Happy holidays from STAR!
We’re thankful for our supporters. It is because of all the staff, volunteers, and allies that STAR is able to serve survivors of sexual trauma.
During Thanksgiving we put a spotlight on a staff member from each of STAR’s programs to show our gratitude and highlight their work in the community. We also hope you were able to gain better insight on the services STAR provides.
The STAR team gives so much of themselves to do this challenging work to support and empower survivors and also to create lasting social change to end sexual violence.
Please feel free to share and show off our staff!
Derrick Lathan is STAR’s Youth Development Coordinator. His job is to build community partnerships with schools and youth organizations and conduct educational sessions that raise youth awareness regarding sexual trauma, consent, healthy relationships, and boundaries.
His advice for the community to best support survivors of sexual violence?
“By showing true empathy. No ‘How’s, ‘But’s, or ‘If it were me, I would’ve’s.”
Azriela Reed is STAR’s Bilingual Resource Advocate. Azriela’s job is to uphold survivor’s rights, provide resources and support, and conduct outreach to the Spanish-speaking community.
Her advice for the community to best support survivors of sexual violence?
“By actively listening to them and believing them first.”
Jordan Gonzales is a STAR counselor. Her job is to work with survivors one-on-one or in groups to help them make sense of what happened, process their emotions, and collaborate on ways to cope.
Her advice for the community to best support survivors of sexual violence?
“By recognizing that sexual trauma is real and that it happens more often than what feels comfortable to acknowledge. By using language that is supportive of survivors so more people feel safe coming forward. And by giving and donating so we can serve more community members.”
Airzola Cleaves is a STAR attorney. Her job is to provide legal services to primary survivors of sexual trauma.
Her advice for the community to best support survivors of sexual violence?
“By suspending judgment and actively listening.”
To our STAR staff, #ThanksForGiving!
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