Help, Hope & Healing: Staff Picks
Annually in September, the Rape Crisis Center hosts the event Light the Path to Healing. This year, the theme is Carrying the Light Forward with the goal of honoring and supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Addison Coulter – Primary Prevention Coordinator 1
Despite the negative impact and trauma that sexual violence has on survivors, there are professionals, family, friends, and community members that are dedicated to helping. There are also practices survivors incorporate into their lives that reinforce their healing journeys. There is hope for a brighter future.
Our staff are a group of dedicated and passionate professionals that care about healing, and they maintain hope for a world where sexual violence is absent. Even with these ideals, carrying the light forward is not inherent, and we all lean on outside sources of hope.
Read on to view our ‘staff picks’ of websites, activities, local businesses, and more that bring us hope and reinforce our healing as helping professionals:
Audra Atzger – CEO
Spending time in my barn, caring for my animals, & riding my horses
Spending time in my barn with my horses, goats, and other animals gives me a place of peace, reflection, and connection. The way my animals need me, trust me, and express themselves in their own unique ways brings healing to my life in ways I never knew were possible. My horses provide me with a sense of freedom and a chance to step away from the fast pace of everyday life, reminding me that I have the strength and power to be present, make choices, and create the life I want.
Addison Coulter – Primary Prevention Coordinator 1
You can use your San Antonio YMCA membership at any YMCA in the city. I have been able to play volleyball in open gyms, workout, swim, make new friends, and try new activities. Seeing numerous communities come together to have fun and stay active has been so inspiring to me!
Elethia Eldridge – Advocate
Sunday Mornings at Church
After a week of walking alongside survivors during incredibly difficult moments, Sunday mornings allow me to reset. Worshipping God and spending intentional time with my daughter fills my heart with peace, joy, and hope, reminding me why healing is possible and helping me return to my work with compassion and purpose.
Serks Marcos – Training and Community Engagement
Swimming & Motorcycle Rides
Taking a dip in the pool helps me relax, clear my mind, and reset. It reminds me to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the simple moments. Riding my motorcycle gives me a sense of freedom and peace while helping me clear my head and leave everyday stress behind. The open road reminds me that no matter what life brings, there is always a road forward.
Amy Porch Ketel – Community Engagement Coordinator
When I get a chance to be creative, it brings me healing because it helps me refocus my thinking from what is weighing heavy on my mind to colors, technique, and smaller shapes within the larger picture. This stops my mind from racing!
Maria Rivas – Counselor
At the studio, you can create beautiful candles and get inspired by the ones other people have made. Being in the space allows you to be creative, learn a new skill, get inspiration, and bond with people around you. They also make great, one-of-a-kind gifts. It’s a great form of self-care.
Audrey Uresti – SART Coordinator
The repetitive movement in crochet helps relieve anxiety. It is also awesome to create something with your own hands.