Erin Ellis, Executive Director
After 11 years I am still here at SARC because there is no greater professional satisfaction than witnessing the power of women supporting other women. This sacred place is where we honor culture, vision, and voice.
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Tanell Morton, Case Manager for Sexually Exploited Youth
I am so thankful to work at SARC and to be involved in an organization that cares and fights against the issue of sex trafficking. I enjoy every single moment I get to spend with the amazing survivors I work with! Everyday we dive into thoughts and feelings around oppression, race/cultures, privilege, gender violence, power & control, domestic violence, and so much more. All of theses things contribute to the problem of domestic sex trafficking. The youth I get to work with inspire me with their amazing resilience, strength, determination and beauty! They are the reasons I continue in this movement.
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Afton Coppedge, Case Manager for Sexually Exploited Youth
SARC is the almond butter to my grape jelly, the cream to my Oreo, and the happy to my birthday! I love SARC because the women at this organization are so phenomenal! We are a group of diverse, strong, and empowered ladies kicking behind everyday to make the Portland metro area a warmer and safer place for survivors! Woohoo!
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Amanda Swanson, Case Manager for Sexually Exploited Youth
One of the main reasons I love working at SARC is the strength and inspiration I see everyday not only among the staff and volunteers but also with the youth and clients we work with. I go through my day knowing I have this amazing sisterhood walking with me giving me the strength to overcome anything that comes across my path.A
I love my job at SARC developing the group program & running groups for teens & women for two reasons. First it is so exciting to see how impacted in a positive way these clients are by the group experience & how much they grow & heal helping each other. Secondly, I love being on the ground floor of developing a new program, using my past experience to make something new for clients. This is an extremely rewarding job.
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Amy Collins, MAT, Prevention Educator Coordinator
I’ve had the honor and pleasure of being involved with SARC for the last 10 years. The youth who receive our 9-session sexual violence curriculum inspire me to continue doing this work as their enthusiasm to curb violence in our community is infectious. I believe in the power of education and the ability to educate youth to prevent violence and create social change.
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I always tell people that I have the best job in the world because my job is to support fifty of the most amazing women I’ve ever met. The volunteer advocates on our support line, as well as the survivors we speak to, inspire me and keep me coming back for more every day!
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I find myself fortunate to work at a place like the Sexual Assault Resource Center. SARC is a representation of a mosaic because we all strive to complement each other to create something beautiful and meaningful. Suffice it to say, I am continuously marveled by the passion, devotion and heart behind the work of the board members, staff and volunteers.
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Rachel Lowenthal, LCSW, Mental Health Program Co-Manager
SARC is the kind of place that believes that all who come for support are welcomed with warmth, kindness and dignity. SARC believes that we are not defined by past events, and that with an understanding supportive community we can reconnect to our core selves. Our counseling program is firmly rooted in these philosophies, providing a strong foundation for gentle exploration and guidance toward health and healing.
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Mychell Mortiz, ATR-BC, LPC, Mental Health Program Co-Manager
There is a special place in my heart for helping people who have been hurt by someone else. Most of us want to forget or bury the painful memories, and yet by sharing these stories one can open the door to healing. I feel honored to bear witness as survivors bravely tell their stories and piece by piece reclaim their personal power. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ~Maya Angelou
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Lee Anne Dillon, Case Manager
I love working for SARC because of the staff and the supportive work environment. I have the privilege of supporting survivors during their healing process. I am so inspired by the amazing women I meet and their resiliency.
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Working for SARC has allowed me to stand witness to the most painful and triumphant moments in the lives of women. This organization firmly stands behind its promise to promote social justice by eliminating sexual violence in our community. In doing so, SARC encourages and supports its employees to bravely challenge conventional service provision in an effort to provide genuine assistance to our survivors. As Coordinator of the Latina program, I have the exciting opportunity to implement culturally specific services to our Latina survivors. Being part of the SARC team means I know I will always have the support and encouragement that I need to do this important work.
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It is so inspiring to be able to witness the healing process of survivors. I am continually amazed at the ability people have to overcome, connect, and heal. I feel honored to be part of such a wonderful community of people.
