Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO) is pleased to introduce Alison Hiam as its new Advocacy Services Coordinator.
“Alison’s experience working with a variety of people, often those who are the most marginalized, and most targeted for sexual assault, make her an ideal candidate for this position,” says Michael Rendon, SASO Executive Director. Andrea Rossi, out-going Advocacy Services Coordinator, affirms, “Alison has given deeply and generously to the Durango community. Based on her history of compassion and commitment to advocating on behalf of survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones, I have every confidence that she will thrive in this new role."
SASO, a private, non-profit organization, has been providing free, confidential services to sexual assault survivors in the area for over thirty years.
 Hiam, a Durango-native, graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2007 with dual degrees in Psychology and Humanities. For the last two and a half years, Hiam worked as a Legal Secretary for Colorado Legal Services while simultaneously working as a host home provider with Community Connections. She has been heavily involved in theatre productions over the years, serving as a designer for Penumbra Theatre Company, and currently participates on the production crew of the Salt Fire Circus.
Hiam also co-chaired the “Out on the Colorado Plateau” summit, was a SASO advocate from 2007-2009, directed the Vagina Monologues in 2001, and was a youth liaison with PFLAG in Durango in high school. Additionally, in January 2008, she volunteered her time as the interim Advocacy Services Coordinator for SASO.
“For the last ten years, I have been committed to working for public service organizations and non-profits in the Durango area. My work experience with poverty, mental illness, drug addiction, and developmental disabilities have shown me how the intersections and challenges of oppression work together in a trauma situation to hold back healing and growth.”
Hiam’s reasons for joining SASO? “I am excited to work at SASO because I am really drawn to the anti-oppression model of services that they offer. I see that as an opportunity to grow as a kind and thoughtful human being, while making my community a safer and stronger place.”
For more information about SASO or to contact the director, please call 970-259-3074. To access the 24-hour confidential crisis hotline, call 970-247-5400.
About Sexual Assault Services Organization
SASO is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending sexual violence. Toward that goal, SASO provides advocacy and support for victims of sexual assault, as well as education and prevention programs aimed at increasing public awareness and safety. SASO is committed to changing attitudes, values and behaviors that tolerate abusive interpersonal conduct.
We offer free, confidential services to survivors through our 24-hour crisis hotline, including information, referrals, and in-person advocacy at the hospital and through the criminal justice system. For more information, please call the office at 970-259-3074, or speak with an advocate on our 24-hour hotline at 970-247-5400. |