About TESSA

                                                   
TESSA:

• Provides immediate safety for women and children in crisis.
• Empowers survivors through programs and support such as advocacy and counseling.
• Creates a safer future for all families through education and awareness outreach in schools, businesses and civic organizations.    

TESSA is the primary agency dedicated specifically and solely to the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault in El Paso and Teller Counties in Colorado.  We employ more than 50 full- and part-time staff operating on an annual budget of approximately $2 million, and 81 percent of our budget goes directly to programs with remaining funds underpinning and sustaining efficient administration and development of programs.

Confidentiality

TESSA firmly supports victims' rights to confidentiality in all areas of our work.  Per Colorado Revised Statute (13-90-107 (k)), TESSA must hold all information related to service provision confidential.       

Cultural Competency

TESSA strives to embrace cultural differences in all aspects of our work.  A culturally inclusive organization acknowledges and incorporates the principles of:                                                                                                                                                         

• Reflecting the diversity of the community served in the staff, volunteers and interns
• Valuing cultural differences through policies, practices, and community image
• Prevention, identification and removal of discriminatory barriers in TESSA's recruitment, hiring, training, retention, career development, promotion, benefits, and pay policies and practices
• Providing accessible and relevant services to all
• Delivering programs and services in a way that reflects the culture and traditions of the people served
• Self-reflection on our individual and institutional biases with a commitment to addressing them
• Conscious efforts to identify, address, and eliminate all forms of oppression

For more information and a list of resources on inclusivity, please click here.

Source: Taken, in part, from the Government of British Columbia Ministry for Children and Families 

Non-Discrimination Statement

TESSA promotes the values of inclusivity at all levels of the organization. Our position on non-discrimination is to provide services to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, physical or mental handicap, marital status, or age. Our non-discrimination policy applies to serving clients, hiring practices, internal promotions, training, terminations, use of outside vendors, use of contractors and consultants, and in dealings with donors and the general public.
                                                    
TESSA strives to be known as an organization where employees are mission-focused, create extraordinary results, and enjoy their work.  In addition, we want our organization to have a culture of open, honest communication and inclusivity.