The Initiative

Disability is more than a diagnosis. It’s a lived experience shaped by the world around us.

At The Initiative, we believe disability advocacy means looking at the whole picture: accessibility, autonomy, safety, identity, and the barriers that can impact a person’s ability to live free from abuse. 💜

Meet our new Western Colorado Victim advocate! ✨

Leslie has a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Colorado Mesa University. She is passionate about helping others feel heard, supported, and empowered. Leslie has previous experience in supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault through advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and connecting individuals with resources. Through her career, Leslie has learned that sometimes one of the most meaningful things you can offer someone is simply a place to be heard. She believes that people are often stronger and more capable than they realize.  Outside of work she loves spending time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, hiking, traveling, and exploring new places.

Sometimes, simply being there can make all the difference. 💜

Here are ways you can support someone you love:

🧏‍♀️ Listen without judgment, let them share their feelings freely.
💬 Offer reassurance and affirm that they matter.
🌱 Encourage them to seek professional help and support.
🤝 Check in regularly to show you care.
🏞️ Respect their space and boundaries.
💡 Remind them they are not alone, support can make a difference.
💜 Promote hope, kindness, and understanding every day.

📞988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline

Believing survivors is su***de prevention. 💜

📞 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
📱 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

Listen. Believe. Support.
You could help save a life.

Working in the trauma field can take a toll. We hear hard stories, hold space for heavy experiences, and carry the weight of this work with us.

That’s why taking time to step away, laugh, create, and connect with each other isn’t a luxury. It’s part of preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.

Our candle-making team day was a small reminder that we need moments of light, too. 💜

September is National Su***de Prevention Month.

For someone experiencing domestic violence, the weight of abuse can feel overwhelming. Isolation, coercive control, threats, and the constant loss of safety can leave survivors feeling hopeless or trapped.

No one should have to carry that weight alone.

Su***de prevention means creating spaces where survivors are believed, supported, and connected to safety and resources.

If you or someone you know is struggling:
988 — Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
800-799-SAFE (7233) — National Domestic Violence Hotline
Text START to 88788 — National Domestic Violence Hotline

You deserve to be here. You deserve safety. And support is available. 💜

We are so honored and grateful to receive PACCSoCo’s Nonprofit of the Year Award. 💜

Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing alongside us. We are truly grateful.

Kinda Chic to… 💜

Believe survivors.
Provide resources.
Create safe spaces.
Support survivors.
Listen without judgment.
Support survivors rebuilding stability.
Ask for help.
Support a friend.
Respect others.
Make services accessible.

💜 This Overdose Awareness Month, we honor the lives lost to overdose with compassion and care.

For survivors of domestic violence, substance use can be deeply connected to trauma and coping. We stand with survivors navigating these complex intersections and believe everyone deserves support without judgment.