Push-up victims of domestic violence: Together, we will gain strength and confidence

Posted

By Carmen Hubbs

Special to The Pagosa Springs SUN Online

The Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program has designed a new and fun challenge for the women of our community. Understanding the value of strength, this challenge will prove to yourself that you are capable of more than you thought you were able and, at the same time, you will be supporting and pushing-up victims of violence and sexual assault.

On Friday, June 20, at 6 p.m., the Push-Up Challenge is the opening event of the Pagosa Women’s Weekend. Being held at the Ross Aragon Community Center, you are encouraged to participate and gather pledges in support of your push-up goal. Don’t be intimidated — you will be increasing your overall health in an event where cheering and encouragement will leave you both smiling and breathless.

Knee push-ups and full push-ups will be permitted. Participate as a solo or as a team of three or six. You will have 30-minutes to complete as many push-ups as you are able. Teams are permitted — so yes, there is strategy. Each participant is asked to raise $250. This is a free offering for Pagosa Women’s Weekend registrants, $25 for non-registered participants.

Getting started is easy.

1. Go to the following link — http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/pagosa-womens-weekend/push-up-challenge/ — and print out the liability form and pledge form;

2. Contact Carmen Hubbs at 264-9075 and tell her you are going to participate;

3. Practice your push-ups; and

4. Tell all of your friends to (a) join you as a part of a team or (b) support your effort with cheering and a smidge of cash.

About Victim Assistance

The Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program (ACVAP) is a private, nonprofit organization. Our primary mission is to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We work to ensure victims’ rights are exercised and needs met.

Through the support of grants, donations, fundraising efforts and volunteers, ACVAP provides the following services:

• Immediate crisis intervention available 24 hours a day by an advocate trained to listen and provide support. Call anytime day or night at 264-9075.

• Court advocate to explain the criminal justice system and assist with civil restraining orders.

• Emergency transportation to safe shelter provided by the Southwest Safehouse.

• Advocates to assist with other community agencies and supportive organizations.

• Information and referrals.

• Speakers and trainers to provide community education.

• Youth violence prevention initiatives to work to end violence in future generations.

We recognize that domestic violence is a repeating pattern and that recovery from either domestic violence or sexual assault can be a lengthy process. While our advocates are not professional counselors, they do understand. They are trained to assess your needs identify and discuss your options, access available services, and provide information and referrals to other agencies available to help with your long-term issues.