Solace Sexual Assault Services

“Approximately a week prior to filing the form 990, a draft in pdf format is sent to all board members along with an email calling their attention to portions of the forms. Comments and corrections are strongly encouraged. In addition, the executive director and accounting manager discuss the draft form with the preparer in advance of filing.”

“Each year, directors sign a commitment letter, which details the new mexico laws regarding board governance, including conflicts of interest which must be disclosed and enforced. In addition, conflicts of interest are disclosed and updated annually and documented in the board minutes. Employees review and sign the employee manual where the conflict of interest policy is addressed. The employee manual is revised as needed by the executive director and approved by the board.”

“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. The organization has a reimbursement procedure 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. 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 provide all individuals who have experienced trauma with evidence-based treatment, advocacy services for navigating community resources, and education in order to restore personal strength and find inner resiliency. In 1973, three women recognized the need to support victims of sexual violence in our community. At a kitchen table with a single phone, they established a hotline that would pave the way for comprehensive crisis and trauma treatment services in northern new mexico. Beginning in december 2012, the 40th anniversary of solace became an opportunity to re-introduce ourselves to the community which formerly knew us as the santa fe rape crisis & trauma treatment center. Beginning in january 2013, solace engaged in the rebranding and reintroduction of our expanded mission to our community, providing services not only related to sexual violence, but any other traumatic event. We launched an extensive advertising campaign, consisting of monthly ads with the santa fe reporter as well as other venues. Solace projected its 40th with the zenith to be two final fall events, a community festival and recognition gala, developed and planned by the consummate professionals at kesselman and jones who choose our agency as their corporate citizenship non-profit of the year. Solace changed its name from the santa fe rape crisis & trauma treatment center in october 2010, to ensure there were no barriers to receiving services. Since that time and to june 2013, we have experienced an increase with male clients, now at its highest in the history of the agency's 40 years, with 27% male clients served. Also in 2010, solace received national accreditation from the national children's alliance, becoming one of the nine existing child advocacy centers in new mexico for children and their families in cases of abuse, neglect, or the witnessing of violent crimes. In april 2013, the new mexico children, youth, and families department (cyfd), in partnership with the administrative office of the district attorney (aoda) and the children advocacy center's in new mexico, embarked upon a major effort to develop and grow multidisciplinary teams (mdt) in every county in new mexico for a more collaborative intervention in cases of child maltreatment. Governor suzanna martinez, as a former prosecutor, took a firm stand at the summit, encouraging the utilization of mdts to prevent the re-victimization of children. Prior to the use of mdts, investigations of crimes against children required multiple law enforcement and child welfare interviews that forced victims to relive their experiences again and again. Solace attended the summit and shared its work as the lead organization for the 1st judicial district multidisciplinary team in the counties of santa fe, rio arriba, los alamos, and san miguel. In february 2015, site visitors from the nca attended a mdt meeting at the solace crisis treatment center. Following the site visit the nca board of directors awarded re-accreditation to solace in october 2015.”

“Volunteers at the center work on the crisis line as victim advocates, work at the front desk, assist with special fundraising events and serve on board committee.”

“Specifically engaging and empowering immigrant women whom have been victims of sexual violence.”

“Change in beneficial interest -2,056”