Sexual Assault Services Organization

“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, he or she 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.”

“Volunteers cover the 24-hour crisis hotline and provide advocacy support to sexual assault victims at the saso office, in the police station, or during a sexual assault medical forensic examination at the hospital. In addition, staff and volunteers also represent victims by attending court in the 6th judicial district. 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. Crisis advocacy volunteers receive 30 hours of specialized training, and prevention education volunteers receive a minimum of 8 hours training per program before being allowed to work with saso programming. Volunteers referred from the community may also provide services in the offices such as filing, poster campaigning, etc”

“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. Through collaboration to create best practice policies on sexual assault throughout the 6th judicial district, 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 2016, saso served 201 unduplicated callers with 381 contacts and 992 referrals to community resources. On-site at local safehouse, community corrections and county detention center locations, staff provided 194 individuals with 302 contacts. Two therapist-facilitated community support groups for survivors were provided throughout the year and eight staff led psychoeducation groups led at the county detention center. Saso offers on-going 5-week and 12-week community support groups for men and women victims and survivors of sexual violence. Each of these support groups are free of charge to participants. These services are key supports for sexual assault survivors in our community as we are the only sexual assault community advocacy agency in our jurisdiction.”

“When they choose to intervene and take responsibility for the safety of their peers. F.l.a.s.h. Empowers and educates students through teaching effective skills in communication, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, cyber safety, and gender norming. In 2016, saso served 1,537 clients through our prevention programs, including 883 elementary students, 103 middle school students, and 551 high school students. In addition, saso has built the council on sexual violence prevention (csvp) to engage the community in assessing needs and developing prevention programming. Csvp has conducted a needs and resources assessment related to sexual violence prevention in underserved and immigrant communities and continues to implement strategies that are specific to preventing sexual violence in these communities. Saso's provided education and training programs reached approximately 38,189 people through awareness presentations, special events, mixed media, and tabling.”

“Form 990, part xii, lines 2b and 2c: the board of directors reviews the financial statements on a monthly basis. The finance committee reviews saso's 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.”