Key Facts
- Anniversary
- 30 years of Rise Above Violence
- Event
- Runway for Rise on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.
- Venue
- Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
- Featured Team
- Metamorphosis (Donna Muir, Kim Buscaglia, Meagan Zimpfer)
- Voting Period
- Aug. 10 to Oct. 3
- Helpline
- (970) 264-9075 (24/7 confidential)
Background
Rise Above Violence, the only victim advocacy and crisis support organization in Archuleta County and surrounding areas, is marking 30 years of service. The organization provides safety, hope, and healing for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the rural community.
In rural areas like Archuleta County, isolation can be one of the greatest dangers facing victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Rise Above Violence fills a critical role in ensuring no one has to navigate trauma alone, offering programs designed to meet survivors wherever they are on their healing journey.
Current Situation
Rise Above Violence links survivors with essential wrap-around resources, including immediate safety planning and on-scene crisis response, guidance through court systems and help filing protection orders, counseling to process trauma, and emergency shelter, transitional support, and housing assistance.
The organization also runs a youth prevention education program that teaches conflict resolution, boundary setting, and warning signs of teen dating violence, aiming to foster a culture of respect and dismantle cycles of violence for generations to come.
To keep services free and accessible, Rise relies on community support and fundraising. The annual Runway for Rise event will be held on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. This year's featured team is Metamorphosis, consisting of Donna Muir, Kim Buscaglia, and Meagan Zimpfer, returning for their third season.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Runway for Rise |
| Date | Oct. 3 |
| Time | 6 p.m. |
| Venue | Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts |
| Featured Team | Metamorphosis |
| Team Members | Donna Muir, Kim Buscaglia, Meagan Zimpfer |
| Voting Period | Aug. 10 to Oct. 3 |
| Vote Value | $1 per vote |
Impacts
The Runway for Rise event brings together local design teams, sponsors, and community members for a fashion showcase featuring creative, eco-conscious, and thrifty couture. Teams compete for community votes, with one vote equaling $1, to win the Prada Award.
Community involvement is crucial as Rise steps into its next decade. Attending the event and supporting participating teams are direct ways to help. Voting for Team Metamorphosis is available online between Aug. 10 and Oct. 3.
The organization's services are vital for survivors in Archuleta County, where isolation can exacerbate the dangers of domestic and sexual violence. Confidential help is available 24/7 at (970) 264-9075.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
As Rise Above Violence enters its next decade, continued community support will be essential. If fundraising goals are met, the organization may sustain and expand its free services, ensuring survivors continue to receive critical assistance.
The success of the youth prevention education program could lead to long-term reductions in domestic and sexual violence in the community, if the program remains funded and reaches more young people.
If community engagement wanes, the organization could face challenges in maintaining its current level of services, potentially affecting survivors who rely on its support. The future depends on the community's ongoing commitment.
Source: pagosasun.com
