Sondra Miller to step down after 11 years as President & CEO; Board of Directors has launched search for next CEO
Today the Board of Directors of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) announced that Sondra Miller, who has served as President & CEO for more than a decade, will step down effective May 31, 2024 to pursue other opportunities. The Board has convened a Transition Committee and engaged Bridge Partners, a minority-owned executive search firm known for their inclusive search process centered in equity, to conduct a national search to identify CRCC’s next leader. Sondra will remain as a senior advisor to ensure a smooth transition.
“Under Sondra’s leadership, CRCC has become one of the largest independent rape crisis centers in the nation and is considered a model for similar organizations,” said Lisa Radigan, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Sondra has multiplied the impact of CRCC exponentially and during her tenure as CEO, helped more than 100,000 survivors of sexual violence throughout Northeast Ohio receive life-changing, if not life-saving, care. The Board is grateful for Sondra’s leadership and wishes her all the best as she moves forward.”
“It has been my honor to lead CRCC and work alongside team members, community partners and funders who are equally passionate about CRCC’s mission. The work we do has a lasting impact, and I am immensely proud of what we have been able to accomplish together,” said Sondra. “Although I am stepping down as CEO, I will continue to be a staunch advocate for survivors of rape, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.”
Sondra joined CRCC as Director of Education, Outreach & Community Partnerships in 2009 and was appointed President & CEO by the Board in 2013. Under her leadership, CRCC expanded its services to meet survivors where they are and eliminate barriers to accessing care. As a result, CRCC grew its service area to four counties in Northeast Ohio and now provides direct services to more than 10,000 survivors annually, regardless of gender identity, age, race, or religious preference. The scope of CRCC’s work also expanded to encompass raising awareness about the prevention of sexual assault and rape and amplifying the voices of survivors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sondra guided her team to find the best ways to continue providing services and ensure that resources were consistently available during the time of greatest need. In addition, CRCC continues to be a trusted expert and leader in the community during critical social movements and regional events.
CRCC’s growth during Sondra’s tenure has been fueled by partnerships she created and nurtured with supporters and funders. CRCC’s revenue, which now comes from diverse sources at the local, state and national levels as well as from philanthropic partners, has grown sevenfold during this time.
“As CRCC celebrates 50 years of spearheading positive change in Northeast Ohio, Sondra has positioned the agency to serve survivors while working toward a world free from sexual violence in the years to come,” added Lisa. “As we move forward, the Board, employees, and volunteers of CRCC will remain fiercely committed to meeting the needs of survivors.”
###
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s mission is to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promote healing and prevention, and advocate for social change. Our vision is the elimination of sexual violence. Each year, CRCC provides direct support and services to more than 10,000 survivors in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties and reaches tens of thousands more community members with prevention and education programs. Our 24/7 crisis and support hotline is available to call or text at: (216) 619-6192, or visit https://clevelandrapecrisis.org/ to learn more.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s theme for SAAM 2024 is Consent Matters.
Healthy relationships build healthy communities.
This April, help us start conversations about consent, preventing sexual violence, and supporting survivors.
You can make a difference during Sexual Assault Awareness Month! Here are eight ways you can help raise awareness:
Read, print, and share the following resources with your students, colleagues and friends.
Need to talk? We’re here to listen. Text or call (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 or chat on our website.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The following is a list of events taking place in Northeast Ohio during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise awareness about rape and sexual abuse in our community.
Jump to month-long events and promotions.
Monday, April 1
Tuesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 3
Thursday, April 4
Friday, April 5
Monday, April 8
Tuesday, April 9
Wednesday, April 10
Thursday, April 11
Friday, April 12
Saturday, April 13
Sunday, April 14
Monday, April 15
Wednesday, April 17
Thursday, April 18
Friday, April 19
Saturday, April 20
Sunday, April 21
Tuesday, April 23
Wednesday, April 24
Thursday, April 25
Monday, April 29
Tuesday, April 30
This January, you can show your support for survivors and help Cleveland Rape Crisis Center spread awareness about the issue of human trafficking.
1. Wear Blue on January 11. By wearing blue on Human Trafficking Awareness Day, you can help start conversations about the reality of human trafficking in our community. Post a selfie online along with something you’ve learned about sex trafficking and labor trafficking.
2. Donate much-needed supplies for the Drop-in Center. Purchase from our Amazon Wishlist to help us keep up with the need for basic care items for Human Trafficking Drop-in Center visitors.
3. Be informed. Take some time to learn about human trafficking and sex trafficking in our community. Read 10 Things to Know about Sex Trafficking (En Español: 10 cosas que hay que saber sobre el tráfico sexual) and follow Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to learn more.
4. Spread the word about life-saving services. Did you know Cleveland Rape Crisis Center offers a 24-hour hotline (855-431-7827) for survivors of human trafficking and others in the community seeking information and support? Post the link to our services or the Drop-in Center to social media to help survivors know they are not alone.
5. Support survivors of human trafficking by making a donation online today.
Click here to learn more, or call (855) 431-7827.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center provides specialized advocacy, counseling, case management, professional training, and a 24-hour hotline to survivors of human trafficking in Northeast Ohio.
Project Description / Scope of Work
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) in conjunction with project partners and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is soliciting requests for proposals for the purpose of developing an educational video series.
The educational video series will train and educate organizations around targeted human trafficking curriculum with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth. Using CRCC staff and/or CRCC partnership spokespeople, video content will be delivered through on-camera spokesperson(s) and textual elements.
Target audience will include system providers through which LGBTQ+ minors come into contact. Videos will need to be short in length and engaging – to be utilized as an educational resource.
Project Timeline
Submission Requirements / Deadlines
Submissions should be submitted electronically to Donisha Greene at donishag@clevelandrcc.org no later than November 18th.
As part of on-going efforts to advance Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s mission and vision, we are excited to announce Jessica Martin as the new Chief Client Services Officer. Jessica will lead and oversee all client service efforts including case management, therapy, advocacy, regional services, and anti-human trafficking. We are also proud to announce Megan Williams as the new Chief Prevention & Education Officer who will lead, oversee and grow all prevention, education, and training services to the community.
Jessica Martin previously served as CRCC’s Director of Clinical Services in 2020, and was promoted to Senior Director of Programs and Behavioral Health in 2021. Jessica’s prior experience includes Chief Clinical Officer, Assistant Program Director, Child and Adult Trauma Therapist, Domestic Violence Advocate, and Residential Care Specialist at The Green House domestic violence shelter. Since entering the field Jessica has founded the Northeast Ohio Domestic Violence Task Force, co-created the first transitional living program for survivors in Lake County, created the award-winning Empowered Parent program in Geauga County, lead the CRCC clinical team in increasing symptom reduction from 84% to 91%, and implemented a Harm Reduction initiative that provides training and equipment to staff and survivors.
Megan Williams joined CRCC as the Director of Education & Outreach quickly making a tremendous impact in the community. Prior to joining, Megan worked with the Neighborhood Leadership Institute as the Program Manager for True2U, a career mentoring and personal development mentorship program that served 8th grade students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the second largest school district in Ohio. Megan has spent most of her career in human resources management and organizational development in the fields of corporate manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, and professional services, with expertise in program management, curriculum development, facilitation and training.
Back-to-school is a busy and exciting time for many families across Northeast Ohio. New classes, teachers, routines, and friends can bring anticipation and adventure, but can also carry stress and unexpected challenges. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is here to support young survivors and their caregivers as they embark upon this new year.
Want to join us in creating a happy, healthy new school year? Read below for four ways you can help support students and survivors in our community this fall.
Reach out to the 24/7 Crisis & Support Hotline today.
While traditional avenues of criminal justice may have failed his accusers, today’s NFL and NFLPA settlement of increased punishment is a step towards validating their experiences. Healing comes to survivors in many forms.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center believes and supports survivors. Continued headlines are triggering for many. Our staff is available 24/7/365 online or by calling/texting (216) 619-6192.
Reach out today. Call or Text (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020 or chat online for 24/7 support.
