Sexual Assault Services

05/30/2026

Hi friends, Chewy and Bruno here 🐾💙

Yesterday, our loving handlers felt like we could benefit from our own "Blessing of the Paws" while some staff received "Blessing of the Hands" by the kindest Bronson Chaplain Kenita.

Moments like this remind us that care goes both ways. We sit close when things feel heavy. We offer a steady paw when words are hard. We lean in with quiet comfort when survivors and team members need support.

Being facility dogs means we walk alongside survivors in some tough moments and we never take that responsibility lightly (even if we do wag a lot while doing it).

Today’s blessing filled our hearts so we can keep showing up with calm, comfort, and unconditional care.

05/28/2026

Join our Coordinated Community Response Team at an upcoming training or technical assistance day!

The Coordinated Community Response Team is a training and technical assistance space hosted by the Calhoun County Youth Violence Prevention project, a program of S.A.F.E Place and Sexual Assault Services. We focus on the intervention and response to violence faced by youth in our community. This space is open to all adults in Calhoun County, but particularly those who interact with youth professionally or personally.

We meet on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 10am via Zoom, alternating monthly between live training days and technical assistance days. Training topics include teen dating violence, trauma-informed schools, domestic violence, technology-facilitated abuse, and more. There is no commitment, just join the meetings and technical assistance days when they are helpful/relevant to you!

Register for the meetings here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SNjiUcIYSCmVamNTrtHAWg

05/26/2026

Will you have some extra time on your hands this summer? Join our team of Volunteer Victim Advocates! Training starts in about 2 weeks!

05/23/2026

It's Your Business.

We need to know what our children are doing, who they are with and where they are going online just like we do in "real life". As a parent, it is difficult to keep up with all of the apps, games and platforms children and teens use. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provides resources for parents and children to learn more about online enticement, recognize grooming behaviors, and know the risks involved with popular technology. Learn more at
https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/topics/gaming

05/21/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reflecting on this year’s theme: “Stigma Grows in Silence, Healing Begins in Community.” (NAMI)

Stigma around mental health and trauma can make people feel isolated, misunderstood, or afraid to seek support. Healing often begins when people are met with compassion instead of judgment — when they feel safe enough to be seen, heard, and supported.

As a community, we each have the opportunity to help create spaces where survivors and individuals navigating mental health challenges feel believed, respected, and supported.

At Sexual Assault Services, we also recognize that healing and connection can look different for everyone. People deserve the freedom to seek support, set boundaries, and share their experiences in whatever ways feel safest and most empowering to them.

We can all help challenge stigma by listening without judgment, honoring boundaries, responding with empathy, and reminding people they do not have to carry difficult experiences alone.

05/21/2026

Doors open at 9:00 at Kellogg Arena for the 2026 Senior Expo! Stop by the SAS table. We are here until 1:00!

05/17/2026

May is Mental Health Month. Lessons learned from SAS Facility Dog, Bruno: "Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is paws. It’s a delicate balance learning when to show up for others and when to show up for yourself. Protecting your time to refresh isn't anti-social; it’s self-care." Pictured below from left to right, Bruno socializing with Battle Creek Battle Jacks friend, Russell; Bruno enjoying time alone in a shady spot under the SAS table.

05/16/2026

Come say hi! There are free health screenings, food, face painting, touch-a-truck and so much more! We are here until 2:00!

05/16/2026

Congratulations to our partners at S.A.F.E. Place on their 19th annual dinner and auction!

Many more thank yous to come, many more celebrations to come…….

But for now, we surpassed this evening’s fundraising goal thanks to some pretty incredible supporters! THANK YOU! 💜

05/14/2026

Join SAS at the Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Community Open House this Saturday, May 16th. The Open House is a great opportunity to get FREE health screenings, information and resources, food, music, face painting and more!