Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) provides crisis assistance to victims of sexual assault and to their families and friends. SARSSM also provides information and referrals, school-based education, professional training and consultation.

Description:
SARSSM MISSION STATEMENT: Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine shall develop and provide quality services to survivors of sexual assault and concerned others in York and Cumberland counties who need assistance resolving issues related to sexual assault. SARSSM shall take a leadership role in encouraging a social climate in which sexual assault is unacceptable. SARSSM shall participate in community planning, develop community resources, and promote education and training programs related to sexual assault.

History:
In 1973, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (f/k/a Rape Crisis Center, Inc.) began as a grassroots effort to advocate for victims of sexual assault after recognizing that there were little, if any, resources available to women who had been sexually assaulted. These efforts resulted in a network of survivors who volunteered to be available to provide support, advocacy and referrals to others. After incorporating in 1976, SARSSM opened an office in 1978. In the following year, a 24-hour hotline was established for those affected by sexual assault. Today, the hotline functions with trained volunteer advocates. In addition to telephone support, SARSSM advocates are available to provide in-person support to victim/survivor(s) at the hospital, police station and through the court process. Staying true to its mission, SARSSM has grown to be able to offer community education through its school-based programs, training for social service providers, educational programs for law enforcement and health care providers, and programs for local businesses. SARSSM is also the sponsor of the annual Take Back the Night March and Rally. SARSSM works closely with other community members to ensure a compassionate and effective response to sexual assault by sitting on community tasks forces and advisory councils, project collaboration with other agencies and organizing Sexual Assault Response Teams. Currently, SARSSM operates with 7 staff, a broad base of volunteers on the hotline, and an active Board of Directors. It receives federal, state, county and municipal funding, is a member of the United Way of Greater Portland and the United Way of York County, receives donations from a supportive community and holds several fundraising events annually, including the Chocolate Lover's Fling.

Contact people:

Marla Stelk, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Charlene Powell, Crisis Services Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (207) 828-1378

Address:

P.O. Box 1371 Portland, ME 04104

Web Site: http://www.sarsonline.org

Miscellaneous Information

What is your TTY phone number?
	1-888-458-5599
This agency has United Way funded programs
	Yes
The agency places volunteers in these categories:
	Families, ages 15 - 18, Physically disabled, Adults

Last updated on November 9, 2009