September 28, 2026
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Dear Friend of Avalon,
Twenty years ago, Avalon Healing Center did not begin with a building, a campaign, or a carefully mapped plan.
It began with one survivor.
I still remember that first patient—the person whose experience would forever change the way I understood what survivors needed after sexual assault.
At the time, specialized training was limited. Resources were scarce. Systems were not designed with survivors at the center. The tools needed to provide compassionate, trauma-informed medical-forensic care were not readily available..
Iwas still a physician assistant student when I encountered that first survivor. I had no training on this type of care, and had never seen a rape kit before.. As I cared for that patient, the gaps were visible immediately and clearly..
Gaps in training.
Gaps in resources.
Gaps in coordination.
And, most importantly, gaps in the compassionate, specialized care every survivor deserves..
That encounter raised a question that would help us shape the next two decades:
What would it look like to build a response around the needs of the survivor?
From that question, a movement began.
What began with a need for better medical care grew into something much larger—a commitment to walk alongside survivors throughout their healing journey.
Today, Avalon represents what was missing in those early days.
Specially trained professionals. Survivor-centered medical-forensic healthcare. Advocacy. Counseling. Support. Community education. Partnerships with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other organizations. And a network of people committed to making certain that survivors know:
You are heard. You are believed. You are not alone.
As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we are also mindful that sexual violence and domestic violence often intersect in deeply painful ways. Survivors may face layers of trauma, fear, isolation, and uncertainty. That is why strong community partnerships and specialized survivor services remain so important.
Twenty years later, that first patient still guides us.
Survivors deserve more.
They deserve systems that respond with compassion rather than judgment. They deserve professionals who understand trauma. They deserve the freedom to make choices about their care. And they deserve a community willing to stand beside them.
One survivor revealed a gap. Avalon became part of the solution.
And because of people like you, that solution has continued to grow.
As we celebrate 20 years of service, we invite you to help write the next chapter of Avalon’s story. Your donation helps ensure that when a survivor reaches out for help—whether tomorrow, next month, or years from now—Avalon can be there.
You can also deepen your impact by becoming a Survivor Strong monthly donor, providing dependable support that helps Avalon respond whenever a survivor needs us.
Please consider making a gift, sharing Avalon’s story with someone you know, and following us throughout the remainder of this anniversary year as we reflect on the people, partnerships, and moments that have created 20 years of waves of change.
Because twenty years ago, one survivor helped us see what needed to change.
Today, together, we can make sure survivors never have to navigate healing alone.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kimberly Hurst, PA-C
Founder & CEO
Avalon Healing Center
P.S. Twenty years of healing began with one survivor. Your gift today helps make sure the next survivor who needs Avalon finds compassionate care, advocacy, and a community ready to stand beside them. Please consider joining Survivor Strong as a monthly donor.