Signs of HOPE celebrates 50 years of service to Southern Nevada, providing much-needed services and long-term advocacy for those affected by sexual violence and exploitation. Here, Kim Small, CEO, discusses the nonprofit’s upcoming Denim Day Legacy of Resilience Gala and how readers can contribute.
What prompted the start of the nonprofit? Signs of HOPE was originally founded in 1974 as the Community Action Against Rape by Las Vegas locals, Florence McClure and Sandra Petta. McClure and Petta were outraged by the lack of resources and respect for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones.
McClure originally ran the operation out of her home, with the goal of helping those in Clark County heal from the trauma of sexual violence and human trafficking. Her dedication and vision continue to inspire us today. Signs of HOPE’s purpose is to ensure that victims of sexual assault and human trafficking have the support and resources they need to move through the process of healing, for as long as it takes.
What is the greatest reward in being involved with Signs of HOPE? The greatest reward in being involved with Signs of HOPE is working alongside a staff that is so connected to the mission. The connection to the mission is what drives the work. I watch when clients come into our center for counseling or advocacy and how they interact with our staff. I can see the look of relief on clients’ faces when they are offered reassurance that we will be beside them on their healing journey. I am so proud of the Signs of HOPE team and the work they do day in and day out. Our staff members give their all, and the look of satisfaction on our clients’ faces shows that their work is appreciated. I appreciate them too.
What is the biggest challenge the nonprofit faces? Raising awareness about the issue of sexual violence that affects so many in our community while the demand for our services continues to grow is an ongoing challenge for our organization. Unfortunately, while we have made strides, victim blaming and shaming are still significant in our society. This, coupled with very deep cuts nationwide in federal Victims of Crime Act funds, which have historically helped sustain our operations, have left us an urgent need to fundraise for a cause that many people have difficulty speaking about or contributing to publicly.
What are your goals for 2024? For 2024, our goals include engaging the community and raising awareness about Signs of HOPE’s 50th anniversary and the legacy of resilience that includes our founders and the many survivors, volunteers and staff who have sustained this organization through five decades of service in Southern Nevada.
As we look ahead in 2024 and to the next 50 years, we renew our commitment to the goal of ending sexual violence in our community and invite everyone to join us in this effort. We have set a fundraising goal of $500,000 for the year, and we are proud to accept donations of any size with gratefulness and appreciation.
How can readers help? There are many ways for community members to help Signs of HOPE. Tickets, tables and sponsorships are on sale for our Denim Day Legacy of Resilience Gala on April 24 at Circa Resort & Casino.
If you would like to make a separate donation, we are glad to accept amounts of any size. To give you an idea, $50 pays for a client Lyft ride; $75 provides one counseling session; and $150 provides one prevention and education class in a Clark County School District school.
In addition, the organization is always looking for volunteers. Go to sohlv.org/become-a-volunteer/ to learn about various volunteer roles and the 50-hour advocacy training course.
Does the nonprofit have any events or fundraisers planned for Sexual Assault Awareness Month? April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this year we will showcase our 50th anniversary at our Denim Day Legacy of Resilience Gala on April 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Circa Resort & Casino. Denim Day, April 24, is an international awareness raising day during which people are encouraged to wear denim to show support for sexual assault survivors. As such, gala guests are asked to pair denim with cocktail attire for the event. Everyone is invited to wear jeans and party with a purpose on this special day during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Our event features passed appetizers, entertainment, opportunities to bid on silent auction items and an inspirational, survivor denim-themed runway show, a long-standing highlight of Signs of HOPE’s Denim Day celebrations. Denim Day background: The day commemorates a 1998 decision by the Supreme Court of Italy, which overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans, and the panel concluded she must have assisted her attacker in taking them off, and therefore was consenting. The following day, female members of the Italian parliament wore jeans to work in solidarity with the young victim. This terrible decision brought worldwide attention to the rampant victim blaming that continues to occur with sexual assault.