Project Sister Family Services Hosts Community Events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Pomona, CA — March 17, 2026 — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and promoting prevention. Project Sister Family Services, a nonprofit rape crisis center serving Eastern Los Angeles and Western San Bernardino Counties for more than 50 years, will host three community events this April to bring awareness, education, and solidarity to the region.

According to CDC data, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men nationwide report experiencing sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetime — a reality that drives Project Sister’s work every day.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity for our community to come together in support of survivors and to reaffirm our commitment to prevention,” said Michelle Cates, MSW, Executive Director of Project Sister Family Services. “Survivors deserve access to compassionate, trauma-informed support and communities where they feel safe, believed, and empowered.”

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April Events

Trauma-Informed Self-Defense Workshop

April 4 | 9:00–11:00 AM

Project Sister Family Services, Pomona

Focusing on boundary setting, situational awareness, and practical safety skills to build confidence and empowerment.

Project Sister SAAM Community Gathering

April 15 | 2:00–5:00 PM

Project Sister Family Services, Pomona

Community members, partners, and volunteers are invited to connect with advocates, learn about survivor services, and participate in awareness activities.

Together in Teal: Step Up for Survivors Community Walk

April 25 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Central Park, Rancho Cucamonga

Join us wearing teal — the national color of sexual assault awareness — for a community walk beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by community resource partners on-site.

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Project Sister provides confidential services including crisis intervention, counseling, accompaniment during forensic exams and legal proceedings, and prevention education in schools and communities. Like rape crisis centers across the country, Project Sister relies in part on federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding — support that has declined by hundreds of millions of dollars nationally in recent years, putting critical services at risk.

“Community-based advocacy programs are often the first place survivors turn when they need help,” Cates said. “Sustained investment in these services ensures that survivors have access to confidential support, counseling, and advocacy when they need it most.”

Community members are encouraged to attend events, learn about available resources, and stand in solidarity with survivors this April.

For more information, visit: [Events Page URL]

Media Contact:

Michelle Cates, MSW | Executive Director

Project Sister Family Services

mcates@projectsister.org

(909) 623-1619