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May 2020
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.
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP?
Self Care During Uncertain Times

As we navigate the many ways COVID-19 has affected us and our communities, we wanted to take a moment to let you know that STAR continues to be here to support survivors of sexual violence and their friends, families, and loved ones.

We know that this has been a difficult time, and the uncertainty and feeling a lack of control over our lives may feel especially overwhelming for survivors of sexual violence already coping with trauma and stress.

In addition to calling our 24/7 Crisis Line, there are things you can do to feel healthy and comfortable. Here are a few examples:

Physical:

  • Eat healthy, regular meals
  • Participate in activities that make you feel energized
  • As best you can, follow simple routines to start the day and to wind down at the end of the day
  • Get plenty of rest

Emotional - What makes you feel balanced and grounded?

  • Leisure activities you enjoy
  • Write/draw in a journal
  • Coloring pages - we've included one right here! Click here for a beautiful .pdf to color drawn by local Alaskan Artist Katie Sevigny.
  • Meditation, mindfulness and relaxation practices, like deep breathing, yoga, and/or aromatherapy
  • Seek out inspirational images and things to read. Pinterest is a great place to start - try a search for "emotional health"
  • Who do you know that makes you feel safe and supported around? Give them a call or send them a text.

For more information about managing stress and anxiety, here's a link to the CDC Website.
PREVENTION & EDUCATION UPDATE
Please join us in welcoming Brooks Banker to our Prevention & Education Team!

Brooks has been a STAR Volunteer for several years, lending time and expertise to train our Crisis Line Responders. More recently, they did an amazing job directing our production of The Vagina Monologues, a fundraising event for STAR.

Brooks brings 10 years of experience working as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community through their work as a drag performer, volunteer and non profit employee where they learned the importance of prevention work and sexual health education for all people, especially youth. Brooks is also actively involved with the Anchorage Alliance of Violence Prevention. Welcome, Brooks! We're proud to have you join us!

During the last two months of school and community closures , the STAR Education & Prevention Team has been updating curricula and adjust it for online presentations. The Team was invited to Kodiak to present to high school students, and they were able to adapt the content, visual presentation and activities to be provided virtually and it was a great experience for everyone. They successfully provided six sessions during a one week timeframe, reaching over 120 individual youth in Kodiak. GO TEAM!
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April was a tough month for fundraising, as all of our in-person events had to be canceled. We are so grateful for the people and organizations that came through this month to ensure STAR's continued work to end violence in our community.
This month, STAR received a $10,000 grant to fund community prevention & education outreach efforts.   Thank you, ConocoPhillips, for this funding - and particularly for sharing our values of improving communities with educational opportunities, in perfect alignment with STAR's mission to keep Alaska's children safe. Thank you, ConocoPhillips!
THANK YOU for your Pick. Click. Give. Pledges!
Thank you to every Alaskan who gave a portion of your dividend to STAR! Your donation will go a long way in helping survivors heal from sexual trauma.



Even though the GNT had to be postponed this year, the generous hearts of GNT participants remain steady and strong. Thank you!


Thank you, UAA, for hosting a Virtual Running with the STARS 5K , and to everyone who participated & gave to STAR!
Alaska Mask Makers
Big shout-out to this phenomenal group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to sew protective face masks for essential workers in our community, including 150 for STAR Staff!

Thanks a million, Alaska Mask Makers! We appreciate you!
STAR OPERATIONS UPDATE
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:

  • Direct Service Advocates will continue to provide immediate response in compliance with updated safety precautions at medical facilities. We are also providing support, information, resources and referrals by phone.

  • No appointments will take place at the STAR Office.

  • All administrative employees are working from home and maintaining social distancing.

  • All meetings will be held online or by teleconference. 

  • Counseling appointments will occur 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