April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time when Reach Counseling and its partners focus on raising awareness about sexual assault. This year’s theme, “Building Connected Communities,” spearheaded by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, emphasizes the powerful role of community cohesion in combating sexual violence.

Photos via REACH Counseling

Reach Counseling has been a key provider of holistic, trauma-informed care for sexual assault survivors since 1976. Serving Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties, Reach offers a range of services including education, outreach, advocacy, therapy and culturally responsive programming. Its mission is to support survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and promote a safe environment.

This month, Reach and its partners, including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, Lawrence University and UW-Oshkosh, are hosting a series of events designed to engage the community and propel the conversation forward. From supply drives benefiting local service providers to the unique “Mark the Change — Get a Tat, Give Back” event with Easy Street Tattoo, these initiatives invite the public to take a stand, to be more than bystanders but active participants in eradicating sexual violence.

The collaboration between Reach Counseling and various organizations underscores a vital truth: combating sexual violence is a collective effort. It’s about creating environments where people are vigilant and compassionate, ready to support those affected and challenge the behaviors that perpetuate harm. The essence of a connected community is one where everyone takes responsibility for each other’s safety, recognizing that the fight against violence begins with a united front.

Amid its efforts to aid survivors and boost awareness, Reach Counseling is grappling with a major hurdle — recent cuts to Victims of Crime Act funding. These cuts threaten essential services that Reach provides, such as therapy, advocacy and education. With funds dwindling, the push for community support has never been more urgent. While new state funding will help somewhat, it won’t fully compensate for the shortfall. This makes the need for donations, volunteer work, and broader community involvement crucial to maintain the level of support survivors rely on.

As we navigate through April, let us all reflect on how we can contribute to building safer, more connected communities. Whether it’s through participating in the scheduled events, donating supplies or simply spreading the word, every action counts. Reach Counseling’s mission and the essence of SAAM remind us that together, we can forge a path toward a world free of sexual violence. Join the movement, be part of the solution, and let’s embrace the power of unity in making a tangible difference.

Generous grants from several funds within the Community Foundation support Reach Counseling, including: Peter Isakson Charitable Fund, Katherine & John Davis Family Fund, Dan and Marcia VandenBrink Family Fund, Jim and Linda Burkhardt Family Fund, Gloria J. Haen Memorial Fund, Appleton Breakfast Rotary Club Endowment Fund, Jacobson H3 Fund, Doug and Mary Gunderson Family Fund, SECURA Insurance Companies Charitable Fund, and Community Vision Fund

What does a Community Foundation do? Glad you asked! Learn more here.