Dear Friends,
We are proud to present the Center for Community Solutions 2023 Annual Impact Report, highlighting our activities and programs for the past fiscal year from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
This year has been a time of exciting transitions, optimism, and gratitude. From our humble beginnings in 1969, through our post-pandemic recovery, CCS has thrived through its journeys thanks to strong support from the community and stakeholders like you.
Center for Community Solutions has a vision for all people to live full, free, expressive and empowered lives in a safe, vibrant, healthy, and peaceful community. This is the foundation for our services. From prevention to crisis intervention to healing and stabilization, CCS’s comprehensive services change lives every day. We couldn’t do our work without such an incredible family of supporters at our side.
We are grateful for your support and ask you for your continued partnership ensuring our life-saving services continue to bring hope and healing to thousands each year.
Thank you for making it possible for CCS to create a safe and compassionate environment for survivors.
Sincerely,
Cori Austin, CEO Tracy Skaddan, Board President
Hybrid Counseling Model is a Win for Clients
In-person therapy sessions were resumed in FY2023, the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The flexibility to attend either in-person or virtual therapy sessions has been a game-changer for CCS clients. For those who prefer the intimacy of an in-person session can attend therapy at a CCS office. Meanwhile, clients who have in-person barriers, such as lack of transportation or childcare, can join their session virtually via telehealth.
Client Overcomes Barriers to a Restraining Order
Juanita (name changed), a Spanish-speaking CCS client, was abused physically, sexually, and emotionally by her ex-partner. She ended the relationship, but her ex continually stalked and harassed her, and she was afraid. Juanita wanted a restraining order but had challenges due to language and financial barriers. CCS’ bilingual staff provided Juanita with a safe and comfortable space to assess her legal and holistic needs in her native language. Juanita was granted a temporary DVRO, followed by a permanent restraining order protecting her from her ex-partner. Juanita was also connected to other CCS services, including counseling. Today Juanita is feeling hopeful and safe with legal and advocacy support from CCS.
Prevention Education Team Gives a Voice to San Diego Youth
The Prevention Education and Advocacy team launched a new sexual violence prevention podcast called SD YOUth REALationships, led by a volunteer youth team in the Mid-City region of San Diego. Prior to the podcast launch, youth in City Heights were talking about ways their school policies and lack of prevention education led to many “toxic teen relationships.” They were eager to learn about healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries. The podcast team feels they are working to help change cultures not only at their schools, but also in their neighborhoods. One youth participant stated that “having adults support us with a way to use our voice to make change feels important and different.”
Dedicated Volunteers Strengthen CCS
This year our volunteers shared 16,118 hours of support, dedication, and hope with survivors
Volunteer roles range from counseling trainees, sexual assault and housing advocates, attorneys, outreach and prevention, supporting community events and more. CCS is also supported by the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, Hidden Valley House and Project Safehouse Auxiliaries.
Survivors Helping Survivors
Faced with the trauma of being victimized by someone they trusted, Mary and LaDonna credit sexual assault emergency response advocates with changing the trajectory of their healing. As part of their personal paths, each became certified by CCS to support other survivors as volunteer sexual assault response team advocates (SARTs) and also create awareness through speaking events in our communities. FACT: SART volunteers are required to be trained in 66.5-hour certification course. After training, volunteers may provide hotline assistance and support during forensic exams.
