2020 has been a challenging journey for us all. We have all been forced to change course many times.  As we reflect on one of the most challenging years we have faced, including some of the largest funding cuts ever experienced, we are encouraged by the realization that sometimes the journey full of twists, turns, disappointments, cancellations, and changes is also full of unexpected gifts, growth, resilience, and change.  Sometimes our journey is as important a gift as the destination.

This year over 1300 individuals in our community began their healing journey.  Just as Brianna began her journey over 10 years ago when she walked through the doors of Julie Valentine Center as a terrified 11-year-old victim of years of sexual abuse.  Brianna’s journey took her from foster home to foster home for years.  Fortunately, thanks to generous supporters like you, Brianna was not alone, Julie Valentine Center traveled the journey with her.  Brianna stood before a crowd of over 1000 Julie Valentine Center supporters this year to share her journey and to say thank you.  She is no longer the scared 11-year-old victim.  She is an empowered, married, mother of two who is pursuing a career helping other trauma survivors on their journeys.

You can be a part of the healing journey for child abuse and sexual assault victims in our community.  We have an ambitious goal to raise $300,000 to support survivors like Brianna.  Your donation directly impacts our ability to continue to provide free, confidential services to victims and survivors in our community.  Your gift of $125 provides prevention education to children like Brianna.  With your support, the journey of hope and healing is possible for children and adults in our community.

Thank you for your continued support of Julie Valentine Center.  Together we are making our community a safer place for all.