Letter: Response training provides strength, awareness

The Roaring Fork Valley is a special place with more than its share of intelligent, caring and dedicated residents.

However, it is not yet free of two plagues that vex the human race: domestic violence and sexual assault.

Since 1983, Response has been educating and empowering our community, with the ultimate mission of wiping out the twin curses. This hardworking nonprofit provides confidential support, legal and medical advocacy, shelter, a resource library and individual and group counseling — in both English and Spanish. Response relies heavily on its trained volunteers to share their knowledge, identify practical solutions and bring back hope.

This spring, Response offers 30 jam-packed hours of training for new advocates, from April 28 to May 17.

The training is free. It’s open to men and women of any age, and it’s an eye-opener.

If you take the training, whether or not you decide to become an advocate, you’re guaranteed to come away stronger and more aware. The training is an investment in the rest of your life.

Information and applications are available on the Response website: http://www.responsehelps.org.

Gail Holstein

Woody Creek