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Stories of Hope & Healing

By supporting Sexual Assault Center, you help fuel stories of resilience and transformation. Your generosity makes an immediate impact, showing survivors they are not alone and empowering them to reshape their lives. Join us in making this a season of hope, healing, and renewed strength for all.

Donate Now & Double Your Impact

Thanks to Hays Foundation, your gift will be matched up to $50,000, doubling your impact.

Our Goal: $150,000

Can cover the cost of specialized therapeutic care for 25 survivors*
This is an example of the incredible impact that your generosity can make. Funds raised are put toward SAC’s general operating fund.

 

Michael

“Hey everyone! So I have a really exciting story to share. As most know, I work with our PREA clients which are folks that are incarcerated and assaulted. Since the first week I started at SAC I’ve had a client named Micheal.

His childhood sexual trauma is the worst I’ve personally ever heard, and his trauma within the prison system is heartbreaking as well. I’ve worked closely with him for 3 1/2 years and yesterday, he got released after an almost 23 year sentence. He has been incarcerated on robbery charges since he was 14 and in an adult facility since the age of 16.

He’s that one client for me that has changed my life! It’s been an honor to work alongside of him. He’s going to an amazing program in Knoxville that will help him reintegrate back into society slowly, and help with any need he may have! Eventually he will be receiving services at Knoxville SAC. Yesterday, at the age of 36, he finally gets to begin his life. He wanted to take a video to thank everyone at SAC who has helped him and made an impact in his life.”

-- SAC Victim Advocate

Cost of 3.5 years of advocacy care for Michael: $2,400.00
Cost Michael Paid: $0

Annie

While Annie’s journey with SAC began over 20 years ago, her story of healing and impact is just beginning. Her service at the Center includes being a Medical Accompaniment Program (MAP) Volunteer, event volunteer, and lending her story to the SEEN Survivors project by photographer Dan Heller.

“I want to give those survivors the best chance of moving forward in a healthy way -- maybe give them a little more of a head start than I had. before coming to SAC”

- SAC Volunteer, Former Client

Cost of 14 years of therapy for Annie: $30,600.00
Cost Annie Paid: $0

Kate

“I prosecute all adult sexual violence and human trafficking cases for the DA’s office, and I worked with a victim named Charlotte*—an unhoused woman who chooses to live as a nomad. On a rainy Christmas night at 2 a.m., while she was sleeping in a downtown vestibule, a man assaulted her. Two nights later, he assaulted another woman he met at a bar in Nashville and was arrested shortly after.

A few weeks later, the man attempted to reduce his bond to get out of jail, and we could not locate Charlotte. The other victim, lives in another state, had no interest in returning for the case, which meant we needed to find Charlotte if we hoped to keep him in custody.
Kate

The detectives worked hard to find her. When they finally did, they learned that a storm the previous night had washed away most of her belongings. They bought her a hot breakfast and informed me of the situation. I went through my closet and gathered clothes I thought she might like.

Believing she would feel better if she could freshen up before testifying, I reached out to Kelly Peters, Advocacy Director at SAC, and asked if Charlotte could use the SAFE Clinic’s shower and get fresh clothes. Charlotte had been there months earlier for her Medical Legal Exam (rape kit), so it was a familiar place—the only one I could think of that could help.

Detectives brought Charlotte to the SAFE Clinic, where she showered and got ready for court. When she arrived at the courthouse, I gave her the clothes, and you could see the difference; it was clear she felt more confident and calmer, having had a safe and supportive place to prepare for the long day ahead.

Being able to call Kelly that morning and have Charlotte cared for within an hour was amazing. It is so nice to have this kind of community support available for survivors.

Charlotte testified and did wonderful. His bond was not lowered, and he remains in jail.”

-- Kate Melby, Chief Prosecutor, Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking

Cost of SAFE Clinic services for Charlotte: $1,809.70
Cost Survivor Paid: $0
*Name changed to protect confidentiality

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Sexual Assault Center

ATTN: Development
101 French Landing Dr.
Nashville, TN 37228
 

615-259-9055

Mon - Thurs (8am - 5pm)
Fri (8am - 2pm)
* All Times in Central Time


For questions or concerns, please contact Senior Development Specialist, Atarah A.M. Smith at ataraham@sacenter.org.
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