I continue to be overwhelmed by the dedication of those individuals who offer their time, energy and commitment to volunteer. We see this commitment coming from a diverse group of people who work as part of the SAVAR team in the role of volunteer advocates.

The acronym SAVAR stands for Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate Resource. The name comes from the reality that when a person is in crisis and not knowing which way to turn, having an advocate who has been trained to know what to do, can make all the difference. Our volunteers may talk to callers who need to hear a kind, empathetic voice; and these advocates for victims of crime have that voice. The added benefit to the caller is that these advocates have completed a 40-hour training, so that there is understanding and knowledge behind that voice.

We are having a volunteer recognition party to thank those individuals who have given so generously of themselves to combat the effects of rape, sexual assault and abuse. These are people who see their time, as well as their compassion and knowledge, as a gift to be given generously to others. I am looking forward to seeing former volunteers, who will be meeting current and even some future volunteers as we enjoy our time together.

More than 90 past, present and future volunteers have been on our list to contact. Sadly, our lists of volunteers don't reach all the way back to the beginning of the SAVAR program - people have moved, last names have changed. We realize that we haven't been able to contact all those volunteers who have been a vital part of SAVAR's history. I apologize to any individual who has been a part of SAVAR as a volunteer advocate who wasn't contacted.

Our history is an important part of who we are now and how we are viewed by the community.

My realization that we are missing historic anecdotes and even the names of some very important people has been a frustration to me.

If you were a part of SAVAR, I would love to hear from you.

I would like to hear how your time with SAVAR made a difference in your life. I would like to flesh out the thin outline of SAVAR's recorded history.

Please contact me by calling 253-9795, or e-mail me at ccsinc@bci.net.; thank you for your part in being a positive force for our community.

Rosa Grube is an education coordinator for SAVAR of Cayuga Counseling Services.