SafeSpace | Hood River, Oregon
During the winter of 2019,
Gorge Fly Shop launched the
SafeSpace Toy Drive, which has grown into a significant initiative. Our
Gorge Fly Shop Community from across the country has consistently shown support for SafeSpace year after year.
SafeSpace Child Advocacy Center of the Columbia River Gorge serves a critical role in our local communities. When child abuse is suspected, children ranging from 0 to 18 years old are taken to the center. Here, they undergo all necessary interviews, procedures, and examinations in one coordinated manner with all necessary personnel under one roof. This approach reduces the trauma for the child, as they only have to share their story once instead of multiple times. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, these interviews are recorded for potential use in further investigations. Previously, these necessary interviews would take place over several days to weeks, sometimes at the police station or in emergency rooms. This comprehensive process now occurs under one roof, providing a more supportive, comfortable environment for the child victims.
In December 2023, SafeSpace moved to a new, larger location in Hood River, Oregon. This new space offers additional room while accommodating one of the vital missing components – mental health counselors.
Advocacy centers like SafeSpace provide a safe environment for children to begin the healing process. Unfortunately, these children have experienced trauma, these advocacy centers work to address what should have never occurred in the first place.
Child Advocacy Centers are crucial facilities present across the country. Yet, many people are unaware of their existence.
Child abuse happens everywhere, and no area is exempt from it. It is our collective responsibility to raise awareness and start conversations about it. Our local advocacy center is witnessing an alarming increase in activity, indicating a pressing need for action. Putting an end to child abuse begins with awareness and reporting.
If you would like to make a financial donation, please contact us, and we can connect you with the SafeSpace direct link for donations.
Earlier this year, our customer Terry Watson graciously collected and provided a range of clothing to create the SafeSpace Closet. This closet is filled with clothing for all ages, from infants to adults.
Terry also gathered backpacks that are stocked with essential personal care items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, water bottles, and more. These thoughtful donations are given to children who need these items when they arrive, or to those who have been removed from their home, and now they have a backpack with all the essential items they require.
We would like to thank all of our customers who have supported SafeSpace over the years and look forward to continuing our support.
In the Spring of 2025, Lyndsey and Terry were accepted to the SafeSpace board. Terry, who is now retired, has a wealth of knowledge on the accounting side. Lyndsey is very excited for this new role and supporting SafeSpace in a much bigger presence.
