Tessa

“The executive committee of the board of directors meets monthly and reviews all financial documents, including the annual audit and the form 990.”

“Potential new board members receive all policies before joining the board. The board is asked annually to reaffirm that they do not have interests that could give rise to conflicts of interest.”

“Tessa uses data from canpo (colorado association of non profit organizations) surveys for comparability of job responsibilities and compensation. Tessa strives to be in the 25th percentile of our peers (size & services) for annual salary rates for all positions.”

“Tessa's governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are available to the public upon request. Certain documents are also available on the organization's website.”

“Continued: WE PURSUE THREE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES TOWARD OUR MISSION: TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE SAFETY FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN CRISIS. TO EMPOWER SURVIVORS THROUGH SUPPORTIVE SERVICES SUCH AS OUR ADVOCACY, COUNSELING AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS. TO CREATE A SAFER COMMUNITY FOR ALL FAMILIES THROUGH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS OUTREACH.”

“SAFEHOUSE CONTINUED: The Safehouse Program provides safe shelter vouchers to adult male victims and their children through collaborations with local hotels. In FY2014, TESSA provided 12,337 nights of shelter to 283 adults and 155 children. Staff and trained volunteers provide crisis intervention, information, safety planning, and community referral services to domestic violence and/or sexual assault victims. Approximately 1,000 calls come through the crisis line each month.”

“VICTIM ADVOCACY CONTINUED: Services are provided in a secure and safe environment. Advocacy allows victims to identify options; develop safety plans; receive assistance with temporary protection orders; and acquire information and referrals. Confidential Victim Advocates also provide 24/7 hospital response to victims seeking medical attention due to an incidence of abuse and/or sexual assault. In FY2014, TESSA provided advocacy services to 1,517, including hospital call outs to 345 victims.”

“COUNSELING PROGRAM: The Counseling Program staff provide clinical services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. TESSA's counselors, specifically trained to treat the psychological issues that result from these types of violence, provide individual psychotherapy; psycho-educational support groups for adult victims of domestic violence; and therapeutic support groups for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. These services encourage participants to work on self-esteem, provide education about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, and assist in goal setting and problem solving. In FY2014, TESSA provided group counseling services to 342 victims. TESSA provides training and education to schools, businesses, community associations, and faith-based organizations. In addition, TESSA staff work closely with many schools in our community to provide education and outreach to teachers, staff and students around interpersonal violence prevention and teen dating violence. In 2014, TESSA reached 4,062 individuals through direct education and countless others at local health fairs and community awareness events. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4E RURAL PROGRAM: TESSA staff, based in Calhan and Cripple Creek, work with victims in rural El Paso and Teller Counties. In addition to standard advocacy services, the rural team provides group counseling, community awareness, education and consultation to other area professionals.”

“The executive committee assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, and compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant.”