Safe Passage Expands Services to Support Young Victims: A Landmark Event in Our Community
On April 17, the **Safe Passage Children’s Advocacy Center** celebrated an important milestone during its annual spring fundraising luncheon, The Thread Throughout. This uplifting event not only brought community members together but also highlighted the expanded services available for young victims of abuse and sexual assault. The center announced the introduction of **in-house mental health services**, effective January 2023, further strengthening its commitment to provide comprehensive care.
Honoring Dedication to Child Welfare
The spotlight at the luncheon shone brightly on **two licensed therapists**, Sarah Hagedorn and Andi Greco, who are dedicated to helping children navigate the complex emotional aftermath of their traumatic experiences. Both were honored with the prestigious **Iuppa Award**, a tribute named after the late Judge Barney Iuppa. This award is not just an honor; it symbolizes a legacy of compassion and proactive support in the community.
A Legacy of Compassion
Judge Iuppa played a pivotal role in establishing the Children’s Advocacy Center in 1994, creating a **safe haven** for child victims. Before its inception, these young individuals often faced grueling and fragmented processes, having to recount their traumatic experiences in multiple locations such as police stations and hospitals, which often diluted their testimonies. With Judge Iuppa’s vision, children now have a **dedicated space** to share their stories and receive necessary medical examinations in a supportive environment.
A Vision Realized: The Transition to Safe Passage
In 2020, discussions began for a larger center to accommodate all agencies involved in a child’s case under one roof. This vision came to fruition with the opening of **Safe Passage** in 2023, strategically located on the city’s west side at Robinson Street. It stands out as **Colorado’s only co-located center**, carefully designed to provide a **kid-friendly** atmosphere where young victims can express their experiences without fear.
An Exemplary Collaborative Effort
Safe Passage collaborates with a range of crucial services, including the **Colorado Springs Police Department Child Crimes Unit**, **UCHealth**, **El Paso County Department of Human Services**, and the **El Paso County Sheriff’s Office**. This multi-agency partnership ensures that victims receive comprehensive support, making the challenging journey toward healing a little less daunting.
The Luncheon: A Community Coming Together
The luncheon, hosted by **KOAA’s Brie Groves**, featured impactful videos that illustrated the experiences within the center and underlined the critical need for mental health services for young victims. **Maureen Basenberg**, the executive director of Safe Passage, along with Board President **Anna de Wit**, proudly announced that the event raised **$25,000**, which was bolstered by a matching grant from the **Russell Grinnell Trust**. This immense support from the community speaks volumes about collective commitment to safeguarding vulnerable youth.
A Bright Future Ahead
After enjoying a delightful lunch, attendees had the opportunity to tour the **vibrant center**, meeting staff and learning more about the holistic services offered. Safe Passage is not merely a facility; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to how communities can unite to uplift those in their most trying times.
This event serves as a reminder that by coming together, we can create a safer world for our children. As we support organizations like Safe Passage, we take significant strides toward fostering resilience among our youngest and most vulnerable members.
To learn more about Safe Passage and how you can contribute to their vital mission, visit [Safe Passage](https://safepassageadvocacy.org) today.
