Grant funds will support prevention, intervention, and healing programs through a community-wide, collaborative effort
The five efficiency apartments have usually been full at the Bright Future Foundation’s BrightHouse since it opened in 2021.
Oct 12, 2024 | Vail Daily staff report | newsroom@vaildaily.com
The Bright Future Foundation, which supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Eagle County, has received a $700,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.
The grant, part of the Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program, will support Bright Future Foundation’s goal: “Prevent, Protect, Prevail: A Multigenerational Approach to Disrupting Sexual Assault in Eagle County.” This project is aimed at increasing the safety of women and children, expanding services for survivors, and preventing sexual violence in the rural areas of Eagle County.
“This grant will make a huge impact for Eagle County,” said Sheri Mintz, the CEO of Bright Future Foundation, in a news release. “It will allow us to continue the critical work of supporting survivors of sexual assault, expanding our prevention programs, and collaborating with partners across the community to bring about meaningful change.”
The new initiative is a collaborative effort involving BFF, the Eagle County School District, Vail Health Behavioral Health, Colorado Mountain Medical, the Sacred Cycle Program, and the Fifth Judicial District Office of the District Attorney. Together, these organizations will implement a comprehensive approach to preventing and addressing sexual assault in the county.
The grant will enable Bright Future Foundation to focus on several key areas, starting with identifying, assessing, and responding to victims of sexual assault. One of the main goals of the initiative is to foster collaboration between law enforcement, health care providers, victim service organizations, and educational institutions. By enhancing these connections, the project ensures a coordinated, swift response to incidents of sexual violence, ensuring survivors can access the support and resources they need.
In addition to providing immediate intervention services, the project will also expand the services available to survivors. With the help of the grant, Bright Future Foundation will offer trauma-informed care through its licensed clinicians, who are specially trained to address the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of sexual assault. This comprehensive approach to healing is a cornerstone of Bright Future Foundation’s mission, and the initiative will help the organization reach more survivors in rural Eagle County. A significant focus of the initiative is prevention. Bright Future Foundation will conduct educational programs in local schools, including the Eagle County School District and Colorado Mountain College, as well as community events. These programs aim to raise awareness about sexual violence and teach both children and adults about healthy relationships. By promoting understanding and awareness, Bright Future Foundation hopes to prevent incidents of sexual assault before they occur.
Another essential aspect of the project is the expansion of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, which provides immediate medical and forensic care to survivors. With this specialized program, survivors will have access to compassionate, comprehensive care, and crucial evidence will be collected for legal proceedings. The SANE program works in conjunction with the Sexual Assault Response Team, which coordinates efforts between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and victim advocates. Beyond immediate medical and legal support, the initiative will also offer long-term healing options for survivors. One innovative aspect of the initiative is the collaboration with Sacred Cycle, a program that uses cycling and wilderness experiences to aid in the recovery process for survivors of sexual assault. This unique approach combines physical activity with emotional healing, providing survivors with an outlet to process their trauma.
“At Bright Future Foundation, we are committed to not only addressing the immediate needs of survivors but also supporting them through their long-term healing process,” Mintz said. “This grant will allow us to expand our services and create innovative, impactful programs that will make a real difference in the lives of survivors in Eagle County.”
For 40 years, Bright Future Foundation has been a leader in supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Eagle County. Through services such as emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and prevention education, the organization has provided a lifeline to countless individuals and families. The Prevent, Protect, Prevail initiative will build on this foundation by specifically focusing on preventing sexual assault and providing comprehensive support to survivors.
For more information about the Prevent, Protect, Prevail initiative or Bright Future Foundation’s other services, visit MyBrightfuture.org.
