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 assistant director, finance and operations discuss the draft form with the preparer in advance of filing.”

“In prior fiscal years all trustees had a signed commitment letter, which details the new mexico laws regarding board governance, including conflicts of interest which must be disclosed and enforced. The trustees will establish a policy that will require all board members to sign the commitment letter annually. In addition, all conflicts of interest will be 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 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. 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 today, we have experienced an increase with male clients. 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. In 2010, solace received national accreditation from the national children's alliance (nca), 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 february 2015, site visitors from the nca attended a multi-disciplinary team meeting at solace crisis treatment center. Following the site visit the nca board of directors awarded re-accreditation to solace in october 2015. In 2015, solace crisis treatment center and the new mexico children, youth, and families department (cyfd) started the preparation for a contract with focus on co-location of services. Solace submitted an application via a rfp to cyfd which was awarded to make the co-location a reality from 2016 to 2019. During 2015 the board of directors of solace crisis treatment center consolidated a new position within the administration department. The position is a full-time fund development director. This position will help our state of the art programs have the necessary diverse funding sources. In january 2016, solace center treatment center received a leadership award by the life center foundation at a public event hosted by the foundation and city councilor peter ives. The quality improvement committee of solace crisis treatment center revised the agency's employee manual which was approved by the board of directors in june 2016. That employee manual has been adopted by other agencies since it has been qualified as one of the most progressive and family friendly documents in the non-profit sector in new mexico.”

“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.”

“(cyfd). Spanish-speaking advocates are also onsite. Neutral forensic interviewing of children who have been allegedly abused is conducted by referral.”

“Change in beneficial interest -3,994 total -3,994”