The inspiring journey of Empower Yolo, an organization now synonymous with vital community support, began with the visionary efforts of two extraordinary trailblazers, Fran Rockwell and Donna Moore. These pioneering women were the driving force behind the Yolo County Sexual Assault Center, an entity that has since evolved into the comprehensive service provider known today as Empower Yolo, leaving an indelible legacy of advocacy and compassion.
Fran Rockwell, with her background in nursing and as an intern in the Doctoral Clinical Psychology program at UCD Medical Center, confronted a stark reality within emergency rooms: an alarming absence of support and resources for sexual assault survivors. Her firsthand observations of how victims were treated, often without even basic forensic tools like rape kits, profoundly shaped her resolve to address these systemic failings and provide much-needed assistance to those traumatized.
Concurrently, Donna Moore-Stringer, holding a PhD in social and developmental psychology, was making significant strides as the inaugural program director for the UC Davis Women’s Resources and Research Center (WRRC). As an author and a single mother, Moore contributed immensely to feminist scholarship and women’s advocacy, navigating the societal complexities while advocating for broader social policy reforms.
Both Rockwell and Moore vividly recall the challenging social and political landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period marked by profound gender inequality where women lacked basic financial autonomy. They observed how domestic violence was dismissed as a private matter and how discussions around sexual assault often focused solely on perpetrators, completely neglecting the trauma experienced by the women affected.
Their paths converged at a pivotal sexual assault seminar, where a shared understanding of the critical void in survivor support resources sparked a collaborative friendship spanning over five decades. This profound connection fueled their determination to actively engage with law enforcement and medical professionals, confronting the harsh truth that there were virtually no established support systems for sexual assault survivors in the Yolo County services.
Driven by this urgent need, Moore developed a comprehensive proposal in 1976 for a community-based rape counseling program, which garnered approval from the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. This crucial backing led to the official establishment of the Yolo County Sexual Assault Center on March 4, 1977, marking a significant milestone in providing essential crisis intervention and peer counseling services through a 24-hour crisis line. Domestic violence support services were subsequently integrated in 1978, broadening their critical outreach.
Beyond direct services, Rockwell and Moore actively engaged in community outreach, delivering presentations to local churches and organizations to raise sexual assault awareness and educate about the center’s services. Their tireless dedication fostered not only a life-saving resource but also championed opportunities for women’s higher education, instilling a sense of collective pride and demonstrating the transformative impact of sustained community empowerment.
While acknowledging the substantial progress made, both founders emphasize that the struggle for survivor support remains ongoing, highlighting the enduring need for robust services. Empower Yolo continues to evolve, demonstrating growth in the field by working with young people in academic settings and providing innovative solutions like protecting survivors’ family pets at safe houses, showcasing its commitment to comprehensive care and advocacy.
The enduring legacy of Fran Rockwell and Donna Moore serves as a powerful reminder to younger generations of the invaluable contributions made by dedicated change-makers. Their foundational work laid the groundwork for Empower Yolo, an organization that continues to cultivate resilience and community empowerment, ensuring that the critical mission of supporting survivors and advocating for women’s rights thrives into the future.
