Renew Inc., a local nonprofit devoted to helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, has made leadership and organizational changes.
Tracy Blagg was hired as the new executive director. She previously worked for Dolores County Senior Services for three years.
Renew, based in Cortez, offers crisis intervention, court advocacy, resource referrals, free professional counseling, a crisis shelter, legal assistance, and public education to Montezuma and Dolores counties.
Organizational changes were made after an October 2018 theft investigation by the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office against the previous executive director.
“We want the community to know that we are still here and have overcome the past problems,” Blagg said. “We have continued to offer services throughout the transition.”
The Cortez-based nonprofit has also hired a new board of directors, which was brought in to replace the transitional board that had been in place since October 2018.
The new board members are President Lorenzo Perez, Secretary Nita Purkat, Treasurer Mandi Birge and Denise Chaffin.
Blagg and the new Renew board have been implementing new fiscal policies and procedures and reviewing and updating organizational policies. A strategic plan to expand Renew’s impact in the Four Corners also is underway to draw focus to the organization’s mission to prevent domestic abuse.
Earlier this year, Renew’s Safe House was temporarily closed to hire new staff, review policies and procedures and update the facility. It was reopened on July 1 and has been a safe haven for many individuals and families since reopening.
Renew has nine employees, including three trained client advocates, plus a licensed counselor and attorney. The Safe House provides shelter for victims of abuse for up to 30 days, and can serve several families at one time. The services are offered at no charge.
“We help our clients get back on their feet and empower them to become independent so they can move forward,” Blagg said.
The Second Chance Thrift Store in Dolores is owned and operated by Renew Inc., and also has been updated. The store was renamed the Re-new Thrift Store.
Thrift store revenues support Renew services, along with state and federal grants. A new point-of-sale system provides improved financial oversight and accountability, Blagg said. The donation jar is still there, and now each cash contribution is documented and the amount balanced at the end of the day.
The Re-new Thrift Store is at 96 Central Ave. in Dolores. There are many new fall and winter items, and the public is encouraged to check out the new merchandise.
Renew seeks local volunteers for committee involvement, advocacy, the Crisis Line and thrift store.
For more information, call the Renew office at 970-565-4886. The crisis hotline is 970-565-2100.