SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A coffee shop is pairing up with a local organization to assist sexual assault survivors.
At Coffea Roasterie locations across Sioux Falls, not only can you find a cup of coffee, this month you also can find a hygiene drive for the Compass Center.
“So the 1st through the 21st, you can drop off full sized items at any of our locations. And they will go to women in crisis,” Coffea Roasterie COO, Esther Shore said.
“We have a team in our crisis care services department called sexual assault advocates, and they are, responding 24/7 to people in need in our community. They go to our hygiene supply closet, they prepare a bag for items for that person in need, and deliver that in person, stand beside them on the long process, but really just help them in their transition,” Compass Center Chief Development and Communications officer, Sydney Bartunek said.
Also this month, Coffea and the Compass Center are partnering together to host Grounds for Change.
“Over a cup of coffee, people can create that connection, they can hear stories, they can listen to others who have maybe survived sexual assault, or learn more about what they can do to be a part of that process of support and healing. So it’s really important to us to have those connections and engagement and to be able to use specialty coffee as a vehicle for those things,” Shore said.
Helping survivors and starting conversations during sexual assault awareness month.
“I think the unfortunate reality of our world is more women than probably not have experienced some level of sexual assault and if we are not willing to have these conversations in a brave and compassionate and healing way, nothing’s ever can change,” Shore said.
“Healing happens in community. Healing happens in connection. Healing happens in relationships. So the more that we can support them in different ways through supplies and then, our team through advocacy and counseling, the better off they are to start the healing journey,” Bartunek said.
There is one more week to donate hygiene supplies.
The last Grounds For Change is tomorrow morning, April 15th, from 7:30-8:30 at the Louise Avenue Coffea location.
