JoDee Garretson is the Executive Director for the Support, Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC).  

We met with her on a sunny Friday afternoon – light was streaming through her office and a garden courtyard was framed in the window.  

“Our mission here at SARC is to provide trauma-informed crisis services, support and advocacy to victims/survivors, non-offending family members, and others impacted by crime,” said Garretson, “and, we have several programs that work on these issues.” 

Garretson, a Leadership Tri-Cities (LTC) Class 2 alumnus and current Law & Justice Director-Elect on the LTC Board of Directors, has been with SARC for over 28 years, “I was a volunteer first, and when I started there were only 2 staff members – a counseling person and a prevention person.” 

Now, SARC has 17 employees and dozens of volunteer advocates running several programs.  

SARC's Longstanding Legacy in the Community

The Founding Mothers of SARC

In 1977, a group of Tri-Cities women established a volunteer-run support program for sexual assault victims, which later became the Benton-Franklin Rape Relief and Sexual Assault Program. After moving locations and expanding services, the program was renamed the Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) in 1990. By 2000, the Kids Haven program launched, and in 2012, the agency rebranded as the Support, Advocacy & Resource Center to reflect its broader mission, assisting victims of various crimes. In 2017, SARC relocated again, adding onsite counseling and staff dedicated to sex trafficking survivors.

Comprehensive Crisis Support 

Core to SARC’s operations is its crisis program, which includes advocates specializing in sexual assault, general crimes, and human trafficking. 

“We have a 24 hours crisis line that is staffed by SARC advocates. They are available to answer questions, just listen or be a point of contact for clients who may need immediate emergency assistance,” said Garretson.  

In addition to crisis intervention, SARC offers legal and medical advocacy, support during police interviews and court proceedings, and helps connect clients with counseling and therapy services. The organization also works on preventive education and collaborates with the community to address service gaps.

SARC has a rich history of incredible volunteers

Children’s Advocacy Through Kids Haven 

Kids Haven is a collaborative program between SARC and local city and county governments. 

The program employs a forensic interviewer who works closely with law enforcement and Child Protective Services (CPS) to provide a safe and comfortable environment for children to share their experiences. This process significantly reduces the number of times a child has to recount their trauma, minimizing re-traumatization and ensuring that their voices are heard by trained professionals. 

Kids Haven also serves as a hub for family support, offering services to non-offending caregivers while the child is being interviewed. This comprehensive approach not only aids in the investigative process but also ensures that the entire family receives the support they need during a difficult time. 

A Call to Action 

SARC’s mission is more than just providing immediate crisis support; it’s about fostering a community that supports victims and actively works to prevent future violence. Community members can support SARC in various ways, from volunteering and joining the board to simply sharing SARC’s social media posts to increase awareness. 

“By supporting SARC, you’re not just helping the people in need today—you’re contributing to a safer, more compassionate community for everyone,” said Garretson.  

For more information on how you can get involved or support SARC’s mission, visit their website at Support Advocacy Resource Center. All services are free and confidential, ensuring that anyone in need can receive the help they deserve.