Update: Nonprofit launches LGBTQ+ outreach campaign
Original story posted July 3
This June and July for Pride Month, RISE has a billboard on US Route 101 north of San Luis Obispo, and will be distributing brochures about healthy relationships and local resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
–San Luis Obispo based nonprofit RISE (Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower) announced the launch of its latest public awareness campaign, bringing awareness of RISE services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ+ community as well as its expanded case management services and LGBTQ+ support group.
RISE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides crisis intervention and treatment services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence and their loved ones. All services are provided confidentially, at low or no cost, to anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ability.
Funded by a $3,000 grant from the Growing Together Initiative Fund of The Community Foundation, in the last year RISE has expanded services for LGBTQ+ survivors. RISE provides individual case management services to assist clients in developing plans for increased independence and success. RISE offers a “Cultivating Healthy & Safe LGBT Relationships” support group at the GALA Center. In the last year, the group provided 200 hours of support and healing for LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.
This June and July for Pride Month, RISE has a billboard on US Route 101 north of San Luis Obispo, and will be distributing brochures about healthy relationships and local resources for the LGBTQ+ community. RISE will also be hosting a booth at the SLO Pride in the Plaza event on July 8th.
According to the US Office for Victims of Crime and FORGE, 1 in 2 people who are transgender will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Further, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center has stated that “in the absence of accessible LGBTQ affirming services, victims may encounter barriers to post-assault services due to homophobia and transphobia.”
“We hope this campaign will help LGBTQ+ community members in our County to feel more comfortable and safe seeking RISE services,” said Jane Pomeroy, RISE Associate Director. “RISE has many excellent programs that can be used by LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and we want to make sure they know they are welcome here.”
The primary goal of the Growing Together Initiative is to address the needs of the local LGBTQ+ community by providing grants, raising community awareness throughout SLO County, and promoting philanthropy. This year, The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County marks its 20th year of supporting the County with grants and scholarships totaling more than $30 million over 20 years. For more information on The Community Foundation, call (805) 543-2323 or visit www.cfsloco.org.
RISE advocates are available 24 hours a day on the RISE support line 855-886-RISE (7473) and are ready to respond by phone and in-person to LGBTQ+ survivors and their loved ones. More information about RISE resources and services can be found at www.RISEslo.org.
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