On February 24, twenty-five quilts were delivered to Jennifer, the Special Events Coordinator at Ralston House in Arvada by Christie, Karen, and Lynn. Ralston House is a not-for-profit agency that provides a friendly and safe place for child and teen survivors of abuse to tell their stories and begin the healing process.
Founded in 1990, Ralston House receives referrals from law enforcement, social services and the district attorney’s office, and works in conjunction with these entities to provide specialized forensic interviews and medical examinations. Ralston House serves Jefferson, Adams, Gilpin, and Broomfield counties.
They see about 1100 children a year at their three locations. The ages range from very young to 18. The children are given quilts to wrap themselves in during the interview process and are allowed to keep them. After the interview, they may take a marble from the drawer and put it in the jar to show they are not alone. About 70% of their clients experienced sexual abuse, 20% physical abuse, and 10% have witnessed abuse.
