The Sexual Assault Resource & Counseling Center (SARCC) in Lebanon County is helping community members heal from trauma, one person at a time.

SARCC provides no-cost counseling, medical and legal support, as well as therapy, education, support groups and a 24/7 support line for sexual abuse survivors and their families. Its Connected Together: Trauma Therapy Assessment and Treatment program received a renewed WellSpan Inspire Grant, allowing the organization to expand countywide access to mobile trauma assessment and therapy services for children and adults. The funding also supports adding providers to increase access to care.

Last year, WellSpan awarded more than $2.67 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, supporting 66 impact-driven initiatives aligned with the WellSpan Community Health Improvement Plan.

“Waitlists, insurance barriers, costs and limited-service options can all affect one's ability to receive mental health services,” said Julia Kint, community grants program administrator at WellSpan Health. “For those who have experienced victimization and trauma, navigating those barriers could prevent them from getting the help they need. Through this grant, SARCC not only helps eliminate those barriers for those who have endured the unfortunate experiences, but for their families as well.”

The work is part of a broader community initiative that began in 2020 in collaboration with other community partners. This Initiative builds on the work the organization started in 2019, which has been supported by WellSpan through multiple grants. Funding supported 653 hours of trauma therapy last year, with average trauma assessment scores decreasing by 30% and children’s trauma scores decreasing by 50%.

 The program served at least 150 individuals. While referrals for trauma therapy have remained steady over the past five years, participants have reported lower levels of trauma symptoms, including older teenagers and children.

“This program is an investment in our community and the belief that healing is possible,” said Alissa Perrotto, CEO of SARCC. “Individuals that didn’t choose their experience can choose to live a life that is free of those symptoms and take ownership over that process. That itself heals them and is game changing.”

Meet Reggie, a SARCC trauma therapist

Reggie Coles is a trauma therapist at SARCC, where he facilitates individual and group therapy sessions, helps clients build coping skills and supports their healing process. He is trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

He supports 10 to 20 individuals each week, always focusing on consistent, personalized care.

“Supporting individuals in the community as a trauma therapist means fostering healing, resilience and empowerment,” Reggie said. “When I see measurable progress, it reminds me that change is possible and reinforces the importance of trauma-informed care.”

He noted that healing creates a ripple effect beyond the individual.

“When survivors are supported, families, schools, workplace and the entire community benefit,” Reggie said.

He recognizes that his work is important to the community, as it impacts not only the individual, but also families, schools, workplaces and the community as a whole.

“WellSpan’s funding of this program is helping individuals access providers and that necessary trauma support more easily,” said Alissa. “It is making a huge difference in the community, and we’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.”

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