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Nevertheless, We Persist:
30 Years of Resilience, Healing, and Hope.
Dear Friends,
2019 is our 30th Anniversary! Each month this year, we’ll be highlighting a different aspect of our work. We want to share what makes us – your community-based Sexual Assault Support Centre - unique and so vital to Waterloo Region.
In recognition of this milestone, we’ve just released a special refresh of our logo I’d like to tell you about.
 Community-based Sexual Assault Support Centres exist because of the women’s movement – specifically the second-wave of feminism in the 1960s and 1970s.
In 1975, there was an initial attempt to establish a centre locally, but by 1978 the 3-year-old Waterloo Rape Distress Centre was forced to close when its funding was cut. For the next eleven years later, we were one of the last major urban centers in Ontario without a Sexual Assault Support Centre.
Recognizing the incredible need, in 1989 a small group of local women took action and launched our 24-Hour Support Line… and so we began.
Like those women who established sexual assault centres and women’s shelters after the second wave of feminism, we’re once again living in a time of social change. Dialogue about sexual violence has increased exponentially in recent years. Survivors are reaching out in record numbers. This cultural shift culminated in the #MeToo movement which continues to have a profound impact locally and globally.
She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.
Adopted by the feminist movement in 2017, this expression became popular after the US Senate voted to silence Senator Elizabeth Warren. Its meaning has expanded to refer to women's persistence in breaking barriers, despite being silenced or ignored.
Our Centre adopted this expression to mark our 30th anniversary for three reasons. First, it speaks to our continuing efforts to shift the attitudes at the heart of sexual violence, despite often meeting resistance. Second, it reflects the struggle, persistence, and resilience of the many survivors we’ve walked beside, and third, because it ties us to our roots – the feminist movement.
Our Centre has grown and expanded since those early days. Initially a 24 Hour Support Line, we began to offer free individual and group counselling to women. We started a public education program aimed at prevention. We expanded our services to include support for all genders. We created our Male Allies Program, which works to engage men and boys in the work to end gendered violence. We established our Court Support Program, and most recently, our dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Program.
It’s been 30 years since a handful of local women came together in support of local survivors. Today we still rely on the generosity and support of our community. With more survivors reaching out, our waiting lists are longer than any time in our history.
This year we’re seeking the support of 30 new monthly donors to help us address the demand for our services. If you’re able, demonstrate your solidarity here: www.sascwr.org/donate
Thank you to all those who have supported our Centre’s work with survivors over the last 30 years – our founders, board members, staff, volunteers, funders, donors, champions, and ambassadors. We only exist because of you.
Solidarity,
Sara Casselman
Executive Director
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This year, we are looking for 30 new monthly donors to join us in supporting survivors.
Here's how your monthly contribution can make a difference:
- $10 a month can provide survivors with practical assistance such as bus tickets, food, and self-care items
- $25 a month can provide 8 hours of coverage on our 24 Hour Support Line, ensuring a trained and caring person is always available to take a call
- $50 a month can support workshops for youth about consent and healthy-relationships
- $75 a month can support one survivor through their healing journey
Donating is simple and secure. Click the testimonial below to get started!
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Save The Date!
2019 Events and Happenings
Friday, May 3, 2019:
No One Asks For It!
Wear purple in support of survivors of sexual violence
Saturday, May 25, 2019:
Rosie The Riveter Bowl-A-Thon at Kingpin Bowlounge
More details to come
Saturday, June 22, 2019:
FoxNet's Nashville Night in support of SASC and Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
More details to come
Tuesday, June 25, 2019:
Annual General Meeting
Saturday, November 2, 2019:
The Birthday Gala: Cheers To 30 Years!
More details to come
Tuesday, December 3, 2019:
Giving Tuesday
Additional events/groups/workshops will be announced in February/March
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