ANNUAL REPORT NEWSLETTEROctober 1, 2012 – May 2014

Published June 2014…with current news & opportunities

A Personal Note…From Executive Director,

Jeanne Buffington

In December 1988, Rape

Response opened their doors

to offer help to survivors of

sexual assault in Hall and

Habersham counties. Today

the service area also includes

Dawson, Forsyth, Lumpkin and White counties. In 1993,

Terri Strayhorn, former executive director, increased

services through community partnerships to include

medical aftercare and the creation of a prevention

education program approved by the Georgia State Board

of Education. The mission and vision that founder,

Wendy Glasbrenner, and the program’s first executive

director, Elaine Gerke, had in 1988 is still strong today.

Statistics indicate that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men

are survivors of sexual assault (www.rainn.org). Rape

Response provides free and confidential services to

female and male survivors ages 13 and older that include

a 24/7 crisis hotline, crisis intervention, medical and

legal accompaniment, personal advocacy, assistance

filing victims’ compensation and resource referrals.

Trained volunteers support a dedicated staff to make the

work of Rape Response possible. Thirty-five exceptional

volunteers take calls after hours to answer the crisis line

and go to the hospital, ensuring the individual needs of

survivors and their families are met. More recently, the

agency has increased its prevention efforts on college

campuses, as well as professional trainings with

collaborative partners. Strong collaborations with

judicial, medical and law enforcement professionals

enhance the work of Rape Response.

The ongoing contributions of our founder and previous

directors, along with current and past staff, board

members and volunteers continue to strengthen the

foundation laid in 1988. Thank you to all who make it

possible for Rape Response to work with survivors of

sexual assault.

Rape Response Inc.Celebrates 25 Years!

MISSIONRape Response serves as a system of support, advocacy and education, providing services to the community

and survivors of sexual assault while safeguarding the dignity

of each person served.

L-R: Wendy Glasbrenner, Terri Strayhorn, Jeanne Buffington, Elaine Gerke

L-R: Chief Brian Kelly, Solicitor Stephanie Woodard, Sheriff Gerald Couch

Page 2 Annual Reportwww.raperesponse.com

More Than a Crisis Line…Rape Response is a nonprofit agency providing 24/7

services to sexual assault survivors ages 13 and older

in Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin and

White counties. Advocacy in action for 2013 included:

• Crisis calls answered 375

• Face-to-face crisis interventions supported

survivors as they processed the sexual assault and

equipped them with essential tools needed on their

path to recovery 53

• Information and referrals connected survivors to

their community for continued support and healing

338

• Hospital accompaniment provided support to

survivors at the hospital during sexual assault

forensic medical exams 68

• Follow up calls extended emotional support to

survivors to address ongoing issues 279

• Aftercare referrals and information offered

survivors health care exams for STIs paid for by

Rape Response and provided by local health

departments 80

• Victims’ compensation fund referred survivors

for information and application regarding

reimbursement for medical expenses or counseling

costs 68

• Personal advocacy helped survivors to navigate

health care, law enforcement, criminal justice and

other social service agencies 281

• Prevention education provided to 3,632 middle

school students and 2,430 high school and college

students

• Court accompaniment supported survivors

during pre-trial and trial activities 17 days

• Collaborations participated in interagency and

professional engagement opportunities to benefit

survivors 75 agencies/over 300 referrals

Free & Confidential • 24 Hours a day 7 Days a Week

770-503-7273 800-721-1999 www.raperesponse.com

COLLEGE INTERN PROGRAM

L-R: Erica Autry, Julie Lanni, Kathy Thompson, Angel Footman, Brittany O’Bryant (not pictured - Amber Nichols)

We love Interns! Since 2011 Rape Response has beenfortunate to have wonderful interns!“My experience as an intern at Rape

Response has been fulfilling. I have learnedmany things about being a professional,

interacting and connecting with others andabout unfairness in the world and what we

can do to create change.” Erica Autry

Jodi and Linda began a fundraiser at theUNG Oakwood Campus. Their mission was

to create “Change for Change.” Thesewonderful women raised over $500 in April2013. In 2014 UNG students collected more

than $5,500 in change during Sexual AssaultAwareness month in April!

Jodi Bell and Linda Sullivan

Page 3 Annual Reportwww.raperesponse.com

Marta Shelton - 25

years as a volunteer

with Rape Response! In 1988 Marta provided administrative

assistance to Wendy Glasbrenner to

establish Rape Response as a nonprofit

sexual assault center. She was one of the

first Crisis Line volunteers and served in

that capacity until recently. She continues

to support survivors, staff and volunteers as

an advocate for our work.

Thank you Marta!

Volunteer RosterCarmen Adams* Niki Martens*

Erica Autry Jolinda Martin

Tiffany Bockholt Cheryl Miller

Katie Bruner Althea Morrow

Milagros Cabrera* Kaycee Motes*

Stephanie Caldwell Amber Nichol

Macayla Coleman Deidra Randolph*

April Chrisman Cissy Reeves*

Sue Cronmiller Connie Rodriguez*

Jean Ferris Rebeca Ruelas

Jasmine Fortson Addrienne Session

Anjana Freeman Lisa Short*

Amelia Hays Angela Slay

Ginger Imperiale Kathy Strebe

Kalia Jordan Sarah Strzemienski

Melissa King Linda Sullivan

Daisy Kitchens Shana Tamminga

Knibbs Jenny Kathy Thompson

Robin Lambert Sally Wise*

Julie Lanni Adrienne Woods

Brittany O'Bryant Laura Zuniga*

Ansley Lawson * inactive crisis

Virginia Lay line volunteers

Free & Confidential • 24 Hours a day 7 Days a Week

770-503-7273 800-721-1999 www.raperesponse.com

Marta Shelton

“Volunteering is a beautiful gift, not only

for the recipient but for the volunteer as

well. It takes no money, just a little time

and effort to make a difference in

someone’s life. And it doesn’t end there,

those you help will often go on to help

others. One small act of kindness can

touch so many.”

April Chrisman - VolunteerApril Chrisman

United Way Habersham FunFest Gale Adams, Kaycee Motes, Jaira Falcon, Rebeca Ruelas

Erica Autry and Melissa KingWelcome new board members!L-R: Van Haygood and Leigh Jarrell

Martha & Ron Fritchley

2013 Volunteer Christmas Party

Front L-R: Sue Cronmiller, Jasmine Fortson, Jolinda Martin, Anjana Freeman, LauraZuniga, Back L-R: Shannon Hughs, Rebeca Ruelas, Gale Adams, Kathy Thompson,

Stephanie Caldwell, Kalia Jordan, April Chrisman, Cheryl Miller, Brittany O’Bryant, EricaAutry, Shana Tamminga, Ginger Imperiale, Connie Rodriguez, Sarah Strzemienski

Crisis Line Volunteer Advocates dedicated 1,360 hours during 2013!

DoNoR FAMiLy

Page 4 Annual Reportwww.raperesponse.com

*In-Kind Goods or Services

Government Grants

Violence Against Woment ActVictims of Crime ActGovenor's Office of Children & Families

Churches

First Presbyterian ChurchGrace Episcopal ChurchGainesville First United Methodist Church

Local Government

County Board of Commissioners:Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, & White

City of GainesvilleHall County Government

Corporations & Small Business

Organizations

Gainesville JayceesGeorgia Legal ServicesJunior League of Gainesville/Hall CountyKappa Delta UNGNational Christian FoundationNorth Georgia Community FoundationWells Fargo Foundation

United Way

Honorariums

Sharon Coker♥ in honor of Christa, Jeanne, Laura & TonyaCathy Drerup in honor of Jeanne Buffington & Terri StrayhornWendy Glasbrenner♥ in honor of past & present staffRebecca Gurr in honor of Matt & Anjana FreemanSusan Hosford in honor of Terri StrayhornSheriff Janis C. Mangum in honor of Delores ChambersCaryl Roark♥ in honor of Jeanne BuffingtonMargaret Stewart♥ in honor of Jeanne Buffington

In honor of Wendy Glasbrenner

In honor of Sally Walden-Crowe

James & Elizabeth Adams♥Frank W. & Carol Ann ArmstrongKris Brown♥Jeanne Buffington♥Jessica ButlerBob & Cheryl ChristianTom Dunken & Janice Ward♥

Chris Gailey♥Clarence JonesKelly Ann MilesElizabeth Simmons♥Terri Strayhorn♥J. Michael & Rebecca W. Whitmire

Cargill IncorporatedChick-fil-A*

Gainesville & Flowery BranchCoker Equipment*Creative, Inc.*Crossroads Deli*Crystal Plate*

Gerald F. Lewis TTEELoretta's Country KitchenMcDonald's*Milton Martin HondaVega & AssociatesWomenSource

Dawson CountyForsyth CountyHabersham CountyHall County

Metropolitan AtlantaSunTrust UW CampaignWhite County

John H. BarkerKris Brown♥Judge David BurroughsTom Caulkins♥Floyd & Sherry Duncan♥Thomas & Janie Dunman♥La Trelle Edwards♥Judge Kathy GosselinJudge Cliff Jolliff♥Elaine Gerke♥Lee & Debra HalbergAndrea ConarroMike & Melody MarloweHarriet McNealAndy & Bonnie MillerCara & Scott Mitchell

Sue Moore♥Sarah Moore♥Anne Mueller♥W. Ray and J. Dianne Nix♥J. Kenneth Nix♥Orr & Brown LLP♥Wyc & Lyn OrrRobyn Pichler♥Judith Reece♥Mike & Sherry RogersRushton & Company♥Terri Strayhorn♥Mattie Jane TalleyDonald ThurmanFrances Virginia Webb

MemorialsWendy Glasbrenner

in memory of Nancy FuchsLorry & Sherrie Schrage

in memory of Flo Criss

Sharon Cokerin memory of Betty Fravel

IndividualsCarmen AdamsLynda AskewNancy & Alan Atwood♥Ruth BarraganJessica BraatenEllen BriggsJohn & Jane Broaddus♥Quentasha CaseyKelly Cate♥Jeremy CloughSusan ColeRep. Doug & Lisa Collins♥Jackie Cooley♥Andrea Conarro♥Bernice CoxStacy CrossSusan & Reese DanielLaura DillionCathy DrerupBetty FisherRonald & Martha Fritchely♥Chris Gailey♥Elsa Ann Gaines♥Sharon Gaskins♥Jason & Kim GlazeAngie Hanes♥Van Haygood♥Laura HaynesScott JonesClarence JonesPriscilla JonesLori JonesJames & Mary JonesElisabeth KendrickMelissa King♥Julie LanniLaura LedfordGeorge Leeman♥

Gerald & Sharon Lewis♥Yezzet Lewis♥Carol MartinDarren & Shelly Martin♥Stephanie McCans♥Sean McCusker♥Kent MillerDwight & Kristina MorrisonJeremy PerrySam & Julie RichwineRichard RosePatsy RosenberrySteve & Kittie Ross♥Dorothy RussJim & Gail Sargent♥Liz SimmonsLaurie Spiess♥Leigh Stallings-Jarrell♥Dennis & Janet Stansell♥Bobby & Laura StaubSara ThawleySamantha Tinch♥Shelly & Darren Martin♥Roxanne Trammell♥Matt Valentine♥Wanda Vance♥Cheryl VandiverBrenda VegaCamille VierraSally Walden-Crowe♥Janice Ward♥Lisa WarwickSally & Danny WiseSteve & Betsy WisehartTrey & Morgan Wood♥Vincent Yamilkoski

♥ Donors giving $100 or more

Founder – Wendy Glasbrenner“Because of her (Wendy

Glasbrenner), hundreds of women

have received the nonjudgmental

care they deserve,” Gerke said.

“Without Wendy, there would be no

Rape Response.”

The Times - Gainesville

Elaine Gerke & Judge Cliff Jolliff“Gerke said Glasbrenner led the

research and funding effort,

tirelessly writing grant proposals to

get the initial amount needed to

create an independent agency.”

The Times - Gainesville

Page 5 Annual Reportwww.raperesponse.com

Free & Confidential • 24 Hours a day 7 Days a Week

770-503-7273 800-721-1999 www.raperesponse.com

25Th ANNiVeRSARy CeLebRATioN

Thank you to our 25th Anniversary

Celebration Sponsors

“The service they give to thiscommunity is just phenomenal, Hallcounty Sheriff Gerald Couch said ashe introduced the program held at

First Baptist Church in Gainesville.” The Times - Gainesville

Champion AdvocatesMartha and Ron FritchleyAnonymous

Corporate Silver SponsorsKipper Tools Company Milton Martin Honda Rushton and Company Turner, Wood and Smith Ins.

Corporate Bronze SponsorsFull Media

Angel AdvocatesJeanne BuffingtonGerald Couch Shelly and Darren Martin

AdvocatesCathy DrerupClarence JonesScott Jones

Grateful Heart AdvocatesKris Brown Jeremy CloughJackie CooleyAndrea ConarroChris GaileyElsa Ann GainesMelissa KingCaryl and Joe RoarkDanny SearsLaurie SpiessTerri StrayhornWanda Vance

Guardian AdvocatesAngie HanesElisabeth KendrickLiz SimmonsSally Walden-CroweMorgan and Trey Wood

R - Sheriff Gerald Couch &Deborah Mack

Trey & Morgan WoodSally Walden-Crowe & Chris Hollifield

Thank you Sally Walden-Crowe fordesignating Rape Response as the

beneficiary agency for yourretirement and to Rushton andCompany for matching gifts in

Sally’s honor!

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGainesville, GA 30501

Permit #115P. O. Box 2883 • Gainesville, Georgia 30503 • www.raperesponse.com

770-503-7273 • CRISIS Line Outside Hall County 1-800-721-1999 • Fax 678-928-4209

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Dawson*Forsyth*Habersham*Hall*Metro Atlanta*White

President Sally Walden-Crowe

Vice President Carol Martin

Past President Jeremy Clough

Secretary Melissa King

Treasurer Jeremy Perry

Members-at-Large

Ruth Barragan* Shelly Martin

Kris Brown Sean McCusker

Andrea Conarro Liz Simmons*

Martha Fritchley* Leigh Stallings-Jarrell

Chris Gailey Wanda Vance

Elsa Ann Gaines Brenda Vega*

Cricket Garlich* Camille Viera

Angie Hanes Amy White

Van Haygood Morgan Wood

Clarence Jones* Trey Wood

Scott Jones Lori Duke Jones

Elisabeth Kendrick *Rotated off board 12/2013

BOARD OF DIRECTORSExecutive Committee 2012-2014

Page 6 Annual Reportwww.raperesponse.com

United Ways$51,928

REVENUE – $197,289

EXPENSES – $196,662

Federal/State Grants$91,200

In-Kind$4,735

Contributions & Events$26,736

County Funds$22,690

Note: Federal and state reimbursement schedules and grant cycles overlap fiscal years.

Victim Services& Community Ed$164,009

Center Operations/Admin$32,563

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

support, education & advocacy