Thank you for recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month with The Rowan Center this April! It was a meaningful month filled with events, gatherings, and advocacy—and we’re energized by the momentum we’ve built as we look ahead to what’s next.
We’re so grateful you joined us at film screenings, coffee shops, community discussions, and advocacy days. Together, we educated our neighbors, engaged in meaningful conversations, and invited others to learn more about preventing sexual violence. These shared moments are helping us create safer, healthier communities for all.
Looking forward, we’re excited to launch our new Trauma Fellowship Program, offer another Certified Advocate Training, and gear up for our biggest event of the year. Keep reading to learn more!
Honoring Proclamation Day
The Town of Westport and First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker hosted our annual Proclamation Day in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It was an inspiring reminder of the strength and unity in our community.
Thank you to all those who spoke on behalf of our mission and those who provided their support by attending, including our elected representatives, local law enforcement, community partners, and Rowan Center staff and board members. We’re especially grateful for the support of Senator Bob Duff, Mayor Harry Rilling, First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky, Representative Tracy Marra, Representative Savet Constantine, and Representative Hector Arzeno.
Together, we are creating a safer and more supportive community!
Celebrating Sarah Malhotra
We were proud to present our Director of Education and Training, Sarah Malhotra, with the 2025 Michelle Gucik Advocate of the Year Award.
We present this award every April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It recognizes an advocate who demonstrates the utmost excellence, passion, and commitment to serving victims and survivors, makes invaluable contributions to the field of anti-sexual violence work, and serves as a guiding light for all advocates to follow.
Sarah embodies all of these characteristics—working tirelessly to educate our communities about the risks and warning signs of sexual violence, teach people how to speak up and be active bystanders, and keep our communities as safe and healthy as possible.
Please join us in congratulating Sarah for this honor!
Certified Advocate Training
Certified Advocates provide essential support to survivors of sexual violence—on the hotline, in hospitals, at police stations, and in courtrooms.
Our next Certified Advocate Training starts May 28—and we’d love for you to be part of this caring community. The training costs $80 (to cover the cost of materials and a background check) and includes:
- One weekly class every Wednesday, 5:30–8:30 p.m., for five weeks beginning May 28
- Weekly asynchronous modules that include recordings, readings, and assignments
- Practice mock calls
- An exam, including a written component and a mock call
Sign up for Certified Advocate Training now!
How to Protect Children in Our Communities
In honor of SAAM, our CEO, Sharon Walker Epps, wrote a powerful op-ed in the CT Post. In response to alarming rates of child sexual assault, sextortion, and exploitation, Sharon reminds us, “We don’t stay silent. We talk to our kids. We talk to each other. We stay curious, informed, and connected. We push past the discomfort, because these conversations save lives. And we make sure that when trauma does happen, healing is accessible and encouraged and never buried in shame.”
Read the full article at ctpost.com/opinion/article/sexual-assault-awareness-ct-predators-20276649.php
Learn Before You Leave
Over 50 people joined us at the Greenwich Library for Learn Before You Leave: A College Safety Panel on April 9. Representatives from Kids in Crisis, The Rowan Center, and Fordham Emergency Medical Services led a candid and supportive panel discussion about preventing violence and staying safe on college campuses. We shared the latest data and real-world advice for students and parents regarding college life and personal safety, which will help facilitate open dialogue at home and among friends.
The Rowan Center Trauma Fellowship
This summer, we are launching a brand new program at The Rowan Center: a three-year Trauma Fellowship.
Through this training program, master’s-level therapists will become independently licensed trauma therapists, certified in EMDR and equipped to supervise both interns and new clinicians.
Our goal? Not just more trauma therapists, but more leaders in trauma-informed care.
Thanks to the support of two generous donors, we will welcome our first two Fellows, Zachary Boccarossa and Taina Colon, this summer!
Thank You, Citizens Church!
Huge thanks to Citizens Church for donating 60 self-care bags for survivors. These tangible gifts remind survivors that they are seen, understood, and cared for. We are so grateful to all of our partners who help us support and serve those who have experienced sexual violence.
Want to get your own group involved? Visit therowancenter.org/get-involved/volunteer.
Thank you, UJA-JCC Teen Changemakers!
The Teen Changemakers philanthropy program at UJA-JCC Greenwich gave a generous gift to The Rowan Center to support our mission! The Teen Changemakers are committed to making a difference in the community by addressing critical issues like domestic and sexual violence, poverty, and more—and we are so grateful they selected The Rowan Center as one of their recipient organizations this year!
Save the Date for Gingerbread Houses and Cocktails for a Cause
Gingerbread Houses and Cocktails for a Cause returns this year! Save the date to join us for this highly anticipated and beloved event at the Darien Country Club on Thursday, December 4.
Gather with friends and neighbors to support prevention education, advocate for victims and survivors, and ensure that everyone who has been impacted by sexual violence can access the counseling and resources they need to heal and move forward.
Stop and Shop this May!
Make a difference with every bag! When you purchase a Community Bag from the Stop & Shop in Stamford, CT this May, $1 will go directly to support The Rowan Center.
Your simple (and eco-friendly!) choice will help to create safer communities and support victims and survivors of sexual violence.
Learn more about how Stop & Shop is giving back to organizations like ours at stopandshop.2givelocal.com.