STAR’s mission is to prevent sexual trauma and provide comprehensive, collaborative crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to victims/survivors, their families, and our communities. |
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I had no idea what would happen next..." |
Have you ever wondered what it's like to walk in a STAR client's shoes? We invite you to read one survivor's journey... |
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This past year has looked much different in the Direct Services Department than years prior. In late March, our staff quickly adapted and changed to a combination of remote and in-person response, trying to ensure the safest way to support our clients and help keep our community and staff safe. Even with all the changes, our Advocates have done a wonderful job ensuring all the needs of their clients have been met quickly, effectively and safely. One thing that hasn’t changed over the past year is the continued need for emergency crisis intervention and long term follow-up care.
Since March, we’ve seen an increase in calls for support from an advocate, counseling services, or everyday basic needs such as food and personal hygiene items. Navigating the healing process after a traumatic event is difficult under normal circumstances, and with the added stressors this year brings the need for extra support is even more important. During these difficult times your generous donations have helped provide survivors with items such as; a change of clothing after the reporting process, a we-care-kit filled with personal hygiene items, door stops and window alarms, food bags, bus passes for transportation to and from court proceedings and counseling appointments, and many other items related to the safety, well-being and healing of our clients.
We are extremely grateful for your continued support which allows us to provide these much needed items to our clients as they are on the path to healing. Thank you and we wish you a safe, healthy, happy holiday season and all the best for the new year!
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PREVENTION & EDUCATION UPDATE |
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STAR Prevention and Education Team here with a year-end update, and what an interesting year it has been.
With the amazing support from people like you, our department has been able to adapt to the ever-changing aspect of physical distancing during this pandemic.
STAR Prevention Specialists typically spend their days out and about presenting to community members, schools, and professionals. Learning how to make these connections virtually has been a challenge that our team has been able to rise to. Creating and adapting our content for ZOOM meetings and keeping it engaging, publishing an amazing coloring book that can help parents and guardians have important conversations on personal safety with the kids in their lives, and learning how to support teachers and students in navigating this virtual world we live in. While we cannot wait to get back to in- person events, we are thankful for the ability to reach people virtually and look forward to utilizing these skills every day to connect with more and more individuals.
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Be Our STAR this Holiday Season |
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Be Our STAR: Give a Little, Change a Lot
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The "Be Our STAR" Campaign is supported
by these generous community partners:
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SURVIVOR SUPPORT RESOURCES |
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Long before COVID-19, Blaze Bell has been a phenomenal champion for STAR and our clients. This year's shutdown has challenged us to "think outside the box" when we do our best to continue working with survivors in safe, accessible ways.
Throughout the pandemic, Blaze has been gracious enough to share her experience and wisdom by leading survivor support sessions, and she has created a world of wonderful resources that survivors can access anytime.
If you or someone you know needs extra help over the holidays and beyond, check out Blaze's website, podcast and YouTube channel. You will find excellent healing tools, guidance and inspiration from Blaze and other experts in the field of healing from trauma.
Thank you Blaze, for your kind and generous heart! You have helped so many of us through the toughest of times, and for that we are forever grateful.
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The health and safety of our staff and clients are of utmost importance to us. In light of COVID-19, this is how STAR is modifying operations until further notice:
- No appointments are taking place at the STAR Office.
- STAR Advocates are responding to crisis call-outs 24/7.
- STAR Admin employees are working from home and maintaining social distancing.
- All meetings are being held online or by teleconference.
- Counseling appointments are happening via TeleMed.
- We will continue to reevaluate to determine next steps and will provide updated information as it evolves.
- The STAR Crisis Line is available for survivors and their loved ones. As always, STAR services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
24-Hour Crisis and Support:
(907) 276-7273
Toll-Free: (800) 478-8999

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STAR services for survivors are provided free and without regard to race/ethnicity, language, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, (dis)ability, social class, economic status, education, marital status, religious affiliation, residency or HIV status. |
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