[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SIGNS OF HOPE

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, today I rise to recognize 
the anniversary of a critical victim service provider in southern 
Nevada, Signs of HOPE. For 50 years, Signs of HOPE has provided 
essential resources and support to survivors of sexual exploitation and 
violence throughout the region.
  In 1974, Signs of HOPE was founded in Las Vegas under the name of 
Community Action Against Rape by Florence McClure and Sandra Petta. Ms. 
McClure originally operated the nonprofit out of her home with the goal 
of helping individuals impacted by sexual violence and trafficking to 
recover and heal. With this guiding purpose, Signs of HOPE has remained 
committed to ending sexual violence in the Las Vegas Valley for the 
last five decades.
  Signs of HOPE provides survivors and their loved ones with long-term 
advocates who assist them in managing and navigating every step of 
their recovery. The advocates also support victims with holistic, 
professional counseling resources.
  The organization also has made strides to eradicate human trafficking 
with their Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment--
R.I.S.E.--program. The R.I.S.E. program delivers crucial victim-
centered services including assistance obtaining medical care, 
counseling, court accompaniment, relocation and safety planning, job 
training, coordination with law enforcement and legal assistance, and 
much more.
  Outside of their victim services, Signs of HOPE offers training and 
awareness programs to educate and empower the community to end sexual 
violence. Their work focuses on changing the behaviors and stigmas 
associated with sexual violence and trafficking throughout Clark 
County.
  Recently, under the leadership of CEO Kimberly Small, Signs of HOPE 
has partnered with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to 
assist victims when Las Vegas hosted the Super Bowl and the Formula 1 
Grand Prix. With their 24/7 crisis hotlines and the R.I.S.E. program, 
Signs of HOPE identified human trafficking victims and is continuing to 
provide them with intensive services.
  The staff, volunteers, and partners of Signs of HOPE have worked 
tirelessly to serve southern Nevada. Without their dedication, many 
survivors would go unheard and unaided. I am proud of the work that 
Signs of HOPE has done for the past 50 years, and I look forward to 
their continued efforts and service for generations to come/
survivors.

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