Local Nonprofits Strengthen Victim Services Through Merger

SAN LUIS OBISPO – The North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center (NCWSRC) and the Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention (SARP) Center are merging into a new organization serving both domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their families. The merger is an important step in providing comprehensive services to victims of violence in our community.

The new agency will draw on over 65 years of combined experience providing services and shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The new organization will have a combined budget of $1 million and a staff of 24 providing services at 2 program sites.

Leaders of the two agencies say this union creates a stronger organization with a larger platform, better able to serve the needs of the community. Both agencies work to empower women, children, men and families through advocacy services, shelters and education. Approximately 60% of domestic violence victims served by NCWSRC have experienced sexual assault, while 2 out of 3 sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.

“During many months of meetings, negotiations, and planning, we discovered that the programs and goals of both agencies were linked even more closely than we had anticipated. This merger will serve our clients and community in a better, more comprehensive way,” said Lisa Bruce, Chair of the Board of Directors of the SARP Center.

After months of due diligence and negotiations facilitated by an independent consulting firm, La Piana Consulting, the two agencies’ Boards of Directors voted to merge the agencies effective January 1, 2013, with a new name to be unveiled in July.

“The staff, board members and volunteers of both agencies are very excited and ready to begin the implementation process. The wonderful mix of seasoned experience and youthful energy make the merger of these two organizations a perfect marriage,” said Jennifer Adams, Executive Director of the North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center.

Adams will become the Executive Director of the new organization while Jesse Torrey, the current interim Director of the SARP Center will become the Associate Executive Director. Leaders of both organizations expect the transition process to be smooth, as Adams, was the E.D. of the SARP Center for six years prior to her tenure with NCWSRC.

“I am grateful to the boards of both agencies for embracing such a positive and forward thinking concept as this merge. I am confident that the new agency will provide increased visibility and significantly more support from our community for the families we serve,” said Kate Perry, current President of the NCWSRC Board of Directors.

The Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention Center has provided free, confidential services to victims of sexual assault and their families for over 35 years. Their services include crisis intervention, prevention education, advocacy and counseling.

For 30 years, the North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center has provided free, confidential services to women, children and men who are victims of domestic violence. Their services include crisis intervention, case management, restraining order assistance, two safe houses and counseling.

For more information please contact the office directly at 805-226-5400.

Click here for frequently asked questions regarding the merger.