Lawrence’s Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center celebrates 50 years

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center honored Lawrence community members and celebrated its 50th anniversary Thursday at Venue 1235.

The Care Center was founded in 1972 as a response to the growing number of sexual assault allegations on at KU. It began with a powerful group of women who volunteered their time and talent to gain support from the community and create a safe space for survivors. Today, the center offers both group and individual therapy sessions for survivors, a 24/7 support hotline, comprehensive sexual education and community workshops that focus on preventing sexual violence — all free of charge for those who receive services.

Volunteers like 19-year-old Hunter Finerty, of Baldwin City, help make those services possible.

“Sexual violence is something that everyone knows happens, but a lot of people don’t necessarily know how to get involved in the path to stopping it from happening. (Volunteering is) a very accessible way to have a very real impact,” Finerty said. 

The awards ceremony began with an opening speech from Chrissy Heikkila, executive director.

Gabi Sprague was named as the 2022 Outstanding Community Member. Sprague is Douglas County’s human services program manager, and she works to help prevent homelessness by utilizing community resources. 

Aletra Johnson was recognized as the Care Center’s Outstanding Volunteer. She also serves as the president on the center’s board of directors. 

Other awards were Outstanding Non-Profit, given to the Children’s Advocacy Center; Outstanding Community Business, going to Merchants Pub and Plate; and another Outstanding Community Member award to Mariel Ferreiro. 

Since its inception 50 years ago, the Care Center has served thousands of clients — around 900 individuals sought the center’s services in 2021 alone. The event celebrated the Care Center’s history and made a toast to another 50 years of service. 

The Care Center currently serves Douglas, Jefferson and Franklin counties, and has offices in Oskaloosa and Ottawa. The organization has no plans to stop growing: at the end of 2022, the main office will relocate to 330 Maine St. 

“We started as just a small grassroots organization, just a couple of people getting together through KU. It’s blossomed into what we are today,” said Megan Engleman, director of communications.

The walking historical timeline took up an entire wall, telling the story of the Care Center’s history through posters, old news releases and memorabilia. 

Venue 1235 was decorated in the Care Center’s trademark orange and blue. Snacks, candy and drinks were provided. 

Just hours before the event, the governor’s office announced that the Care Center would receive a $128,597 grant from the state general fund.

The Care Center is largely grant-funded, but donations are always gladly appreciated. To donate, Venmo @STACareCenter or mail a check to 708 W. Ninth St. #105, Lawrence, KS 66044. 

Chloe Anderson (she/her) contributed to The Lawrence Times from August 2022 through May 2023. She is also published in Climbing magazine, Kansas Reflector and Sharp End Publishing. As a recent graduate of the University of Kansas, Chloe plans to continue her career in photography, rock climbing and writing somewhere out West.

You can view her portfolio, articles and commissioned work here. Check out more of her work for the Times here.

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