Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) is proud to partner with The Tea Lab on a meaningful collaboration in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) this April. Together, they are introducing a limited-edition loose-leaf tea, the “I Believe You” Blend, created to support survivors and raise awareness across the community.
Crafted by The Tea Lab, the caffeine-free blend features Greek mountain tea, rose, lemon balm, ashwagandha, lemongrass, lavender, and other botanicals known for their calming properties—intentionally designed to promote comfort and care.
“We were excited to collaborate with Cleveland Rape Crisis Center on this special project for Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” said Carlos E. Ramos, Owner of The Tea Lab. “We’ve always believed in supporting our community, and this was a creative way to do so. We hope this blend offers a small sense of calm and care for those who need it most.”
The “I Believe You” Blend will be sold in 2-ounce tins for $14.99, with $3 from every purchase donated directly to CRCC to support free, confidential services for survivors of sexual violence, including counseling, advocacy, and prevention education.
“This partnership is a powerful reminder that community care can take many forms,” said Nicole McKinney-Johnson, CRCC President & CEO. “Through something as simple and intentional as a cup of tea, we’re able to uplift survivors and reinforce a message that matters deeply: we believe you, and you are not alone.”
The limited-edition blend will be available throughout April at The Tea Lab and online at tealabcle.com.
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About Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center supports survivors of sexual violence through trauma-informed advocacy, counseling, and prevention services across Northeast Ohio. Services are free and confidential and available 24/7 via hotline at (216) 619-6192.
About The Tea Lab
The Tea Lab is a Lakewood-based tea company known for its thoughtfully crafted blends and commitment to community engagement.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The following is a list of events taking place in Northeast Ohio during SAAM. Join Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and our community partners as we raise awareness and support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
As national conversations around sexual abuse and exploitation again draw public attention, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) is bringing the focus to where healing and accountability happen every day: at the local level.
On March 5, CRCC hosted its first-ever State of CRCC, convening civic leaders, funders, advocates, and community partners to provide a comprehensive update on the local landscape of sexual violence response and outline the next chapter of survivor-centered care in Northeast Ohio.
While the event was planned as part of CRCC’s strategic commitment to transparency and community engagement, the renewed national spotlight on sexual violence underscores the timeliness of the conversation.
The event featured a powerful address from Nicole McKinney-Johnson, President & CEO, followed by a live fireside chat with Lisa Radigan, CRCC Board Chair, and Dána Langford, CRCC Vice Chair and President & CEO of Village of Healing.
During the program, CRCC formally unveiled three foundational documents:
Together, these documents outline the current landscape of sexual violence response locally, emerging trends in survivor needs, and CRCC’s long-term roadmap for sustainable, survivor-centered systems of care.
“National headlines often spark renewed public attention,” said Nicole McKinney-Johnson, President & CEO of CRCC. “But survivor support is not episodic. It requires infrastructure, prevention, mental health integration, and sustained community investment. The State of CRCC is our opportunity to speak clearly about what that looks like at the local level.”
The organization’s updated data reflects the complexity of today’s survivor landscape. In 2025 alone, CRCC documented more than 15,000 survivor support interactions, provided human trafficking support to 306 survivors and expanded integrated therapeutic services that include suicide risk screening and long-term counseling.
The new Strategic Plan focuses on strengthening prevention efforts, deepening cross-sector partnerships, expanding culturally responsive care, and ensuring workforce sustainability for trauma-informed service delivery.
Moments like this are important because they reflect responsible and forward-thinking leadership,” said Lisa Radigan, CRCC Board Chair. “It’s not enough to do meaningful work — we have to create space to examine it, strengthen it for the long term, and meaningfully engage with the community regarding the needs of survivors. Convening leaders around survivor care reinforces that this responsibility belongs to all of us.”
Held during Women’s History Month, the event highlights women-led leadership shaping one of Northeast Ohio’s primary survivor advocacy institutions.
“Community healing doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Dána Langford, CRCC Vice-Chair and President & CEO of Village of Healing. “It requires collaboration, courageous dialogue, and sustained partnership. Convenings like this signal that our region is committed not just to responding to harm — but to building stronger systems that prevent it.”
While the national climate reinforces the urgency of sexual violence prevention and response, CRCC emphasizes that its work remains steady, long-term, and locally grounded.
“Attention fades,” McKinney-Johnson added. “But the need for survivor-centered systems does not. Our responsibility is to build the infrastructure that allows healing to continue —consistently, responsibly, and compassionately.”
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About Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) provides free, confidential services to survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking throughout Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties. Services include a 24/7 hotline, advocacy, counseling, prevention education, and professional training.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, a milestone rooted in truth, remembrance, and resilience. What began in 1926 as a way to honor Black life and leadership has grown into a global recognition of both the immeasurable contributions of Black communities and the enduring impact of systemic injustice.
At Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC), this moment holds deep meaning.
Black history is not separate from the work we do—it is woven into it. It lives in the experiences of Black survivors who have navigated violence, silence, and systemic barriers, and in the strength and brilliance they bring with them. As we commemorate this centennial year, we honor the past while recommitting ourselves to the future we are working to build.
For many Black survivors, history has included being unseen, unheard, or disbelieved. Racism, misogynoir, and inequitable systems continue to shape how Black survivors experience sexual violence and access care. Yet Black communities have always led with care—creating networks of protection, advocacy, and healing long before formal systems were available.
Commemorating this milestone invites reflection and accountability—acknowledging where systems have failed Black survivors and strengthening our commitment to culturally responsive, accessible, and affirming services.
It also calls us to recognize that this work is never done alone.
We extend deep gratitude to the community stakeholders, grassroots leaders, partner organizations, ambassadors, advocates, and change-makers who stand alongside us every day. Together, we fight for justice, expand access to care, reduce stigma, and create pathways to healing—not only for vulnerable populations, but intentionally and unapologetically for Black survivors. Your leadership, collaboration, and courage make this work stronger and more sustainable.
This centennial is not only about honoring history—it is about shaping what comes next.
As we reflect on 100 years of Black history, CRCC stands alongside Black survivors with care, humility, and purpose. Because honoring Black history means building a future where Black survivors are fully seen and fully supported.
Take action today to help Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) provide life-changing support to survivors in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, and Lake counties. Check out these ideas for how your business or group can get involved in Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Take Action
Email kellys@clevelandrcc.org or call (440) 701-5798 today.
Thank you for supporting survivors!
Join The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking and Cleveland Rape Crisis Center for a critical conversation on January 23. Register today.
This virtual training builds understanding of human trafficking, consent, and youth vulnerability. Participants will learn how exploitation occurs, including force, fraud, coercion, and grooming, and why minors cannot legally or ethically consent. Using a trauma-informed, prevention-focused approach, participants will gain practical tools to recognize risk and respond in ways that prioritize youth safety and dignity.
Date: Friday, Jan 23, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Online event (Zoom.)
Cost: Free.
CEUs available for social workers, counselors, and marriage and family counselors.
Carolyn Arny, MA, CCLS, NADD-DDS
Director of Education & Training
Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
Jessica Martin, MSSA, LISW-S
Chief Program Officer, Client Rights Officer
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s offices will have the following reduced hours during the weeks of December 22 and 29, 2025. If you need support during these closures or at any time, please reach out to our Crisis & Support Hotline. Text or call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 or chat online any time, day or night.
Christmas Week
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Survivors and their loved ones can reach out 24/7 for confidential support, resources, or information.
Today, we join our nation in remembering the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We honor the lives lost, the courage of the first responders, and the resilience of families and communities who continue to carry the weight of that day. This anniversary is always a tender moment in our collective history—a reminder of both the deep pain and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
We also know that this year’s remembrance comes during a news cycle that has been especially heavy. The constant flow of difficult stories can be overwhelming and leave many feeling tired, anxious, or weighed down. These feelings are real and valid. At CRCC, we believe in the power of acknowledging that weight and extending compassion—to ourselves, to our neighbors, and to our communities.
As we reflect on today’s anniversary and the broader challenges in the world around us, we hold space for both grief and hope. We stand with survivors, families, and all who are seeking moments of healing and light in difficult times. You are not alone.
We’re here to listen. Text/call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 or chat online.
