WOAR received multiple citations recognizing their service to the Philadelphia Community and Victims of Sexual Violence. Recognitions were received by Philadelphia City Council, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and State Representative Maria Donatucci; In February 23, WOAR hosted a press conference for Pennsylvania’s Governor Corbett where the Governor proposed to increase funding in his 2013 – 2014 Budget for rape crisis services and prevention education.
Ardella’s House, a service and advocacy organization committed to helping women with criminal justice histories realize new possibilities for themselves and their families, presented Silvie Drouillard, WOAR Education Specialist, with the Effective Support Programs and Institutions Advocacy Award.
WOAR celebrated 40+ years of service to victims of sexual violence.
WOAR volunteer, Robin Strough, received the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy “Volunteer Award.”
WOAR hosted the Bridge of Courage Award Reception honoring Manuel N. Stamatakis, Chairman and CEO of CME Benefits Consulting, for his dedication to the goal of ending sexual violence and his commitment toward the development of the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center. TV personality Pat Ciarocchi was Mistress of Ceremonies and was featured with a survivor of rape in the “Chat with Pat” segment of the event. The audience was spell bound and enlightened as to the journey a survivor of rape endures; WOAR hosted a public awareness event at World Café Life in Philadelphia featuring a performance by Conscious entitled “Getting Unstuck – Homeless to Hollywood.” This was a one woman show of survival of HIV, recovery from domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and drug abuse. After the performance, a survivor of child sexual abuse approached a WOAR counselor and said that as a result of her attending this event, she is now finally ready to receive counseling. She called WOAR the next day to sign up for services.
WOAR is in discussions to collaborate with Sandy Capaldi, Psy. D., PTSD and Student Training Coordinator at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania to validate new tools to diagnose and measure the severity of PTSD. The new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has changed the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, resulting in a need to update our current assessment measures. These measures help us to assess the severity of post-trauma symptoms as well as track progress in counseling.
WOAR officially expanded its Community Outreach Program with the addition of two new positions working with WOAR’s Community Outreach Director; WOAR’s La Casa De Las Soles opened on September 9, 2013, at Tindley Temple Methodist Church in heart of South Philadelphia’s immigrant community.
