The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Children's Advocacy Center

08/28/2026

A little creativity, a lot of laughter, and some very cute clay creations!

The Cottage team had a fun staff outing today at Twisted Moon Studio, where we got to slow down, get our hands dirty, and make our own clay trinket trays.

We’re so grateful for opportunities to connect, recharge, and enjoy some time together outside of the office. And we can’t wait to see how everyone’s trays turn out!

Thank you, Twisted Moon Studio, for a wonderful afternoon! 🌙✨

08/24/2026

https://www.onlineathens.com/story/entertainment/theater/2026/08/24/athens-the-cottage-seeks-writers-for-show-on-resilience-and-identity/91375209007/?utm_source=patriotledger-news-alert-strada&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsalert&utm_term=hero&utm_content=nabh-quincy-nletter01

Athens nonprofit The Cottage is accepting submissions for a new stage production entitled "Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Choices."

08/21/2026

Healing doesn’t look the same for everyone. That’s why The Cottage is offering a Self-Care Support Group designed specifically for adults and caregivers who have experienced abuse or trauma as primary or secondary survivors.

Unlike our traditional processing groups, this is not a space for sharing or processing personal trauma stories. We understand that hearing others’ experiences can be difficult or triggering, and participants are encouraged not to share detailed personal traumas.

Instead, this group focuses on nurturing the mind, body, and soul while learning practical skills to mindfully navigate life after trauma. Together, participants will explore:

🧘 Meditation & mindfulness
🌿 Mindful movement
🎨 Creative art & expression
💛 Self-care strategies for healing and daily life

The goal is to create a supportive, gentle environment where participants can focus on themselves, discover tools for healing, and build practices that encourage greater peace and well-being.

Your healing journey is uniquely yours. You deserve a space that honors that.

🩵 💙

Please share this opportunity with your friends, followers and networks.

08/19/2026

We were so lucky to have these UGA MPA students’ help with some much needed housekeeping here at The Cottage! THANK YOU, ALL!

08/18/2026

For more than 50 years, The Cottage has been community-founded and community-funded, and your generosity continues to make that possible.

Your support ensures survivors in Athens-Clarke County have access to free, confidential support when they need it most. Every gift is thoughtfully stewarded to create meaningful, local impact.

You can make a difference today by purchasing needed items from our Amazon Wishlist. These contributions not only help meet practical needs, but also provide comforting and educational materials that help us create a welcoming, supportive space for survivors to heal.

Thank you for helping The Cottage continue to walk with survivors so nobody has to go it alone.

amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3N5XUQHGI4ZR9

08/13/2026

We had a great time at the Kirby Smart Family Foundation Giving Day event! We’re so grateful for Kirby, Mary Beth, and everyone at the foundation for all of their support for children and families. ❤️🖤

08/12/2026

Want to make a difference in your community? Apply to become a Hotline Advocate with The Cottage! 💜

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Sign up by September 13 in order to attend our fall training session the weekend of Sept. 25-27.

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least four shifts per month for a minimum of one year. The role is remote and requires confidentiality, a personal cell phone, completion of an application, interview, background check, and required training.

To learn more and apply, visit thecottagega.org/support-us. 🔗

08/12/2026

Seeking healing from abuse— either personally or as a secondary survivor? We would like to invite you to this FREE Yoga Nidra session on Wednesday, August 26th here at The Cottage!

Yoga Nidra promotes deep relaxation and restorative rest. It is taught using a trauma-sensitive approach to yoga that aims to support nervous system regulation, grounding, and gentle healing.

Yoga Nidra encourages you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect in a safe and nurturing space.

No prior yoga experience is required. Props and mats are provided. Register by emailing [email protected]. 📩

08/07/2026

✨ Open Call for Submissions: Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Choices ✨

Do you have a story to tell? The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center is seeking original written works for a new theatrical production celebrating the diverse, vibrant, and complex experiences of those who identify as women and/or those who identify with having a va**na.

Inspired by The Va**na Monologues, this production will amplify voices that have too often been marginalized, overlooked, or silenced. We are looking for stories that are funny, fierce, joyful, heartbreaking, hopeful, tender, angry, resilient, and unapologetically authentic.

We welcome submissions from women (cisgender and transgender), transfeminine individuals, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming people, intersex individuals, LGBTQIA2S+ writers, and anyone who identifies with having a va**na at any point in their life.

We’re accepting: monologues, short scenes, poetry & spoken word, songs & musical sketches, personal essays & testimonials.

📅 Submission Window: August 1–September 15, 2026

📣 Notification Date: September 30, 2026

🎭 Performances: February 4–6, 2027 at the Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture

Selected writers may choose to perform their own work—or have another performer bring it to life.

Submit your work at the link in our bio!

Need an accommodation or prefer to submit via audio or video? Contact us at [email protected].

Your story matters. We can’t wait to read, hear, and share it. 🩵 💙

supportsurvivors