At The Blue Bench, we strive to create strong, connected communities that take care of one another. Ana Martinez, Co-Director of Client Services, speaks to the power group workshops can have for survivors and loved ones of survivors.
Building bridges in our community
Through strategic collaborations, we're spreading awareness about sexual violence and fostering community engagement.
We've partnered with businesses across Denver to offer invaluable opportunities for community members to gain knowledge, access vital resources, and actively contribute to our mission to eliminate sexual assault.
Amplifying voices with Colorado representatives
On April 1, The Blue Bench Executive Director, Megan Carvajal, testified in support of HB24-1349: Firearms & Ammunition Excise Tax, legislation that would provide consistent and reliable funding for victim services in anticipation of VOCA funding cuts.
The next day, Co-Director of Client Services, Ana Martinez, spoke in support of the Sexual Assault Awareness Proclamation with the DA for the 17th JD and the Chief of Brighton PD.
Ana said "I have met all kinds of survivors from all walks of life. Their experiences and healing journeys are unique to them, but one thing I have seen echoed across their stories is the significance and importance of being believed, being seen, and feeling like their experiences matter."
Start by Believing 10th anniversary
Wednesday, April 3 marked the 10th anniversary of the Denver Police Department's Start By Believing campaign. This year's press conference was held at RemainReal Fine Art Gallery, home to our RISE Survivor Art Show, and highlighted the impact loved ones and our community can have when they support survivors of sexual violence.
Start By Believing in the news
Save the date! RISE Opens on April 5th
Experience the empowering narratives and resilient artwork by survivors of sexual violence for The Blue Bench's third-annual RISE Art Show. View work throughout April at RemainReal Fine Art Gallery and be inspired by the transformative power of creativity and courage.
Thank you to our sponsors, Alpine Bank, Native Roots, CHFA, and Meow Wolf, for supporting the voices, stories, and healing journeys of survivors of sexual violence.
Colorado faces a 40% to 50% cut to our annual Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding.
The Blue Bench joined Violence Free Colorado, the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), and over 100 other advocates on March 7th to tell state legislators what the devastating Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) cuts will mean for victim service programs and survivors in Colorado.
Join Our Team!
- Volunteer opportunities:
- Hotline Advocate
- Hospital Advocate
- Office Assistant
- Event Volunteer
- Internships:
- Now accepting applications for our Client Services Intern Team:
- Submit a resume and cover letter to Ana Martinez, Client Services Co-Director: Clinical Program at amartinez@thebluebench.org
- Now accepting applications for our Resource Team Internships:
- Submit a resume and cover letter to Becca Tiell-Krekeler, Client Services Co-Director: Resources at rtiell@thebluebench.org
- Now accepting applications for our Client Services Intern Team:
- Open positions:
- Bilingual Case Manager
- Bilingual On-Call Advocate
Quote of the Month:
"Justice means different things for different people. For me, it was penning my own civil rights into existence and making sure no one else had to go through what I had to go through."
- Amanda Nguyen, Interview with Teen Vogue on her civil rights legislation reform.
