SPARCC Ignites: Empowering Survivors

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha • October 2023

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In 1979, Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) forged out of necessity. At that time, there was a dire lack of resources available for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The story of a woman whose daughter was raped on Siesta Key shed light on an undeniable void in support for victims of these crimes.

Grassroots Beginnings

The organization’s roots were firmly planted by a group of dedicated women who joined forces to address this crisis. The emergence of a hotline operated from someone’s home marked the inception of SPARCC. 

Today, SPARCC has evolved from its humble home-based beginnings to a multi-location organization boasting a shelter and helpline that are staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It also has a community thrift store “SPARCC Treasure Chest,” located in downtown Sarasota, whose proceeds help fund the agency’s free and confidential services and serve as a free resource for survivors in their time of need. Jessica Hays, SPARCC President and CEO points out, “All of these things started from people who saw a need and came together in our community to meet those needs.” 

Volunteers have played a pivotal role in the organization’s expansion over the years. Jean Gay, founding member and former executive director, continues to support the agency at the age of 94. Guided by the ferocious dedication of women, including SPARCC’s current board chair, Barbara V. Gardner, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to the mission of “providing a safe haven and promoting empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence” (sparcc.net). 

Hays states, “Jean’s daughter, Becky Mahoney, is also still involved as well, having served on our board of directors for nine years, including her role as board chair from 2020-2022. It’s a really amazing legacy and a great example of the organizational culture of dedication that our supporters have created.”

A Multi-Faceted and Collaborative Approach to Support

SPARCC’s array of services often astounds people with its depth. SPARCC and key partners offer a comprehensive array of resources and services, including hospital response, crisis intervention, counseling, and co-located staff at the Department of Children and Families to aid families navigating domestic violence within child welfare cases. Additionally, SPARCC’s in-house attorneys provide free and confidential legal aid.

Accessibility is at the core of SPARCC’s mission. Services are provided free and confidentially, making help available to all survivors regardless of their financial circumstances. “We just want to remove as many barriers as possible.” Hays recognizes and encourages the transformative potential of small contributions, noting that “even donating a cellphone or hygiene product can make a significant difference in the life of a survivor.”

A Beacon of Awareness and Education

SPARCC’s impact extends beyond direct support. The organization is committed to community awareness, offering training to professionals across various fields. From law enforcement to educators, SPARCC’s staff strives to educate the community about domestic violence and sexual assault. Prevention, education, and community outreach serve as vital components of SPARCC’s mission and has far-reaching effects, shaping community perceptions and attitudes. 

Hays speaks to the power of awareness in challenging outdated beliefs and perceptions. “The more people encounter information and resources about domestic violence and sexual assault, the more likely they are to challenge stereotypes,” she says. By engaging the community through presentations, fundraisers, and education, SPARCC aims to dismantle the pervasive silence surrounding these issues.

Furthermore, SPARCC’s efforts extend into policy improvements and inter-agency collaboration. Jessica Hays notes, “We’ve seen significant enhancements in policies and procedures regarding medical and law enforcement response, as well as the communication protocols among victim service providers. Our approach aims to prevent re-traumatization and re-victimization during the process of offering assistance.” This holistic approach is evident through initiatives like the coordinated community response team focusing on domestic violence. Collaborations involving the State Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, and SPARCC have yielded fruitful results.

A Vision for Safer Communities

A stark reality highlighted by Jessica Hays reveals that while SPARCC provides shelter, it’s not a permanent solution: “You can come to the shelter, and you can stay…but ultimately, it is not a long term place to be.” The shortage of viable options tailored to the unique needs of domestic violence survivors is undeniable.

In response, SPARCC sought a viable solution and piloted a housing stability project through a sizable grant award from Impact 100 SRQ. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, offering rental assistance and comprehensive services to guide survivors towards independent housing. With a successful launch and almost one-year under its belt, SPARCC is determined to sustain this life-changing program. Jessica Hays shares, “It’s been really successful…to have a path for people is really exciting.”

SPARCC’s dedication is exemplified in its expansion efforts as well. Bolstering resources in DeSoto County has become a priority. Hays notes, “You have to be in the community…for the community to trust you and to come forth and to seek those services.” 

Through its strategic growth efforts and wrap-around programs, like its housing stability project, SPARCC’s actions speak volumes, offering real solutions to real problems.

Empowerment as the Guiding Philosophy

At the core of SPARCC’s approach lies the principle of empowerment. This philosophy is deeply rooted in restoring power to survivors.

“We empower survivors with the means to make decisions that resonate with their own needs and aspirations.” By implementing safety planning and offering comprehensive resources, SPARCC provides survivors with the means to confidently navigate their own unique journeys to a new beginning.

Jessica Hays elaborates on the complexity of survivors’ experiences. She acknowledges that it can be challenging for outsiders to understand the decisions survivors make. “Some people are like, but why don’t they just leave? Or why can’t they?” Hays points out that these questions often stem from misconceptions and highlights the importance of asking the right questions. “The question we should be asking is, why do they stay? What is the perpetrator doing that is preventing them from leaving?” she asserts.

Understanding the complexity of survivors’ situations is crucial to providing effective support. “I think it’s hard to understand how many times it takes someone to leave an abusive relationship or how someone’s past trauma might lead them to experience abuse in different ways in their life,” she states. SPARCC’s commitment to creating a welcoming and non-judgmental environment is evident in the stories of survivors. 

Hays shared a touching example of a woman who returned to the shelter feeling embarrassed and ashamed. The staff’s warm welcome and affirmation, “Welcome back. We’re just so glad you’re here,” became a turning point in her journey. SPARCC believes in supporting survivors unconditionally, regardless of how many times they seek help, and wherever they may be along their journey. 

A Legacy of Support and Empowerment

Hays reflects on the poignant truth that SPARCC often encounters individuals on their worst days, in those moments of crisis and vulnerability when they need support the most. While these moments may not always lead to immediate closure or happy endings, SPARCC’s work is a vital part of each survivor’s journey to healing and renewal.

Hays shares heartwarming anecdotes of the impact SPARCC has had on survivors’ lives, reminding us of the lasting influence of their efforts. From receiving notes of sincere gratitude to witnessing full-circle moments where individuals come back transformed and empowered, SPARCC’s commitment to making a difference is awe-inspiring. The organization recognizes that it’s not just about intervening during the crisis; it’s about igniting lasting change, nurturing resilience, and empowering individuals to reclaim their lives.

SPARCC stands as a symbol of hope, strength, and unity in the Sarasota community and beyond. Jessica Hays’ 16-year ongoing journey at SPARCC echoes the organization’s enduring commitment to its mission. 

“It would break your heart,” she said, “if you knew how many people you encounter every day that have been touched by domestic violence or sexual assault.” 

For more information on SPARCC, please call 941.365.1976 or visit www.SPARCC.net.