Sexual Assault Services

“The draft of the form 990 is reviewed by the executive director and board of directors prior to filing with the irs.”

“If any board member or staff member is aware of a possible conflict of interest or an appearance of a conflict of interest, they shall bring such conflict to the attention of the saso board. The determination of what to do about a conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest shall be made by a majority vote of the board. A saso board member shall abstain from making a motion, seconding a motion, discussing a motion, or voting on any matter in which the member has the conflict or the appearance of conflict.”

“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.”

“Staff and volunteer advocates cover the 24-hour crisis hotline and provide advocacy support to sexual assault victims at the saso office, in police stations, during a sexual assault forensic medical examination at the hospital, or at designated community partner locations. In addition, staff and volunteers also advocate for victims by attending court in the 6th judicial district. In 2024, saso served 220 survivors of sexual assault by providing 1,110 services and 245 referrals to community resources. Saso uses volunteers to co-present our prevention education programming provided to elementary, middle, and high schools; to college students; and also, to community members. In 2024, saso provided educational workshops to over 1,675 youth in la plata county. Crisis advocacy volunteers receive 30 hours of specialized training. Prevention education volunteers receive a minimum of 8 hours of training to be able to provide community services and programming. In 2024, 16 volunteer advocates provided 2,150 hotline hours. Saso volunteers may also provide office services such as filing, office assistance, prevention education programming, special projects, etc. The saso board of directors also serve on a volunteer basis in 2-year terms. Volunteers are an essential support of saso's success in the community.”

“Victim services: saso hotline and follow-up services assist victims of sexual assault in the long process of recovery from a traumatic violent crime. These services often are the first, and perhaps most important, steps toward reducing the trauma of a sexual assault. The support and assistance provided by trained volunteer advocates and saso staff include: 24-hour crisis intervention and counseling; medical advocacy during fne (forensic nurse exams); advocacy during law enforcement interviews and court proceedings; free support groups and financial assistance for individual therapy and emergency needs; and referrals to community and support agencies. In addition, saso provides on-site advocacy to the local safehouse, community corrections program, county detention center, and schools. Methods for implementing these programs follow best practice guidelines developed at the state and federal levels including prioritizing victim safety and empowerment, notification about victim rights, and strict adherence to victim confidentiality. Saso collaborates with 6th judicial district community providers serving victims of sexual violence to create best practice policies for providing services and response. Through this, saso has been able to increase our medical and legal advocacy programs, providing greater support for victims as they navigate the complex and often confusing criminal justice system. During 2024, saso served 220 unduplicated clients with 1,110 victim services and 245 referrals to community resources. Saso offers a therapist-facilitated, free, community support group for survivors. Groups at community connections and the jail resumed after the pandemic, but were suspended at times due to covid outbreaks and safety concerns in facilities. These support groups are free of charge to participants so that cost is not a barrier to healing. These services are essential supports for sexual assault survivors in our community as we are the only community-based advocacy agency for victims of sexual assault serving la plata and san juan counties.”

“Prevention education and outreach: saso's education programs span k-12, college, and adults. Saso utilizes unhushed curriculum for elementary, middle school, and high school prevention programs. In 2024, saso provided workshops for over 1,675 la plata county youth and 1,401 fort lewis college students and community members. Saso has increased its outreach programming, expanding our work to build relationships with underserved community members by partnering with local agencies serving native american; latinx; lgtbq; homeless; veterans; intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities; youth; and elders. Saso recognizes that our underserved community members experience a much higher risk of sexual violence and stands to serve them with support and cultural respect in their healing. As a result, saso opened an office in 2020 to serve the southeast area of la plata county, including the southern ute reservation. In 2024, saso provided 151 cultural outreach programs to 2,754 community members on topics such as our latine symposium; collaborative talks with rainbow youth center, la plata youth services, companeros, 4 the children, etc. In 2024, saso provided over 137 community outreach meetings, workshops, and programs for 5,608 individuals.”

“Form 990, part xii, lines 2b and 2c: the board of directors reviews the internal financial statements on a bi-monthly basis. The finance committee reviews saso's internal financial statements on a quarterly basis and the annual budget, form 990, and audit on an annual basis. Though we are not mandated to perform an audit by grant or government standards, we perform one by choice for accountability as an organization.”