I was in crisis, not having dealt with incest and a later rape. It was frightening to ask for help, yet the counselor was very patient in answering my emails; she was very encouraging. I finally had the courage to go and I am so grateful I did. The counselor gave much of her time to me, helped me to see my worth and not harm myself, etc. Sometimes we met at the crisis center; other times she came to my home. One session I was about to leave at the end and she recognized I needed to have someone with me. We called my sister who came immediately. When I ended up in the hospital, the counselor kept in touch and helped me. I can honestly say that my experience at the crisis center was the best and this organization is NECESSARY for all who have experienced sexual assault.

Although it was hard for me to realize I needed to get help, my mom called up the crisis center and got me connected with them. They are very helpful, caring, and friendly. I would suggest anyone who is sexually assaulted to go there. I always feel comfortable and at ease while talking to my conselour there. She gives me fantastic advice and ideas of how I can cope with being sexually assaulted. Life hasn't been easy for me for the past year and I know when I'm having a terrible day I can count on her. She's only a call away and she's a great listener. I'm lucky to have her in my life at such a difficult time.

Three years ago I went through a two month training process, meeting weekly with the staff at the SACCEC. We met people from other areas that relate to the industry- hospital staff, police officers, SANE nurses, Prison Wardens, etc. Based on this training, I was able to get a complete understanding of the importance of the SACCEC's effect on the community, the support it offers, and the team that I would be able to become a part of.

Every month I volunteer for multiple shifts, where I answer calls from individuals who have been sexually assaulted recently, and in the past. I also answer questions from family members of victims, police officers, and others who need help. Lastly, with recent victims, as a crisis counselor I go out to five local hospitals when we get calls from victims, and help them walk through the Sexual Assault kit, police questioning, and assists in the beginning of the healing process.

The SACCEC encourages healthy relationships in our local community. They reach out and perform programs within local school systems and communities to raise awareness.

I have volunteered with the SACCEC every month for the past 2 years as a sexual assault crisis counselor. Initially, I trained with them for about 6 weeks with their volunteer coordinator. The training was very in depth with outside reading, quizzes, and 2 hour trainings done at convenient hours. I left the training prepared for my volunteer endeavors. After the training ended, SACCEC employees still provide opportunities for learning by meeting police, DCF workers, and other trainers that somehow relate to our work with the hotline.

I appreciate the support that the staff provides. They are kind and caring individuals who I have had the opportunity to spend time with. They truly care about their mission.

Further, this non profit really appreciates its volunteers and always takes the times to thank us for the work we do by throwing small parties or with just a simple thank you email.

SACCEC has provided an amazing opportunity for me to not only help, but grow as an individual.

I was recruited to the board by a family friend who was employed at the agency.

I see the work of the agency through the eyes of the Director. She tells the board of the trials and tribulations involved in working with many different agencies.

There are the stories of success and failure in getting the Emergency Room personnel to notify victims of our availability.

Likewise, there are successes and failures working with various police agencies and child protective services.

The roles and goals of the individuals from these agencies are often at odds, but we have seen some wins in achieving group interaction.

It appears to me that the public is much more educated than in the past, thanks in part to the work of our counselors.