Post updated at 9:35 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19:
Jennifer Ananda has left her position as executive director of the Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center, the organization announced Monday.
“It is with a heavy — but hopeful — heart that we celebrate the accomplishments of Jennifer Ananda and wish her well on her next journey,” Care Center staff members wrote in a Facebook post.
Staff wrote that they’re grateful for Ananda’s leadership over the last 19 months and “excited for her to step up into a new role.”
Ananda was announced as the executive director in January 2023 following the September 2022 resignation of Chrissy Heikkila, who had served at the Care Center for 13 years. It was “a period of great transition,” staff wrote in the post.
“She has stewarded the agency through the transition into our new 330 Maine location; improved staff wages and created additional advocate positions; strengthened internal processes to ensure sustainable programming; and expanded our community partnerships,” the post continued.
Ananda said in an emailed statement that the past 19 months with the Care Center have been an opportunity for learning and growth.
“I am proud of the work that has happened to make STACC more sustainable, including significant staff raises, creating a strong leadership team, and updating or creating much needed policies and procedures,” she said. “I am very excited for the future of the agency and the opportunity for new leadership to continue this important work for survivors in our community.”
She started work Monday at Grand River Solutions as a senior solutions specialist, she said.
“I will be doing work in the field of Title IX, which will give me more flexibility for my family and an opportunity to continue doing good work that contributes to the safety of survivors of sexual violence,” her statement continued.
The Care Center is beginning a search for new leadership, according to a news release from Board President Aletra Johnson.
“No interim director is being appointed at this time. Several Care Center staff members are receiving a stipend to account for additional responsibilities they will be taking on during this transition period, and board members will be attending staff meetings and providing additional support to maintain the organization’s direction and cohesion,” according to the release.
The Care Center will start interviewing candidates for the executive director position as soon as enough qualified applicants are identified, according to the release. The job description is online at stacarecenter.org/jobs and lists a minimum salary of $72,000.
The Care Center aims to promote a culture of consent and to provide 24/7 support for anyone affected by sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties, according to its website.
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Mackenzie Clark (she/her), reporter/founder of The Lawrence Times, can be reached at mclark@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
Resources for survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence or trauma, please seek the help that’s right for you. There are many options available, and you don’t have to file a police report if you don’t want to.
Get 24/7 help in Lawrence: The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
- Call 785-843-8985 to reach an advocate, 24/7. (Consider saving that number in your phone in case you or someone you know ever needs it.)
- After an assault: What are my options? Check this page for detailed information about
- talking to an advocate,
- going to the hospital,
- making a police report,
- and/or talking to a counselor or therapist.
- On campus? Check this page for specific resources for the University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University, Ottawa University and more.
Resources on KU’s campus:
- Contact CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Services: KU students can make an appointment online at careservices.ku.edu, by email, care@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-9255. It’s free, confidential and voluntary to talk with the CARE Coordinator. All genders welcome. Read more here.
- Find more KU campus resources at this link. Specific information about sexual assault exams can be found under the “Medical Care” tab.
- Connect with KU CARE Companions on Instagram. (Note: CARE Companions are KU students in the Panhellenic community that offer peer support and info about resources, but this is not an advocacy service like others listed here.)
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
More resources
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives that is culturally appropriate.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
Latest Lawrence news:
Pancho Metz/Contributed photo
