As this momentous year comes to an end, we would like to thank you for your continued support of Respect Together (formerly Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape) and its mission.

This work isn't done in a vacuum; it takes committed donors, staff, stakeholders, and board of directors to ensure that we have an impact. Together we have witnessed why staying the course to prevent and end sexual violence and harassment is still critical.

This year brought us the opportunity to look toward the future of our organization and determine new ways for us to make a difference in the lives of victims and survivors and those that love and support them. Some highlights from this year include:

New name, same powerful message
In August we officially changed our organization’s name to Respect Together. Respect Together unites all elements of our work under one name with the continuing operation of our two major divisions – the re-named Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), focusing on advocacy in Pennsylvania, and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), which provides resources and prevention strategies at the national level.

Message from Karen Baker, our former CEO
"I retired this month after 23 years of service at Respect Together. This is a bittersweet but exciting time for me. I am grateful for the confidence, support, and grace that the board, staff, centers, and communities have entrusted in me as Chief Executive Officer. It’s been an honor to serve in this role.

We recently announced that Yolanda Edrington, former COO of NSVRC, will become our new CEO to continue our work on behalf of survivors. She has much experience in the nonprofit and community engagement realm. I am confident that she will provide strong leadership and guidance to the entire organization as we continue to combat the challenges of sexual violence and oppression. Please join me in congratulating Yolanda!"

Message from Yolanda Edrington, our new CEO
"I am incredibly excited to step in as Respect Together’s new CEO. As Karen mentioned, I have more than 20 years of experience in leadership and community engagement to create social change. I’m looking forward to building with all of you and finding new ways to drive the mission forward. Thank you all in advance for your help and support as I settle into this important role."

We hope that you join us at this time to make a year-end donation to Respect Together that will ultimately help us:

• Provide training and resources to rape crisis centers, advocates, and stakeholders across the US and territories.
• Deliver free, confidential trauma-informed legal advice, and short-term legal representation to victims of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.
• Offer aid to rape crisis centers in immediate need that provide direct services to survivors.
• To remain financially sustainable as we work to develop and grow our outreach, engagement, and impact to advocate for victims and survivors on their journey toward healing.

You can give today by:

• Visiting our website to donate online
• Sending a check or money order made out to Respect Together to: 2101 N Front Street, Governor's Plaza North Building #2, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Together, we can create safer communities for everyone. Thank you once again for being a part of our journey.

Sincerely,

                         
Karen L. Baker, LMSW                                Yolanda Edrington
Former Chief Executive Officer                    New Chief Executive Officer
Respect Together                                         Respect Together

Join us for these upcoming events:

• April 2024: National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Campaign
• April 2024: New CEO Welcome Event – more details to come
• May 2024: Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community
• August 14-16, 2024: National Sexual Assault Conference® (NSAC) in Washington, DC
• Summer 2025: PCAR’s 50th anniversary and NSVRC’s 25th anniversary celebration