<p>"The story of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
is similar to "The Little Engine That Could."
It is the only agency in the county
serving thousands of sexual violence
survivors that have no where
else to turn."
Julie Harris
2008 Board President
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I N T R O D U C T I O N
nce upon a time, there were four women who understood what our
community needed and took action. They realized that sexual assault
survivors were living in shame and discouraged from telling anyone
what had happened to them even though their assault was not their
choice and never their fault. These women founded the Cleveland
Rape Crisis Center and today the story of survivor healing continues.
"A Story of Strength, Compassion and Hope" is the theme for our 2008 report
to the community. Midway through the year, many of us woke up early to open
The Plain Dealer and read "Beyond Rape: A Survivor's Journey" written by rape
survivor and former CRCC client Joanna Connors. The story catapulted the
complex issues surrounding sexual assault to the forefront of our minds and helped
connect hundreds more survivors with CRCC services.
Like Joanna, every survivor has a story and there are thousands that we could
share with you about how CRCC helps transform lives. We've selected just a few to
share inside.
We'd also like to share with you the highlights of 2008, including:
CRCC reached more than 14,000 people with programs and services,
a 7% increase over the year prior and 20% increase over 2006.
CRCC launched Men of Strength Clubs, in collaboration with the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cleveland, to prevent first-time perpetration
of sexual assault.
Sing Out! raised a record $255,000 to support CRCC services and sold out.
Additionally, CRCC continued to offer individual and group therapy, justice
system and hospital advocacy, a 24-hour hotline, professional training and
education and prevention programs to the Greater Cleveland community. Read
more inside.
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