Honoring 40 Years of Services in Spartanburg
April is always a powerful time of reflection and action for us at Project R.E.S.T., and this year held even greater significance. In 2025, we proudly celebrated 40 years of providing sexual assault services in Spartanburg County and 30 years as a dual agency, serving survivors of both domestic and sexual violence.
As we close out this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), we’re filled with gratitude for the community that rallied beside us. From media interviews to car shows and college trainings, we united under one mission: to raise awareness, amplify survivor voices, and create a safer, more respectful future for all.
SAAM 2025 Highlights
SAAM Car Show with DD Motors and DD Customs
We kicked off April with horsepower and heart at our first Sexual Assault Awareness Month Car Show, hosted in partnership with DD Motors and DD Customs. With 18 cars registered and an incredible turnout, we raised $668 for victim services. Huge thanks to our volunteer coordinator, Izzy Pippen, for baking delicious treats for the event—and to DD Motors for sponsoring the raffle. The event also featured a resource table with materials to help educate and support survivors and their families.
Project R.E.S.T. Featured on WSPA Channel 7
Our CEO Krystal Watson, Managing Attorney Nate Molle, and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Jacqueline Hansen were featured on WSPA Channel 7 alongside reporter Christine Scarpelli. They discussed the launch of our new legal advocacy program for survivors and the impact of holistic support services across our region. If you missed it, you can still check out the full story and interviews here.
25th Anniversary of International Denim Day
On April 30, we joined the world in honoring the 25th anniversary of International Denim Day, a movement born from a protest against victim-blaming. Thanks to support from local partners—including Thompson Dove Law Group, the City of Spartanburg, KD Trial Lawyers, Pinnacle Financial Partners, the Spartanburg County Solicitor’s Office, and the Spartanburg County Foundation—we raised over $900 in support of our mission. Together, we wore denim and stood in solidarity with survivors everywhere.
Spotlight in Spartanburg County Foundation’s Annual Film
We were honored to be included in the Spartanburg County Foundation’s 2025 annual film, which premiered at their annual meeting. Our segment highlighted our commitment to improving the lives of Spartanburg County residents through survivor advocacy and trauma-informed care. You can find our segment from 15:06 to 21:44 in the video below.
Expanding Education and Advocacy
Community Training and Conference Presentations
Education is a cornerstone of our prevention efforts. In April, several members of our team shared their expertise through direct service trainings and conference presentations:
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Izzy Pippen and Jasmin Elizalde led a trauma-informed care session with Duncan Police Department and fellow service providers.
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Jacqueline Hansen led trainings with SC DHEC’s HIV Planning Council Hispanic Workgroup, Limestone University, and Spartanburg Methodist College, the latter in partnership with bilingual advocate Nathaly Zapata.
These trainings help our community partners better understand the realities of sexual violence—and how to respond with empathy, care, and accountability.
Victims Matter Rally at the State House
On April 17, Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Jacqueline Hansen represented Project R.E.S.T. at the 4th annual “Victims Matter Rally” at the South Carolina State House, hosted by the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN). Advocates, survivors, and allies came together to uplift the critical role of victim services in public safety and community healing. If you missed it, you can still check out the full story here.
Volunteer Appreciation Week 2025
We celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week this year from April 20–26. All of us at Project R.E.S.T. are so thankful for the incredible work our volunteers do. From office administration to staffing the 24/7 crisis line—and so much more—we couldn’t do this work without our amazing volunteers. THANK YOU!
Explore Volunteer OpportunitiesWhat Comes Next
Our work doesn’t end in April. At Project R.E.S.T., sexual assault awareness is a year-round commitment. As we reflect on a meaningful SAAM 2025, we also look ahead—with hope and determination—to continue building a future where survivors are supported, believed, and empowered.
If you’d like to support this mission:
Together, we can break the silence, challenge the stigma, and build a world where safety and justice are not privileges—but guarantees.
