History
In 1977 concerned women in the Tri-Cities met to establish a support program for victims of sexual assault. In September 1977, a support program, staffed by volunteer advocates, began to serve Benton and Franklin Counties as a part of the Mid-Columbia Mental Health Center. It provided professional staff funded by federal monies.
In 1981 federal monies were no longer available and the Center had to discontinue the service. In December, 1981, the Benton-Franklin Rape Relief and Sexual Assault Program was incorporated and funded by United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties and located at the Mid-Columbia Mental Health Center.
In 1986 the Benton-Franklin Rape Relief and Sexual Assault Program was moved to 640 Jadwin, Suite D in Richland.
In 1990, to better express the work of the program, the agency's name was changed to the Sexual Assault Response Center, or SARC.
In July 2000, the Kids Haven program became operational. SARC moved facilities to 830 North Columbia Center Blvd. Suite H, to accommodate this new partnership with local city and county governments.
Staff
Executive Director - JoDee Garretson,
sarced@verizon.net
Office Administrator - Mitzi Veng,
sarcadmin@verizon.net
