Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect

📣 PA’s Rape Crisis Centers are still waiting for our legislators to support survivors. The budget impasse following years of underfunding has forced Centers to take drastic measures just to keep the lights on and hotlines active. Contact your state legislator and tell them to pass the budget with an increase to the Rape Crisis line item today!   #PABudget #BudgetImpasse #SupportSurvivors

Pennsylvania’s 48 rape crisis centers are in crisis. For more than five years, these vital programs have faced flat funding. Now, three months into the state budget impasse, centers are being forced to take on debt just to keep hotlines answered and services available. Staff layoffs, reduced hours, and program cuts are becoming unavoidable. Yet advocates continue to show extraordinary commitment — supporting survivors 24/7, even under these conditions. The Pennsylvania General Assembly must act without delay! Survivors and communities across the Commonwealth cannot wait. Pass a budget with a meaningful funding increase for rape crisis centers.

📢Join us and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence TOMORROW at 2:00 pm at the PA Capitol to call on our legislators to pass a budget NOW! Survivors deserve better! Rape Crisis Centers are in crisis! Save DV and SA Programs! #SupportSurvivors #PABudget #BudgetImpasse

Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers are at a breaking point. Survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment cannot wait. For years, state funding has remained flat while the need for services has grown. Now, with the state budget at a standstill, rape crisis centers are stretched beyond capacity. Advocates are overworked. Survivors are waiting longer for help. That’s why we’re calling on lawmakers: 👉 Pass the state budget. 👉 Include an $8 million increase to the DHS rape crisis center line item If you are able, please also consider donating directly to your local rape crisis center. Your support ensures that survivors in your community have access to critical, lifesaving services. 🩵 Survivors cannot wait. Together, we can make sure their voices are heard. You can learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e2D2TYNy

Last week, PCAR was proud to stand alongside advocates and survivors at a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women and The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Together, we discussed the urgent needs of sexual assault programs across Pennsylvania.   At a time when 48 rape crisis centers in the Commonwealth are struggling with the devastating impact of underfunding—further compounded by the ongoing budget impasse—this conversation was critical. Centering survivors’ voices must remain at the heart of state leadership’s decisions.   Special thanks to YWCA Lancaster for hosting this meeting and thanks to all of the center staff and survivors who contributed their voices to this critical conversation. Including our partners at Sexual Assault Resource & Counseling Center, YWCA Carlisle and Cumberland County, YWCA York, WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence & Safe Berks.

PA’s 48 rape crisis centers are serving survivors 24/7—unpaid—as the budget impasse drags on. Survivors can’t wait. They need your support! Read PCAR’s open letter to the PA General Assembly: https://lnkd.in/eZ4z64RT

🚨 Pennsylvania’s 48 rape crisis centers are still serving survivors 24/7—without pay—during the budget impasse. They’re taking on debt to keep doors open. Survivors can’t wait. The budget delay has real consequences. Legislators: show the same dedication to survivors and pass the budget now!

Is your center struggling to create or sustain equitable partnership with your local Rape Crisis Center or Children’s Advocacy Center? You are not alone! We all want to support the children, youth, teens, and families in our communities. How can work together to deliver all the possible services for families, in order to provide the best support? Our centers in Clearfield and Delaware Counties have been there, and they want to help. They can provide mentorship, review MOU’s and referral processes, discuss national standards, and assist in communication efforts. If you’d be interested in their support, please email the folks below to get connected: - Jaime Cypher, PA Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), jcypher@pcar-respecttogether.org - Chris Kirchner, PA Children’s Advocacy Centers (Penn CAC), chriskirchner@penncac.org

📢Now Open: Requesting Proposals for Development Consultant As we move into the next chapter of our work, Respect Together is committed to expanding and diversifying our non-governmental funding — increasing support from individual donors, philanthropic partners, corporate sponsors, and foundations aligned with our mission to end sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. We are seeking a strategic and equity-driven Development Consultant to help us build and sustain a robust development program that will fuel our impact for years to come. 📅 Deadline to apply: September 15, 2025 📄 Full RFP details here: https://lnkd.in/eHkY3737 #RFP #DevelopmentConsulting #Fundraising #RespectTogether Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect & National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Back to school means new routines, friendships, and experiences. One essential lesson for everyone: consent. ✅ Consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific. Start conversations early—consent applies to hugs, sharing personal items, and all relationships. Together, we can create safe, respectful communities. #ConsentIsKey #BackToSchoolSafety #PreventionStartsWithUs