The Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention (SARP) Center of San Luis Obispo County recently kicked off its 5th Annual Fundraising Campaign with an ambitious goal of $15,000 to support the agency’s counseling and crisis services programming.

“We believe that every survivor has the right to healing and recovery through therapy,” said Kristy McCray, the SARP Center's executive director.

The SARP Center provides crisis intervention services and clinical counseling to men, women and teens who are survivors of sexual assault, as well as their family and friends. Services include a 24-hour crisis line, accompaniment to medical exams and law enforcement interviews, as well as individual and group therapy.

Research indicates that without the help of counseling services, survivors are 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs; one-third of survivors suffer from Major Depressive Disorder; and one-third of women who are raped contemplate suicide. The SARP Center offers vital counseling and crisis intervention services to restore survivors to a level of functioning that pre-dates the assault.

The SARP Center offers counseling by licensed and intern Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs). Donations from this year’s Annual Campaign will allow the SARP Center to continue providing low to no-cost therapy to survivors and their loved ones in San Luis Obispo County.

This year’s Annual Campaign mailing, which was distributed to more than 800 supporters, tells the story of Ron Moore, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and a current member of the SARP Center’s Board of Directors.

“Today my life is filled with inner strength and self-love," Moore said, despite the years of horrific emotion and physical pain he experienced. "Today I know that no matter what they did to me they cannot take my dignity. I am a survivor.”

He urges community members to donate today to help other survivors find healing and recovery at the SARP Center.

In 2010, the agency provided crisis and counseling services to 312 survivors and 150 loved ones, including more than 480 hours of counseling. This year’s fundraising goal of $15,000 is needed to continue those programs for the rest of this year and into 2012.

For further information on counseling and crisis services, as well as the SARP Center’s educational programs, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To make a donation or for further inquiries, please visit www.sarpcenter.org or call (805) 545-8888.