Archuleta County Victim Assistance

“A draft of the form 990 is reviewed by the executive director and board of directors prior to electronic filing.”

“Monitoring of any conflict of interest is ongoing but primarily occurs at times of hiring personnel and replacing board members. Each individual is interviewed and specifically screened for a potential conflict and is directly questioned on the matter. Further research and investigation is conducted when necessary, with final determination relegated to the proper level of authority.”

“The board of directors reviews and approves the executive director's annual salary, with no participation by the executive director or other interested persons. The executive director's salary is established using comparable data for similarly qualified persons in functionally comparable positions at similar nonprofits; consideration of roles and responsibilities of the executive director; and cost of living data. Comparable market data is obtained from salary surveys and form 990s filed by comparable not-for-profit organizations. Discussions and decisions regarding the compensation are documented in executive committee meeting minutes. The executive director also receives reimbursements for routine, reasonable, and documented expenses incurred during the year under an accountable plan. The executive director travels throughout our service area. The organization has a travel policy that caps reimbursement levels and requires low-budget travel.”

“A line item budget is approved by the board of directors annually. The board approves the overall salaries and benefits expenses. Discussions and decisions regarding the budget are documented in board meeting minutes. The executive director reviews and approves the salaries of other officers or key employees, with no participation by the interested persons, in accordance with the annual budget approved by the board. The executive director establishes salaries using comparable data for similarly qualified persons in functionally comparable positions at similar nonprofits; consideration of roles and responsibilities of the officer or key employee; and cost of living data. Comparable market data is obtained from salary surveys and form 990s filed by comparable not-for- profit organizations.”

“We consider requests on a case-by-case basis.”

“To promote the belief that all people have the right to live free from violence by providing support and advocacy services for victims and education for youth and our community. This is done by enhancing safety for victims, families, and the community; securing justice for victims; and educating and engaging the community to respond to and prevent violence.”

“10 volunteer victim advocates provided advocacy and support services, including immediate crisis intervention on-scene or answering the hotline, as well as court advocacy and accompaniment. Volunteer victim advocates donated 2,000 hours with over 200 hours of training and continuing education. An estimated 35 event volunteers donated 462 hours to assist with special events, fundraisers, and awareness projects. The board of directors serve on a volunteer basis, with 8 total individuals for the year, providing 130 hours for meeting attendance, participation at special events, strategic planning work sessions, and attendance at board training workshops.”

“Archuleta county victim assistance program, inc. (acvap), dba: rise above violence, a non-profit organization established in 1996, is a community- based program that intervenes, responds, and prevents incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other interpersonal violence through the provision of advocacy, support, and education services throughout archuleta county. Rise promotes the belief that all people have the right to live free from violence. A total of 408 victims were provided victim assistance services in 2024, with advocates answering 3,303 calls for help and support, with 9,354 services provided. This was a 27% increase in services provided as compared to 2023. 74 victims received crisis intervention either in person or through our 24-hour hotline; 223 victims received legal assistance and court advocacy and 67 victims received housing support, from emergency through long-term housing rental assistance. Beyond direct victim services, rise works to prevent violence through educational awareness initiatives, with a major focus on outreaching youth. 442 students participated in 149 violence prevention presentations, including youth rise leadership, bullying prevention, and bystander intervention. 92 professional allies and 172 community members were provided specialized training workshops and community awareness. Trainings and community education projects raise awareness and skills for the general public and allied responders on domestic, dating, and sexual violence dynamics, trends, and responses particular to their profession or for general knowledge.”