It makes sense for it to feel impossible to ‘return to normal’ after enduring a storm. Replenishing resources, tending to things that fell by the wayside during the chaos, and emerging from isolation are no easy feats. All the wonderful things that can happen on the other side of the storm do not negate the experience you had during it.  

The cycles of extreme weather events show up for me in the same way we talk about the cycle of violence.

In the calm phase of our weather, we may go hiking with friends, sit on a patio and sip coffee, or finally tackle the yard work. This weather is supportive of our goals, predictable, and maybe even warm. As tension builds in the forecast, we begin extrapolating what crisis may come. We pull from past experiences of this cycle because we’ve been through this before, and we know what makes the difference.  

Our skills to prepare for the crisis phase are developing quickly. Stock within reason. Charge the devices. Cover the plants. Check in on the neighbors. Each pass of the cycle gives us newfound methods for coping, for surviving.  

Storms of varying magnitudes exist all around us. Similarly, the systems that drive such chaos can feel far beyond our control. The unknown of what is on the horizon is likely to spark anxiety, worry, and fear.  

The grounding constant through many of the storms around us, is the strength we have found in community. We have come together in new ways over the last year. Continuing to show up for our neighbors is building safety in our communities.  

The Sexual Assault Resource Agency is proud to be part of this community. To move towards safety, connection, and justice in every aspect of our work. When the storm feels too much to carry, please know you don’t have to navigate things alone.  

Join us in honoring the advocates, partners, and survivors who make our community stronger by becoming a sponsor of the SARA Awards Breakfast or purchasing an individual ticket. Your contribution directly supports SARA’s mission to provide compassionate crisis response, trauma-informed advocacy, and healing services for survivors of sexual violence in our region.

Sponsors receive recognition at the event and in SARA communications, while making a powerful statement of support for survivor-centered care. Together, we can celebrate impact, uplift leadership, and ensure survivors continue to receive the services they deserve.

• Tell 5 people about SARA and the importance of violence prevention and response work happening right here in your community. Ask those around you how they can support.  

• Join us at events. Show up for agencies like SARA, Foothills Child Advocacy Center, and ReadyKids. 

• Volunteer with SARA. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved. 

• Become a Monthly Donor. Your contributions help keep the lights on, but they also help drive innovation and allow more flexible responses to community needs.