April was a powerful and impactful month for our community, marked by meaningful events, strong partnerships, and collective action in support of survivors and prevention efforts.
Sexual Assault Awareness Advocacy
We began the month by recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) through the SAAM Day of Action and Denim Day. These moments invited our community to stand in solidarity with survivors, raise awareness, and spark important conversations about consent, respect, and accountability. This commitment was further reinforced through official proclamations from the County Commissioners and the Carlisle Borough Mayor, formally recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and affirming a shared dedication to prevention, education, and survivor support across our region.
Throughout downtown, ribbons served as visible reminders of our shared commitment to ending violence and supporting those affected. These displays helped bring awareness into everyday spaces, encouraging reflection and dialogue.
Advocacy continued with our participation in the Victims’ Rights Rallies and the Statutes of Limitations Rally, where we connected with partners and community members who share our mission. These events reinforced the importance of collaboration in creating lasting change. The Victims’ Rights Rally in Cumberland County gave us the opportunity to recognize Andrea Greene, a dedicated hotline volunteer, and committed community member.
Volunteers
We also hosted groups of dedicated volunteers, including teams from Giant, Members First, and Mid Penn Bank. These volunteers helped with ribbon tying downtown, Pad Pantry bag assembly and organization, outdoor cleanup, and refreshing our spaces with new layers of paint. Their time and energy helped expand our reach and made many of our initiatives possible.
Outreach and Education
Education and prevention remained central to our efforts. The Human Trafficking Simulation provided participants with a deeper understanding of the realities of trafficking, while the DVS Healing Through Art program offered a space for expression and healing. The Act Local Fair in Gettysburg helped our advocates connect with community members and reintroduce the sexual assault crisis services to Adams County.
We also had the opportunity to connect with families at Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA, promoting safe, healthy environments for children and providing resources to support their well-being.
Partnering with Colleges and Universities
Signature events like Take Back the Night at Dickinson College and Shippensburg University, and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes by Gettysburg College, brought the community together in both reflection and action. These events created space to honor survivors, amplify voices, and challenge the systems that allow violence to persist.
The Results are in – Match Madness
We received the results from our Match Madness campaign. Your support and gifts made this our most successful Match Madness ever. Together we raised $31,634.24. This significant increase will go to support survivors of sexual assault and ensure survivors are heard, supported, and served.
April was a demonstration to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with purpose. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and stood with us this month.