RRC is now a Google Fiber Community Connection
Left to Right: State Representative Angela Romero, Jacob Brace (Community Impact Manager, Google Fiber), Shireen Ghorbani (Board Chair, Rape Recovery Center), Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, and Mara Haight (Executive Director, Rape Recovery Center).
The Rape Recovery Center is excited to announce that we are Salt Lake City’s third Google Fiber Community Connection, bringing super fast Internet to our clients, volunteers and staff! In addition to receiving Google Fiber’s fastest Internet service, the RRC is now equipped with devices and an improved network for clients to privately research resources and information, like accessing the Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System offered online by the Utah Department of Public Safety. We also developed child care resources for clients, thanks to Google Fiber’s additional support of resources that enabled our center to have a Smart TV and Chromebooks that allow our volunteers to offer digital literacy, educational games and entertainment while their parents seek our services.
“The Rape Recovery Center is honored to offer our clients, staff and volunteers the power of technology as a Community Connection. During this inspiring time when more survivors than ever are finding courage to come forward, many feeling empowered by online spaces and resources, we are proud to partner with Google Fiber to provide this tool for survivors in our community!”
We celebrated this new partnership by inviting the community to a launch event, hosted at the center on August 21, 2018. We were thrilled to share the afternoon with the Google Fiber team, and several of our key allies including Representative Angela Romero and Mayor Jackie Biskupski.
We heard comments from Jacob Brace, Google Fiber's Community Impact Manager, who highlighted the incredible work of Google's Salt Lake City Community Connections. These include the YWCA, the International Rescue Committee, and the Rape Recovery Center.
Rape Recovery Center Executive Director Mara Haight shared the exciting new opportunities for healing and empowerment the partnership with Google Fiber provides the center and our clients. Mara shared "This is what true empowerment looks like - giving survivors the access they need to find information, support, and healing on their own terms."
Representative Angela Romero speaks at the Rape Recovery Center's Google Fiber Community Connection celebration
Finally, Representative Angela Romero shared comments about the intersections between technology and policy. Representative Romero highlighted how her recently passed legislation, HB 200, supports a web-based tracking system for sexual assault kits and electronic training resources for law enforcement. These measures aim to improve transparency, accountability, and enhance trauma-informed care within the criminal justice system for survivors of sexual violence. "I just want to thank Google Fiber for supporting non-profits like the Rape Recovery Center. A lot of people don't feel comfortable going through this process alone...the support of Google Fiber and the resources at the Rape Recovery Center give people the opportunity to heal."
Survivors are encouraged to stop by the Rape Recovery Center any time during our regular business hours to utilize the technology provided by Google Fiber. The center provides a safe environment for you to check the status of your recently submitted rape kit, connect with other survivors online, and use the internet to find the resources and support you need in your healing journey.