Community support will be more important than ever
SAN LUIS OBISPO — During the COVID-19 pandemic, RISE will continue to provide caring, compassionate services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Unfortunately, due to concerns related to the spread of the Coronavirus, RISE is cancelling the inaugural “RISE Up SLO County” fundraising competition. The campaign invited local businesses to raise needed funds for RISE during Sexual Assault Awareness Month; competing for the chance to be named RISE Up SLO County Business of the Year.
Currently, there have been two confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in San Luis Obispo County, and many local businesses are already feeling the impact of the virus on their operations. Grappling with their own event cancellations and the economic impact of social distancing, they are also working to protect the health and wellbeing of their employees and customers. Out of an abundance of caution and empathy for our community, we believe the most prudent path forward is to allow our thoughtful business partners time to plan and focus on their response to the virus. We appreciate the eagerness of our business community to partner with RISE, and look forward to partnering in the future to support survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence in SLO county.
“With the cancellation of this important campaign, we will be relying on our community’s support more than ever,” said Jane Pomeroy, RISE Executive Director. Social distancing and staying home are not always safe options for victims of gender-based violence. “Unfortunately, the needs of survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault often increase during times like these.”
RISE staff and volunteers are taking precautions recommended by the San Luis Obispo County Health Department to ensure the health and safety of RISE staff, volunteers, and survivors and their loved ones. RISE is in the process of making necessary modifications to our programming and services to ensure survivors and their loved ones will continue to receive the support they need, while containing and mitigating the spread of the virus.
Pomeroy asks that those with the ability to support RISE services visit RISEslo.org to make a one-time or recurring donation.