 The Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention (SARP) Center of San Luis Obispo County recently kicked off its 4th Annual Fundraising Campaign with an ambitious goal of $15,000 to support the agency’s prevention education groups in local schools.
The SARP Center’s MyStrength and Her Power groups aim to protect, inform, and empower young people by raising awareness, promoting discussion, and changing attitudes. Within the MyStrength program, participants discuss how traditional masculinity can contribute to violence, gender inequality, and unhealthy relationships. MyStrength encourages young men to rise up as leaders to promote gender equality and prevent men’s violence among their friends and in their community. As one MyStrength student explained, “I learned a real man is measured by morals, not muscles.”
The Her Power group empowers young women to be healthy, happy and confident. Within the program, participants discuss important issues including peer pressure, communication, healthy relationships, bullying, safety, conflict resolution, and body image. Hands-on meetings teach active skills for reducing stress, expressing feelings, and being assertive. Upon graduation from the program, one Her Power student said, "I value myself more than I used to. I also learned the signs of your partner being abusive." "We believe school education programs are the key to ending sexual violence,” said Kristy McCray, Executive Director. MyStrength and Her Power groups are anticipated to run this fall at Flamson Middle School, San Luis Obispo High School, Grizzly Youth Academy and Lopez High School. Donations from this year’s Annual Campaign will allow the SARP Center to expand these programs to several other schools within the county.
“This is the first year we’ve reached nearly 1,000 potential donors by mail, and we’re really excited about the possibility of raising $15,000 this year,” McCray said. The SARP Center staff mailed mini-journals with information about the agency’s education programs in mid-August, and will be following up with phone calls to select donors.
In 2009, the agency reached 5,866 community members and students through education presentations and MyStrength and Her Power groups. This year’s fundraising goal of $15,000 is needed to continue those programs into 2011 and reach nearly 6,000 county residents. To make a donation, visit www.sarpcenter.org.
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