’s sometimes important to say “no, I can’t give any more of myself right now” and honor yourself in that way.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

My partner and I just bought a historic house near Trolley Square last summer, so we’ve spent a lot of time working on repairs and restoration. The first thing we did was to turn the entire backyard into a victory garden so we can grow all of our vegetables and herbs. I’m a passionate home cook. I say that feeding people is my love language so I can’t wait to harvest from my garden and use those fresh ingredients in new recipes. My partner isn’t from Utah, we also spend as much time as we can exploring all the beautiful outdoor spaces we have nearby and hiking in the mountains.

You have immersed yourself in the difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

Intersectionality isn’t an obscure concept, it is the standard when talking about restorative justice. Younger and younger people are becoming aware earlier of social justice work and striving to make the world a better place for EVERYONE and dismantling systems of oppression. It’s not something you see on the outside of the conversation, it IS the conversation.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

It can seem intimidating at first, to confront something so harmful that is so prolific in our society. It’s easy to shy away from shining a light on how sexual violence has impacted every corner of our society including your own life. But the work is incredibly important and there are so many ways to help. Just taking the 40-hour course to become qualified was SO impactful on me that I would recommend it to everyone.

Office Manager 10/1/20 Office Manager 10/1/20

Volunteer Spotlight: Chloe Lehman

Chloe has been an amazing part of our Hospital Response Team (HRT). She is a loving and compassionate advocate and we are so lucky to have her on our team. Thank you for your continuous work and huge heart, Chloe!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

I know so many friends and family members who have been affected by sexual violence and deal with the effects daily. I wanted to do more to help prevent sexual violence and support survivors so I started looking for ways to help in my community and I found the Rape Recovery Center.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

I've really enjoyed getting to know all of the different people who care about these issues. There are so many incredible people involved and I've enjoyed learning, expanding my perspectives, and using my voice to help advocate for and empower survivors.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

I think the most challenging thing is being so aware of just a fraction of the sexual violence that takes place in my community and then also seeing how it affects survivors and their friends and family. I have heard the statistic 1 in 3 women in Utah experience sexual violence but seeing that in real time is heartbreaking and devastating. It can feel really overwhelming some days, but I’m also really glad that I’m more aware and that I have the opportunity to do something small to help.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I currently work for a Civil Rights law firm downtown, but I'm hoping to go back and get an MSW at the U. In my free time I love to hike and trail run with my pup. I love spending as much time as possible outside. I love reading. And I love getting coffee with friends and talking about politics, spirituality, good books and movies, and zombie apocalypses.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

I feel hope when I see how many people care about this. Connecting to a community that is passionate about this has been so incredible. I feel less lonely in my advocacy and my passion for this work when I'm connected with so many smart, compassionate, amazing people who work so hard to support survivors and prevent sexual violence.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

I think there is something for every comfort level at the RRC. I believe that everyone has their gifts and talents and the RRC can find a place for yours. I also think it's important to find connection with survivors, the RRC staff, and other volunteers. It helps sustain me to see that there are so many around me that understand, want to support me, and are dedicated to this work.

How do you use their voice to support survivors of sexual assault?

I try to have conversations with people who may not know, understand, or have experience with sexual violence and talk about it in a trauma-informed, survivor-focused way. I also try to pay attention to legislation that would support or harm survivors and write or call my representatives. And I try to stay connected to people who care about this to learn other ways or better ways to support and advocate.

Office Manager 7/1/20 Office Manager 7/1/20

Volunteer Spotlight: Ember Bradbury

Ember has been volunteering for the crisis line since 2017. She is an extraordinarily kind, and caring individual. We recently had an experience where Ember had to hold the crisis line for over 24 hours, and she did it with such grace and kindness. We are so grateful for her hard work and collaboration. Thank you, Ember!

Ember has been volunteering for the crisis line since 2017. She is an extremely kind and caring individual. We recently had an experience were Ember had to hold the crisis line for over 24 hours and she did it with such grace and kindness. We are so grateful for her hard work and collaboration. Thank you, Ember!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

Holding space for survivors and victims in my community is incredibly fulfilling. I wanted to be able to take an active role in helping people connect with the resources and support, instead of just passively advocating for change. Utah’s 1 in 3 sexual violence experience rates in womxn is absolutely horrifying and being a part of the RRC community is a great way to help to support survivors and prevent perpetration.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

I love talking to the people that call into the crisis line. It is an incredible honor to be trusted with the most difficult and vulnerable parts of an individual’s lives and I have learned and grown so much from being given that trust.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

It is hard to balance being totally empathetic and emotionally invested in every client interaction with maintaining enough distance that the heavy things we hear don’t dramatically impact our lives. The most demanding part of the work is really after we hang-up the phone or leave the interaction because you are left with processing and feeling through how awful the world can be without the armoring of being there for another person. Even though we don’t experience the events first-hand, we have to emotionally invest in the clients to be good at talking with them about their experiences, and it can be tricky to just cut-off that investment once the call ends.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I am attending graduate school in the fall at the University of Michigan for my M.S. in Conservation Ecology. I have a degree in Biology with a Chemistry minor from Westminster College and will be focusing on Ornithology in my graduate studies. I absolutely love being a scientist and am beyond excited to continue pursuing this work. Right now, I’m working for my local domestic violence shelter and humane society. In my free time, I hike and climb, play lots of music, and sit in the sunshine with friends and family.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

When I first started this work, it was easy to dismiss all perpetrators as genuinely evil people, and I still think that in some cases that is true. However, the sheer number of individuals who experience sexual violence points to the fact that this is a systemic issue and a public health crisis more than anything else. I think working from that view has helped me have hope because we know that like any other public health crisis, there are things we can do as a community to prevent sexual violence and to stand together with a clear message that perpetration will not be tolerated. Working with survivors is also a big place of hope for me. It takes so much energy, time, and strength to survive a sexual assault, but so many people demonstrate this immense resilience every day. No matter what gender, sex, race, orientation, or point in the metabolizing the experience, processing and coping with trauma is an incredible feat and it gives me so much hope to be a part of being there for folks who are doing it.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Preventing sexual violence and advocating for survivors is the responsibility of every community member and in every space. Advocates should be the norm, not the exception. No matter who you are or what your profession is, take training, get involved in a justice organization, speak up when you see something happening. Getting involved in this work will allow you to be an active part of changing the culture and will likely be one of the most fulfilling and challenging things you will experience. Don’t be worried that you won’t be good at it or that it will take too much time because everyone who wants to say: “survivors deserves humanizing support and care and perpetration is not welcome here” can do it and you get to choose how much time it takes up. The important part is that we get people engaged and educated to make us more empathetic and move us in a better direction as a whole.

Office Manager 6/4/20 Office Manager 6/4/20

Volunteer Spotlight: Flor Olivo

Flor has been an incredibly valuable community partner, and has consistently volunteered her time to support the Rape Recovery Center's Outreach and Education programming. Whether she is facilitating part of our 40 hour training, or collaborating with our team during community workshops, we can always find Flor sharing her expertise on the intersections of social justice and sexual violence advocacy.

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

I feel like I've had a non-traditional life trajectory. I kinda do things here and there and while doing this, I met a friend who started working at the RRC. She's someone I always looked up to. If she was on board, I had to see what it was all about. When I first began my involvement, I was struggling with my own personal encounters with sexual violence. I realized I was doing more harm than good by not healing first. I distanced myself a bit and did many other things. When I reconnected with the RRC, I was in my current role at the U of U Women's Resource Center and found ways to interconnect my own healing, my community work and my professional life to remain a more sustainable partner/volunteer.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

The opportunity for growth and critical reflection. I also love to see for myself the story of generational healing unfold in small and large, but also consistent ways through the work that y'all do.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

Remembering to disconnect and remain an individual who deserves love and compassion. I find this challenge in most community work.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

My primary passion in life right now (these change with the seasons) is growth, in all the way. Spiritual, healing, knowledge, family and then also in my garden! I've recommitted to a really big garden. I also am a visual communicator so I take lots of pictures (including my garden and kids), draw things that give me peace and write/document so I can remember all of it.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

I have personally experienced a lot of sexual violence in my own life, through my own body but also as an ally to others. I see power in community, education and empowerment opportunities. This gives me hope. Most recently, seeing my own children, I have 5, creating beautiful systems of growth and accountability for themselves, gives me the most hope.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

I'd say, consider it. Heal from your own wounds and engage because your own freedom from sexual violence is bound with the collective. I truly, truly believe that every single living being deserves to be free of sexual violence and its repercussions.

Office Manager 5/7/20 Office Manager 5/7/20

Volunteer Spotlight: Zevin Spears

Zevin brings incredible talent to the RRC Volunteer team, as a member of our Gala planning committee. As the Director of Business Development at LUX, he is a fierce community advocate who uses his expertise to elevate events at the RRC and across the Valley. We are grateful for Zevin, his dedication to supporting survivors, and all he does for the SLC community. Thank you, Zevin!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

For a few years, LUX Catering & Events has been a sponsor of the annual Hope & Healing Gala. Shortly after I began my job as a Sr. Event Producer at LUX in November of 2018 I was assigned the Rape & Recovery account. I was so excited to be involved and offer my assistance to the organization. Like many others that are involved with the RRC, my personal life has been greatly affected by the unfortunate circumstances that come along with being a sexual abuse victim. I eventually was able to find the help I needed to overcome some of the challenges I face daily due to my abuse. Through my story, I truly understand the importance of the work that the Center does for the community, and I’m so grateful that through my work family at LUX, I was able to get our company even more involved in our contributions to the organization.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

I’ve served on the board of directors for some large non-profit organizations when I resided in Washington, DC before moving to SLC in August of 2016. Having seen how these larger organizations are run, and understanding how difficult it can be - even with a large staff - I recognize all of the hard work that is put in by the employees of the RRC. I most enjoy seeing how the team at the Center bands together to get the work done - they are small but so very mighty!

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

I recently was promoted at LUX to an executive leadership position. Although I would like to do so much more for the Center than what I’m already taking on, my transition into my new role at LUX has proved difficult to find the time. It’s so hard for me to see all of this great work being done at the Center and not be able to contribute more.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I’m a recent newlywed, so I spend a great deal of my time with my husband completing odd jobs around our new home together and trying out new recipes. My husband and I are proud parents of two beautiful fur-babies, Randy and Lindo - both Dachshund mixes. There are many hours spent taking care of our babies with cuddles and walks. Aside from things at home, I enjoy experiencing art and live entertainment, traveling, going to the gym, trying out all of the great restaurants in the area, and learning about wine and spirits.

The Rape Recovery Center’s gala revolves around the message of “Inspiring Hope and Healing.” What does this mean to you? How does your work with the center impact this message?

I think that my overcoming some of the challenges that come with being a sexual abuse victim can be seen as a true achievement and inspiration to others that are working through their own abuse challenges. I want to to be an example through my story and my actions of volunteerism to others that they too can come out as a winner through the darkness of any kind of abuse.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

No job is too small! If the work that the RRC does speaks to you then jump in and get involved with something!

Office Manager 4/2/20 Office Manager 4/2/20

Volunteer Spotlight: Jenna Whippen

Being a advocate in our HRT team, Jenna has brought support to survivors in their time of need. Our staff and volunteers on this team provide resources to survivors when they go into a hospital in the Salt Lake valley. We are so thankful to have Jenna be part of this team and for sharing with us their passion!

Jenna Whippen, Hospital Response Team Volunteer

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

A few years ago, I was stuck in a cycle of frustration and dismay at the world around me and guilt that I couldn’t do more to change it. I needed to feel like I was directing the emotions and confusion into action. I may not be able to change culture on a global scale, but I can be impactful on an individual basis. I started volunteering at a few places that I felt were doing meaningful service for my communities, that played to my strengths, and that would give me direct communication with folks at some of their roughest moments. My therapist was actually the one to suggest that I look into the RRC.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

Being able to interrupt harmful and traumatizing thought patterns as a first responder of sorts. Many survivors come into the hospital with society-taught harmful beliefs about themselves and rape in general. It’s very rewarding (and also challenging) to be able to both validate that these feelings are real and be able to provide alternative survivor-centered dialogues that clients will hopefully be able to return to during particularly triggering or traumatic times. Sometimes we are the first people to shift blame away from survivors so their healing process can begin.

How do you use your voice to support survivors of sexual assault?

I don’t have a very loud or public voice and I prefer one-on-one interactions. In addition to using my knowledge, experiences, and training to help survivors directly, I interrupt harmful examples of rape culture that I experience in personal interactions. I used to be down on myself because I wasn’t the loud activist I wished I could be, but I've found a much more impactful place for me is one-on-one interaction with friends, at work, and in society. As a PA, I also hope to bring trauma informed care to medical spaces, which can often be re-traumatizing, triggering, or at the very least dismissive.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

As an HRT volunteer, I hear bits and pieces of experiences from my clients during their stay at the hospital. At times it’s hard to not balloon those fragments into a full-blown story in my mind. After I leave the hospital, it’s often difficult to reign my imaginative brain back in and realize that my part in the survivors experience is over and I don’t need to know anything more about their experience than I already know. If anything, me filling in details is a disservice to the unique and real experience of survivors. Equally challenging are cases where the survivor leaves the hospital without an immediate support network, either has no family or friends with them or has no place to stay. We always work with the survivor to find the best place for them to go to feel safe and heal, but it is always extra challenging not knowing the degree of social support that an individual will have.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I’m most centered when I’m outside and spend a lot of my time rock climbing, trail running, etc. I also train circus acrobatics and handstands, listen to audiobooks, teach myself new languages, dabble in witchcraft, and enjoy time with my extremely supportive communities, both in Utah and long-distance. I start PA school at the U in May and hope to bring progressive and trauma-informed care to LGBTQI+ and other marginalized communities.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

To be honest, sexual violence is still just as discouraging to me as its always been. But I am comforted by knowing that if someone is unfortunate enough to experience sexual assault, they become part of a community with similar experiences, almost as if they gain a new family. That community can’t make the events or trauma disappear but they can provide a network of people who validate the survivors experience.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

The work is everywhere and every moment. You don’t necessarily have to volunteer for the RRC or be on the hospital response team if that feels too edgy or triggering for you. Everyone has the opportunity to be an advocate in the most fundamental and meaningful ways. Interrupt rape culture when it shows up in your social circles. Tell your survivor friends that you believe them. Educate yourself about the effects of trauma and how you can be more trauma-informed in every aspect of your life. Start checking your own behavior for violent language. And realize that this is an ever-evolving process of growth so be gentle with yourself as well.

Office Manager 3/5/20 Office Manager 3/5/20

Volunteer Spotlight: Blake Johnson

Blake has been volunteering with the Rape Recovery Center in the crisis line since 2017! Blake is a great advocate that shows kindness and sense of humor is refreshing. It is a pleasure to work with Blake and we value their time and feedback!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

Admittedly my main motivation for finding volunteer work was that I needed to strengthen my dental school application (which I never actually finished). I chose to volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center because I saw sexual assault and rape as a real problem within the gay community in Utah. I felt that it was not being addressed within many parts of the community. I didn't have any skills or knowledge on how to go about addressing it within my own life, so I decided to volunteer on the Crisis Line.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

Being a volunteer with the RRC has just made my life better in so many ways. Growing up in a super religious household I never learned or talked about sex, consent, STIs, etc. I love that volunteering at the RRC has allowed me to reframe something that used to be something so taboo into something that is natural and fun. I actually work in sexual health now and I plan to continue making sexual health a large part of my career.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

I would say the most challenging thing volunteering here is talking to primary survivors. When someone is in crisis it can be difficult to not feel for them. At the same time, that is what is so rewarding to volunteer on the Crisis Line. It feels great to be able to help someone through an incredibly challenging time.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I graduated from the U with a degree in Biology. Right now I work at the Utah AIDS Foundation running their prevention programs (HIV/STI testing and syringe exchange). I am applying for PA school this summer. I'm a basic millennial, I have a sheesh ton of plants. TBH, IDK why more people don't do it, it's super fun. I also have a planted aquarium. I know these don't sound like hobbies, but they take up more time than you would think.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

Zoloft. jk. I think my own experiences with sexual assault really give me hope doing this work. I was sexually assaulted years and years ago and it was really hard for a very long time. Since then I have been able to move on and I have a super healthy (and fun) sex life now. When people call in crisis, I know how much that sucks, but I also know that is not where they are going to be forever. I am excited for them, because I know how much better their life will be, with appropriate help and interventions.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Do it! It really is incredibly rewarding work. It's surprising how much of an impact volunteering is going to have in your life. So often we have blinders on in life and we aren't able to see the struggles that other people are going through. It can definitely be hard at times, but it is 100% worth it.

Office Manager 2/6/20 Office Manager 2/6/20

Volunteer Spotlight: Erin Gough

Erin was been volunteering with our administrative department for almost a year and has brought a lot of support through reviewing our guidebooks and creating our volunteer newsletter that provides volunteering opportunities, self care tips, and fun events across the Salt Lake valley. Always open for challenges which arise through the administrative department. We are so happy to have Erin as a volunteer!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

Salt Lake City is the first place I’ve stayed in for more than a year since graduating, so I wanted to take the chance to get involved with the community. The work the RRC does is something I’ve always been interested in, so it was one of my tops picks when I browsing, and it was very responsive and welcoming.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

The people! I work with staff and other volunteers, and the amount of warmth and hope I feel whenever I’m there leaves me wanting to come back.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

I work on the volunteer newsletter, so the hardest thing about my work so far is trying to actually connect with volunteers through the emails.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I work as a technical writer for a legal software company, but my real passion is academic and creative writing. I’ve applied for PhDs focusing on literary criticism, but no luck so far. I also love hiking and visiting national parks, which is why I moved to Utah!

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

The people at the RRC and the center itself, with the art on the walls, are in themselves a great reminder to continue to have and create hope.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Do it! I think the hardest part about volunteering is the beginning, when you don’t know what to expect. But from the very beginning the RRC has always made me feel welcomed and comfortable.

Office Manager 1/2/20 Office Manager 1/2/20

Volunteer Spotlight: Trace Lund

This month we are spotlighting our amazing Outreach Volunteer, Trace Lund! Trace has been with our center for almost two years, dedicating their time to our crisis line and our outreach/education team. You can find Trace tabling at events and educating the community about the RRC! You can also find Trace at our Open House as they are the main facilitator for our agency. We are so grateful for them and their amazing skill-set!

Sothea Soumphonephakdy at our 2019 Hope & Healing Gala

Trace has been with our center for almost two years, dedicating their time to our crisis line and our outreach/education team. You can find Trace tabling at events and educating the community about the RRC! You can also find Trace at our Open House as they are the main facilitator for our agency. We are so grateful for them and their amazing skill-set!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

I was looking for somewhere to volunteer thanks to finding myself in a rut a few years ago. I discovered the RRC while browsing local opportunities, and the mission of the center resonated with me. As I got to know some of the people at the center, I realized it was an environment I wanted to work in and be a part of.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

Talking to callers on the crisis line and meeting with community members is always a rewarding experience. On a more selfish level, I love spending time with the people who work and volunteer here, as well as the atmosphere of the RRC.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

Seeing and discussing the impact of sexual violence.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I enjoy board games, adore thrift shopping, am a sucker for schlocky films and books with a lot of character, and crochet more random projects than I can effectively give away. I work in residential treatment and am currently applying to psychology PhD programs--hopefully the third year of applications is the charm.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

Hearing survivors' stories; seeing staff and volunteers working to empower and support individuals impacted by sexual violence; viewing the art around the center.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Your contribution is valuable. If you're looking for a place to make a difference, the RRC offers a chance to support folks in our community while working with an incredible group of people.

Office Manager 12/5/19 Office Manager 12/5/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Sothea Soumphonephakdy

Sothea is the Rape Recovery Center's dedicated Board Treasure, sits on our Gala Committee, and is one of the most dedicated board members the Rape Recovery Center has ever had. She is always willing to jump in and help the RRC reach its organizational goals. Her passion for this organization is limitless and we feel so fortunate to have her as a volunteer!

The Rape Recovery Center volunteer team consists of nearly 150 incredible individuals who give their time, talents, and passion to furthering our mission of serving survivors and educating the community about sexual violence. This month, we are so pleased to spotlight our inspiring Board Member, Sothea Soumphonephakdy. Our amazing Board of Directors are all community members who share their time and expertise from their related fields to further the mission and vision of the Rape Recovery Center.

Sothea is the Rape Recovery Center's Board Treasurer, sits on our Gala Committee, and is one of the most dedicated board members the Rape Recovery Center has ever had. She is always willing to jump in and help the RRC reach its organizational goals. Her passion for this organization is limitless and we feel so fortunate to have her as a volunteer.

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

It all began when I was helping a friend, who lived in a smaller town in Idaho find help after an assault. I reached out to Dhiraj, who is on the board, to see if he could help me find something for her. He was able to find a couple of options for her which I am extremely grateful for. A month or so later, he asked me if I would be interested in being on the board. I had been to a gala previously but I did not know much about the center. But at the time, Dhiraj approached me, I was looking for a more continuous way to serve our community. My husband and I have been doing volunteer work and throwing little events to raise donations for charities for years now. So this was definitely an opportunity for me to be more involved in something and also for a cause that is meaningful to me. K, you inspired me to do this and your strength helps me to keep pushing for more.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

There are two things that I enjoyed. One, getting to know the other board members, the staff, the volunteers. You all are some of the most beautiful souls that I have met. Second, is planning the gala. A lot of thought, work, and preparation goes into it. To see the outcome and everyone enjoying the night fills my heart with so much joy.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

For me, I can’t say that there is anything challenging. What I do is easy. The staff, the volunteers for the crisis line, the HRT team; they do the hard and challenging things. It definitely takes a special kind of person to do those things and I will do what I can to support you all to be able to keep doing what you do.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I love FOOD! I’m a big foodie. I am one of those people who enjoys long meals with great food, great people and great conversation. My husband and I are huge sports fans. Sports is always on at our house. But when we go out, we love to support the arts.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

When I first started working with the RRC, I encountered a lot of people that were like me, who didn’t know much about the center. I have been somewhat “in your face” about the center on social media and in real life. The response I get has been AMAZING. People in our community are genuinely interested and want to help. Those people give me hope.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Just do it! It can be a lot of work but it has brought me so much joy and I’ve gotten to know some wonderful people.

Office Manager 11/1/19 Office Manager 11/1/19

Volunteer Spotlight: David Sanchez

David is one of our amazing Crisis Line volunteers. David begun volunteering with The Rape Recovery Center through the fraternity, Beta Theta Pi after completing our 40 hour training. David is an active member in his community and an ally to survivors of sexual assault. We are so happy to have him as one of our volunteers!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

My motivation for completing the 40 hr training and volunteering with the RRC comes from 2 of the most positive influences in my life. First, through my involvement and position in the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Beta was my first introduction to the RRC and their crucial work in the community. Ever since joining Beta and seeing the many benefits of our partnership with them, I've wanted to become more involved with the RRC. The second reason was my involvement with It's On Us, the collegiate organization for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention for college campuses. Last year I was appointed the Survivor Resource and Ally captain. In order to better fulfill my position I completed the training and began volunteering. It's been a powerful force for good and sense of purpose in my life. I now serve as the President of It's On Us at the University of Utah.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

What i have most enjoyed about volunteering with the RRC is the joy of being able to help a survivor. The communication skills I've developed thanks to the 40 Hr trainings give me peace of mind when speaking to a survivor and usually results with them feeling better after having talked with me than before we talked. I feel a sense of purpose in empowering survivors and others who support survivors. There are many things I love about volunteering with the RRC, but that is my greatest takeaway.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

Volunteering with the RRC has leaked into many aspects of my personal life, which is a good thing, but also a challenge. I now get survivors who reach out to me on campus and in my every day life, and disclose or want to talk about their journey of healing. And I am very happy to do so because I know what that can mean to a survivor. It can be challenging though because it means I need to make sure I'm always practicing self care because I never know when I might need that to keep me grounded throughout my week.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

Outside of the RRC, as I stated I am the President of It's On Us at the University of Utah. I am also a Co-lead in Medicine and Health Sciences for a non profit call Imaginemos Utah; an organization dedicated to developing Latinx leaders in Utah. I also serve as the Vice President of Risk Management for the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, where i teach safety, consent, and responsible conduct for my fraternity of over 100 members. In my very limited free time I love to read, play piano, and go dancing. And if I can do one or more of those things with good friends around, even better.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

What gives me hope in the work of fighting sexual violence comes in seeing the many organizations across the country, state, and my college campus all working toward the same vision; putting and end to sexual violence and supporting survivors. On of my greatest motivators came after a call from a secondary survivor while working on the crisis line. It was a father, calling on behalf of his daughter who had just been recently assaulted. As i gave him some guidance, references to resources, and coping mechanisms, i got to know him well on a personal level. We had many things in common. He was the kinda doctor I aspire to be when i grow up. We shared a lot of the same background and hobbies. And I could tell by his deep concern that he loves his daughter more than life itself, which is something I look forward to for when I have a family of my own. After ending the call I had taken on some of his secondary trauma for myself and had to take some time and practice self care. After some reflection and meditation, I knew the work we do in advocacy is meant to build a better world. I want to help build that better world, so that someday in the future, I can send my daughter off to college and rest peacefully knowing it's safer then than it is now for women. I wanna build a world where I hopefully won't have to ever make that type of phone call myself as a parent

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

I encourage anyone and everyone to go do the training, because they will find so many opportunities to grow. There's so much you can learn and do to be a survivor advocate and the more people we have doing a little bit at a time, the greater the social impact will be down the road.

Office Manager 10/1/19 Office Manager 10/1/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Rob Owen

Rob is one if our amazing Outreach and Education volunteers. During his time volunteering for us, Rob has helped in many different capacities, outreaching to universities, families, and youth, as well as facilitating workshops on behalf of the Rape Recovery Center. He leads with humility and compassion in his work, and is such an asset to our team!

Rob Owen, Outreach and Education volunteer

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

I was introduced to the Rape Recovery Center by some friends at a time when I was looking for a way to volunteer and help out. My friends told me about the amazing work done by the RRC so I decided to investigate the center for myself. After just a couple conversations with the wonderful members of the RRC I was ready to go through the training and, by the end of the training, I was excited to help out. The work done by the RRC is especially important to me as people who are very close to me have been assaulted and I want to help shape a social perspective that finally sees an end to this violence and abuse.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

Most of what I do within the RRC is tabling for various events. This is especially rewarding when people come up to me asking for more details about the center and the work it does. So many people want to help and, like me, just need to know more about the Rape Recovery Center to know that is where they want to serve.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

I was fairly well-informed about rape and rape culture prior to my time with the RRC, but I have definitely learned more about this through my service with the center. Unfortunately, being more informed means that I can now see even better just how much work still needs to be done in order to change social perspective and understanding.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I spend a majority of my spare time hanging out with my wife, who is my best friend. I play a lot of video games, watch movies, and do what I can to help out friends, family and neighbors when possible. I also enjoy a few artistic pursuits such as digital graphics design, writing, drawing and pyrography.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

I've seen perspectives of individuals change. I've seen individuals gain insight and understanding. Knowing that people can change, even just one person at a time for now, gives me hope that the human heart is open to this change and with enough individuals on our side, we might be able to orchestrate a much greater social change.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

I believe that the entire purpose of this life is to learn to love and accept those around us, everyone around us. It starts within our own hearts, our own minds. It's not easy, but the RRC is working toward this very same principle. They are helping educate volunteers, survivors and everyone else, who in-turn can spread this message on to others. I just can't think of a more righteous cause and service.

Office Manager 8/29/19 Office Manager 8/29/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Steph St. Clair

Steph is one of our wonderful volunteers on our Hospital Response Team. With her background as a RN Steph brings knowledge, openness, and hope to the staff she works with and take her volunteer experience to the clients she works with!

Steph St. Clair, HRT volunteer

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

As a former community organizer with the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights campaign, I was deeply impacted by the experiences of women seeking services to deal with domestic violence and sexual assault. As a survivor of sexual assault myself, it was powerful to witness the impact of women organizing and standing together to collectively address sexual assault and violence, when my own experience had been so isolating. I moved to Utah three years ago and joined the RRC last year while pursuing my nursing degree-the RRC felt like an opportunity to establish a community and political home, while also providing important and trauma-informed services to survivors in my new home city. Even though I was going to school full-time and working part-time, I spent two weeks attending the RRC’s 40-hour training on nights and weekends. Despite the long hours, I came home energized and inspired by the vision of building a trauma-informed space both for healing from sexual violence, and one that engages in proactive education to prevent it from occurring in the first place. I knew that I wanted to join the Hospital Response Team after attending the training, and have already seen the impacts that RRC’s education and training have had on my clinical practice as an RN.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

Two things stand out about the RRC: one, that it is an organization that values the wellbeing and emotional health of its staff and volunteers. They are truly committed to supporting their community to develop long-term relationships with the organization, and have always worked to accommodate my busy schedule as a student and now, new RN. Second, the RRC’s volunteer training and support have provided me with an invaluable analysis and skillset that has supported my own healing process and that I use every day as a healthcare provider. As an RN working in the field of women’s and children’s health, I see the impacts that sexual violence has on our community every day: my experience as a HRT volunteer has provided me with the tools and experience to offer those women better care and support, and has made me a better nurse overall.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

The obvious challenge of working with the RRC is that the everyday invisible effects of sexual violence become visible: while many of us know the statistics and often have our own histories, receiving those phone calls and meeting survivors face-to-face can be a reminder of just how pervasive this issue is.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

Some of the tools in my self-care toolbox include hiking and playing with my awesome dogs Luna (a husky/shepherd mix) and Finn (a Boston terrier.) I like to nerd out and read speculative fiction, and always fall back on Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings when I need a break from this world. I rock climb, roller skate, and try to stay active with friends, and am currently learning to garden since my partner and I just bought a sweet new home with a beautiful veggie garden.

Outside of the RRC, I work as NICU nurse, and am passionate about bridging my work with the RRC and healthcare by providing all my clients and patients with compassionate and trauma-informed care. I hope to one day become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and work with survivors as well as RRC staff and volunteers.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

I think that we live in a hopeful and exciting political moment where the invisible impacts of sexual violence are becoming visible: the work of community organizers for decades helped to build the framework of the Me Too movement, which has launched sexual violence into the public eye and demanded a public reckoning. I am inspired by the work of women of color and the reproductive justice movement, whose vision and leadership provide a blueprint for a world that works to prevent harm, minimize its impact, and create mechanisms for genuine accountability and restorative justice.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

If you are thinking about doing this work, chances are that you’ve got a driving reason behind it- interrogate that, understand it, and be clear about your own histories and identity coming into the work. And then do it! It is an amazing experience and the training and support that you will receive will be invaluable no matter where you decide to use it.

Office Manager 8/1/19 Office Manager 8/1/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Montana Throne

Since her arrival as a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center, Montana has been an important part of our small team of administrative volunteers. Helping us out with her IT experience, her wit, and overall willingness to help out in various tasks, it’s our delight to share a bit more about Montana!

Quote from Montana Throne, administrative volunteer.

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

I sought healing through helping others at a time when I felt justice was not being served. I am afraid that is all too often the case with survivors of assault. By volunteering, I want to enable others to have the voice I was denied.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

I like knowing that I can support people who give selflessly of their time and energy to survivors of a deeply personal and traumatic experience. They have an important role, and it’s reassuring to me that we have the opportunity to support them so they can continue to give to others.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

The greatest challenge so far has been to stake out time on top of an already-busy life to do this work, but I have made a point to do it because I recognize its important not only to those I am serving, but also to myself.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I am also an IT professional outside of the RRC, and when I’m not at work or school I enjoy films, spending time with friends, or just relaxing at home with my partner and our two cats.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

It gives me hope that the general attitude towards these types of assault is changing, and that it is inspiring reform to the way we respond to them at all levels.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

It is incredibly fulfilling to volunteer. There are many ways to be involved, and you don’t need to commit your whole life in order to give. Even a couple hours of your time can make a difference to someone who needs it.

Office Manager 6/20/19 Office Manager 6/20/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Brennan Jones

Brennan has shared with the RRC his many talents in various capacities. Beginning his journey at the Rape Recovery Center as an intern, Brennan continues to support the center through volunteering with our flower donation delivery and being on the planning committee for this year’s Hope & Healing Gala. Always available to lend a ear and being a friend to someone in need, please read below to learn more about this incredible volunteer!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

I actually started out as an undergraduate intern through the Gender Studies department at the U of U. Back then I wanted to be a therapist, so naturally I thought I’d dive head-first into the gnarliest trauma recovery I could find! Needless to say, after a while on the crisis line and doing some client intakes, it became clear that my talents are more suited to flower deliveries and event planning—my current work at the center.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

Truly, the staff and volunteers at the Center are some of the kindest, sweetest, wisest, hardest working souls in the world. Their balance of sensitivity, personality, and professionalism is a potent salve for the soul that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. And besides, most of them are genuinely cool people!

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

Serving on the gala planning committee this past year, I was blessed to learn a whole slew of skills I had never encountered before professionally. Chiefly, I had many opportunities to hold delicate conversations with members of the community outside of the Center. While sexual assault is something that affects most of us in one way or another, it can be challenging to break that shell of silence in "polite" company.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

When I'm not volunteering, I'm usually out hiking with my dog Honey, getting dirty in the garden, homemaking, catching up on my programs, or planning my next Dungeons and Dragons campaign! I graduated some years ago from the University of Utah with BS in Sociology and Gender Studies, so naturally I wait tables downtown at the Copper Onion for money.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

Honestly, knowing that the work I do can end some *small* portion of somebody's suffering as they endure and recover from sexual assault is what continues to motivate me. Besides, I feel like it's important for me to be involved in this work as a male-bodied human to help undo the trauma that is overwhelmingly caused by men--even if the only real difference is symbolic.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Do it, do it, do it! Aside from all of the amazing people (and in some cases, lifelong friends) you'll meet and work with, the personal growth you’ll experience is life-changing. Each person that learns and serves at the center becomes a tendril of hope and healing in their own communities, opening up important conversations and challenging rape culture at ground level.

Office Manager 5/30/19 Office Manager 5/30/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Fiona Kuzmack

While Fiona has only been with us since January of 2019, she has quickly become involved in outreach events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Education workshops for our center. Fiona always represents the Rape Recovery Center well, and engages community members with kindness, compassion, and a lot of heart! Our team is so grateful for Fiona, and the expertise she lends to the field of addressing sexual violence.

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

I don't think it's hard to recognize that the systems that need the most fixing are those that are the most pervasive. Resources, including the RRC and Planned Parenthood, have become - and have been - so polarized that it's often hard to show the underlying work that is being done, the important messages that are being relayed, to those who might just think of them as single-issue organizations. I want to be able to have a conversation about the importance of consent, of female autonomy, of access to education, of gender equality, and of personal empowerment, with my community.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?

This is probably not uncommon, but if the people who work here (and volunteer!) weren't so dang lovely, I don't know that it would be such a successful organization. I never once have entered the center and felt like I wasn't supposed to be there. I can't stress the importance of that in the work that we do.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

I have only helped with a handful of classes, but in those that I have, a skill that I'm working on is trying to shape information in a way that makes sense to people. I think one of the foundational aspects of teaching any subject - especially one that might foster discomfort or that people might have preconceived notions about - is being able to converse with someone in their own language and not forcing them to speak yours.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?

I have a degree in Art History from Lewis & Clark in Portland. Museum work has always been a main goal of mine, and I'm currently meandering toward some version of that. At the moment, I'm working three jobs: at the Natural History Museum as an administrative assistant; at a local frame shop, Signed & Numbered, making wooden frames; and I walk a little dog named Pepper. I'm also a visual artist, and I use mostly pen/ink and watercolor. You can find my work at Signed & Numbered!

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

To be honest, I don't know many people in my immediate community who are adamantly against resources like the RRC. I know that people do have their qualms with the things they believe it represents, but the movement toward support on a grand scale is so encouraging. It's especially apparent at the initial 40-hour training that you must complete in order to become a volunteer: most everyone who shows up either wants to educate themselves or wants to better their own education to help others. My training had 40 or 50 people, and they do this training every few months! That's potentially hundreds of people a year who are choosing to educate themselves! That's incredibly hopeful.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Go to a training! (While RRC's training is more specifically geared toward potential volunteers and employees, UCASA offers similar classes.) Even if you consider yourself informed, its a fantastic overview of so many concepts that you might not even have thought of. Not only does it cover how to deal with potentially difficult situations having to do with survivors, but it also schools you on implicit bias and everyday nonsense that you might not notice that even YOU are guilty of! It's great. It's also a great way of introducing you to how the work is truly heart-wrenching at times. You get to hear from people who have been to the hospital visits, people who counsel survivors (and perpetrators), and you get to ask them about it. Before you jump in, learning as much as you can is incredibly important.

The RRC is a great place to give your time and energy, but I think the most important thing is what you can do outside of it. Communicate with your peers. Interrupt inappropriate behavior. Be deliberate, be informative. Most rapists don't know that they're rapists. We should change that.

Office Manager 4/11/19 Office Manager 4/11/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Kimberly Sagers

In 2018, volunteers provided 9,502 hours of service to the Rape Recovery Center. The incredible individuals who serve our agency bring a full spectrum of skills and expertise, from crisis intervention to administrative assistance. One of these fabulous volunteers is Kimberly Sagers. Kimberly started with our agency as an intern on our clinical team, and currently volunteers her time as a Hospital Response Team Advocate.

In 2018, volunteers provided 9,502 hours of service to the Rape Recovery Center. The incredible individuals who serve our agency bring a full spectrum of skills and expertise, from crisis intervention to administrative assistance. One of these fabulous volunteers is Kimberly Sagers. Kimberly started with our agency as an intern on our clinical team, and currently volunteers her time as a Hospital Response Team Advocate.

We asked Kimberly to share a few fun facts about herself, and some words about her volunteer work with the center. Read more below:

What is a fun fact about yourself: I collect vintage dresses

What is your dream vacation destination? Machu Pichu, Peru
What is your favorite book? "The Hour of the Star" by Clarice Lispector
What is the current song stuck in your head? "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston
What motivates you to volunteer? The strength of the survivors and the kindness of the nurses, police officers, and support systems.

Big thanks to Kimberly for her commitment to serving survivors, and for the many hours she has given to our center!

If you are interested in joining the Rape Recovery Center's volunteer team, visit our volunteer page here to learn more.

Office Manager 3/21/19 Office Manager 3/21/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Vikki Kilminster-Bird

In 2018, volunteers provided 9,502 hours of service to the Rape Recovery Center. The incredible individuals who serve our agency bring a full spectrum of skills and expertise, from crisis intervention to administrative assistance. One of these fabulous volunteers is Vikki Kilminster-Bird. We asked Vikki to share more about her experience volunteering with the center. Read more about her below!

In 2018, volunteers provided 9,502 hours of service to the Rape Recovery Center. The incredible individuals who serve our agency bring a full spectrum of skills and expertise, from crisis intervention to administrative assistance. One of these fabulous volunteers is Vikki Kilminster-Bird. We asked Vikki to share more about her experience volunteering with the center. Read more about her below!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

Believe it or not I was a volunteer at the RRC as part of a psychology class that I had at the University of Utah quite a number of years ago! When I moved back to Salt Lake City in 2014, it was easy for me to offer to volunteer again. I took the training for the crisis line and also the hospital response team, and have been on the crisis line since. I very much support the advocacy for people who have been traumatized by sexual assault. It is not an easy subject for people to talk about. 1 in 3 women in Utah experience some sort of sexual assault, 1 in 6 for rape, and I believe the number for men is 1 in 32 for rape. We need to be there for each other!

What have you enjoyed most about your time as a RRC volunteer?

It is most certainly to be able to be there for a survivor when they are desperate to seek help. Being the first point of contact on the crisis line, I feel rewarded when I can direct someone to become more calm, more empowered to help themselves, and to let them know that there are many resources available as support to them during their terrible ordeal.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

The juxtaposition from what I like about being an RRC volunteer is directly tied to what is most challenging: It is hearing the heartbreaking stories of the survivors I speak to. I have never been sexually assaulted, and to know that this goes on and happens in very significant numbers has been shocking to me. It is horrifying to hear what someone goes through during their assault. It becomes personal to be able to help them. And you only hope that what you say is doing some good.

Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC.

Currently I am taking classes to become a Medical Assistant. Hopefully I can do that before I get too old! I’m lucky to have a wonderful husband and a bright and funny daughter. I love the outdoors – camping, biking, hiking, skiing, just being out there. I also enjoy going to music concerts and festivals and it is a must to share time with friends and family.

You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?

I guess what gives me the most hope is the resilience of the human spirit and how survivors can go on, be empowered and be able to get back to a contented existence even though they have been through something horrific. It takes a lot of work, but people get there. Especially with the help of places like the RRC and the incredible people who work there.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Since my initial volunteer experience with the SLC Rape Recovery Center, the center itself has become an all-encompassing organization. It is there to serve people of all ethnicities, and sexual orientations, and is an open, loving, safe place. The resources they offer are countless. I’m so impressed by the professionalism and compassion of the administration, counselors and employees. If one decided to volunteer, you would become a part of the amazing work they do. It works two ways – you give, and it gives back in a very satisfying way.

If you are interested in joining the Rape Recovery Center's volunteer team, visit our volunteer page here to learn more.

Office Manager 2/21/19 Office Manager 2/21/19

Volunteer Spotlight: Carrie Larsen

In 2018, volunteers provided 9,502 hours of service to the Rape Recovery Center. The incredible individuals who serve our agency bring a full spectrum of expertise, from crisis support to our clients to administrative support to assist our office staff. One of these fabulous volunteers is Carrie Larsen. We asked Carrie to share more about her experience volunteering with the center. Read more about her below!

In 2018, volunteers provided 9,502 hours of service to the Rape Recovery Center. The incredible individuals who serve our agency bring a full spectrum of skills and expertise, from crisis intervention to administrative assistance. One of these fabulous volunteers is Carrie Larsen. We asked Carrie to share more about her experience volunteering with the center. Read more about her below!

What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?

Even though I’ve never experienced something I would consider rape, I do have many experiences that were terrifying and difficult to understand. I think most women can relate. I have the emotional space and time right now to give to others, so the RRC was an easy choice.

What have you enjoyed most about your time as a RRC volunteer?

The environment at the RRC is so positive and welcoming. Also my volunteer work is bringing donated flowers to the center, so it’s pretty easy to enjoy what I do.

What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?

Listening to phone calls come in is rough. I’m not even answering them, just hearing one side of the call. I don’t want to believe that rape happens often enough in Salt Lake for the RRC to be busy, but it does. Volunteering has just reaffirmed that sexual abuse and trauma are incredibly common and it’s something that must be addressed.

What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?

Initially, I was hesitant to volunteer—sexual violence is terrifying in itself, but also I doubted that I could be any help. I’m just a normal person. What if a situation with a client comes up that I don’t know how to handle? What if the volunteer work is too sad or difficult? I’ve learned that it’s just important to show up. Sexual violence is a complex issue, but a survivor’s need for support isn’t. Support can be as simple as showing up and being present.

If you are interested in joining the Rape Recovery Center's volunteer team, visit our volunteer page here to learn more.