A Message from Executive Director Carlyn Sampson
A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to sit down with someone I never thought I would get to meet. On a rainy spring afternoon, I met Ilene Molinder, one of Rebuilding Hope’s founding mothers. Sharing a room and talking with someone who so fearlessly laid the foundation of our work, I got chills.
Ilene is one of three women who signed Rebuilding Hope’s 1975 Articles of Incorporation. Along with Maureen Saylor and Nancy Bear, the three formed Pierce County Rape Relief (PCRR), known today as Rebuilding Hope.
Ilene had already been using her home phone to answer crisis calls from victim-survivors across the county prior to incorporation. After establishing PCRR, the agency was able to begin providing what we now call ‘legal advocacy’, with Ilene becoming the first advocate allowed to accompany a victim during a police interview. Around this time, the agency also launched an education program, enabling Ilene to go into schools and talk with students about PCRR’s services.
Now, 50 years later, our advocates, therapists, and educators continue the work that Ilene and her peers began, standing alongside victim-survivors through every step of their healing journey and combating the oppressive social norms that allow sexual violence to exist.
To see my interview with Ilene and hear more about the early days of Rebuilding Hope, join us at the 50th Anniversary Spring Soiree on April 25!
For Rebuilding Hope, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) means more than ever this year. We have so much history to celebrate, and so many ways for you to participate! Join the movement started by Ilene and our founding mothers by attending one of these local events:
- Raise a Glass at Silver City Pint Night
On April 14th, join us at the Silver City Brewery/Taproom in Bremerton. From 4-8pm, every pint will give $1 back to Rebuilding Hope. Plus, all attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a one-year membership to the idyllic Bloedel Reserve!
- Share Your Talent at Hope’n Mic Nights at Kimball Coffeehouse
Every Thursday in April, join us at Kimball Coffeehouse in Gig Harbor to enjoy a night of creativity, community, and support for survivors. Doors open at 5pm and the show will run from 6-8pm. Participation is free and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will go toward Rebuilding Hope’s programs.
- Get Your Groove On at the 50th Anniversary Spring Soiree
This year’s Spring Soiree will be unforgettable with a 1970s Glam theme in honor of our founding in 1975! Enjoy a delicious dinner, exciting raffle and live auction packages, and powerful stories about our agency’s 50-year legacy. If you’re already registered, thank you!
- Donate NOW: $50 for 50 years!
Take action TODAY to support victim-survivors. We’ve come a long way in 50 years – but our work continues. Of all the ways to show your support this Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this the only one you can do before you finish reading this letter!
It is a true honor to lead an organization with such an incredible history. Together, let’s celebrate 50 years of supporting victim-survivors and begin our next 50 in strength and community.
I hope to see you soon this April!
Sincerely,
Executive Director
P.S.– Your gift of $50 in honor of our 50th Anniversary will help ensure victim-survivors have access to the advocacy, therapy, and support they deserve. Thank you for being part of this milestone year!
P.P.S. – You can learn more about our April Sexual Assault Awareness Month events on our website at rebuildinghope.org/events. We hope to celebrate with you in April!
