In this episode, Candice Elliott sits down with Lauren DaSilva, the Executive Director of the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, to discuss her journey in the field of crisis intervention and advocacy. Lauren shares her experiences, the importance of volunteerism, and the various programs her organization offers to support survivors of sexual violence.

1. Lauren's Journey into Crisis Intervention

• Lauren talks about how she began her journey in crisis intervention, starting as a volunteer at the Rape Crisis Center in Madeira, California, in 2011.
• She explains her transition to the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center and her decade-long commitment to the organization.

2. Programs and Services Offered

• Overview of the four main programmatic areas at the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center: crisis intervention and accompaniment, counseling, community engagement, and prevention education.

3. Personal Experiences and Volunteer Work

• Candice shares her own experience volunteering at the Walnut Avenue Women Center in Santa Cruz, highlighting the significance of community involvement in support services.

4. Challenges and Achievements

• Lauren discusses the challenges faced by the organization and the community in addressing sexual violence, and the achievements they have made over the years in providing comprehensive support to survivors.

Contact Information:

• Website: mtryrapecrisis.org
• Instagram: @mtryrapecrisis
• Facebook: @mtryrapecrisis

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at candice@fortressandflourish.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.