Victim services center Project HELP received a big boost recently thanks to the organization’s acquisition of ADA-compliant forensic examination beds.
These state-of-the-art beds allow the local rape recovery and victim services center nonprofit to help victims with disabilities, previously a difficult task that is now easily possible thanks to this acquisition, according to Executive Director Eileen Wesley.
“These beds provide another element to our in-house sexual assault forensic collection room, which has already helped many individual survivors begin the healing process,” Ms. Wesley said.
The bed was purchased with funds granted by the Salah Foundation, which is a private foundation that supports non-profit organizations in the United States that strengthen families and communities and advances individuals to become productive and responsible citizens.
Project HELP Executive Director Eileen Wesley with the nonprofit’s new ADA-approved bed will help those with disabilities.
Project HELP’s forensic collection room allows the organization to immediately help those in need, providing forensic services to survivors in a completely private, secure location. A forensic examination for evidence collection is immediately followed by crisis intervention for the survivor, as well as family or friends who are present, to begin the healing process.
The recently acquired ADA-compliant forensic examination beds continue furthering Project HELP’s mission of working with dignity and compassion to ease the pain of those affected by rape, violence or other crimes. Now those with disabilities don’t need to feel that they’ll be stigmatized or turned away if they call Project HELP for guidance or treatment, according to Ms. Wesley.
“The ADA exam bed will allow us to support the needs of people with and without disabilities, making our services more accessible to all people in the community,” according to Ms. Wesley. “The special features of the bed allow exams to be performed with dignity and respect for each individual’s physical abilities.”
2018 was a big year for Project HELP, with 342 new clients supported through counseling, support groups, court accompaniment, advocacy and information referral through our 24-hour HELP line. More than 3,000 clients were served in house, with nearly 900 callers supported via the HELP line.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Shaina Anderson joined Project HELP in 2005. She began her journey as a volunteer for people affected by rape, violence, sudden death and trauma. In 2006 she was brought on as an advocate for Project HELP and its efforts to support victims of traumatic events. Whilst passionately pursing the mission of the organization’s mission, Shaina continued her education. After receiving her Masters, Shaina continued to serve clients with counseling and therapy to include EMDR. Her success with trauma victims proved her value, earning her a promotion to Clinical Director. Shaina has diligently worked on enhancing the structure of Project HELP’s therapy program, today she offers clinical supervision to the Project HELP staff and interns from Florida Gulf Coast University. Shaina serves as an asset in all types of clinical and response situations. Executive Director Eileen Wesley boasts that Anderson serves as “second in command” continuing, “She is my right arm.” Shaina shows “passion beyond the stars” and her love for Project HELP shows in everything she does. 
