Submitted by Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center
Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center has successfully completed initial renovations of its new healing center in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood. The organization reopened for in-person care in January following a temporary closure to facilitate its transition from the Dome District to this new, larger and more accessible site.
The move represents a crucial expansion of Rebuilding Hope’s ability to provide advocacy, therapy, and education services for survivors of sexual assault. The newly renovated space nearly doubles the organization’s square footage, offering:
- Increased capacity for therapy, advocacy, and Sex Trafficking and Exploitation Program (STEP) clients.
- Enhanced accessibility due to its proximity to public transportation, including bus and light rail services, and several local hospitals.
- Dedicated conference areas for victim-survivor group activities; educational workshops for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals; and certification courses for industry specialists.
- Greater community visibility, helping to raise awareness about available support services.
- Improved accessibility features, including increased parking options and fully equipped offices and conference rooms for individuals with disabilities.
In the coming years, the sexual assault center plans to continue developing the site with the addition of a client drop-in center, dedicated space for youth, a wellness center and a healing garden to further support victim-survivors’ recovery. These efforts will be funded through the agency’s recently launched Healing Headquarters Campaign, which aims to raise $4.5 million to support the ongoing project.
Executive Director Carlyn Sampson expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “This is about more than just a building. The new space represents a huge step forward in our ability to serve victim-survivors with the dignity and care they deserve while securing our role in providing these critical programs in the community for decades to come.”
To celebrate this milestone, Rebuilding Hope will host an Open House on Wednesday, February 19, from 3-6 p.m. The public is invited to tour the new facility, gain insights into the expanded services, and enjoy refreshments from local Hilltop businesses.
For additional details regarding the Open House, Healing Headquarters Campaign, and the services offered by Rebuilding Hope, please visit here.
As the only state-accredited sexual assault program serving Pierce and Kitsap counties, Rebuilding Hope has responded to our region’s sexual assault victims’ needs since 1975. The agency offers a range of programs designed to aid healing and enable self-determination. Their mission is rooted in creating safer communities by providing compassionate services and education that address sexual assault, exploitation, and related issues.