Friends of Soteria
Friends of Soteria is a compassionate volunteer organization that operates within FEM, drawing inspiration from Soteria, the Greek goddess symbolizing safety, deliverance, and protection from harm. Our mission is to offer unwavering support to those who may feel vulnerable or uncomfortable attending various appointments or situations alone.We understand that there are times when important visits to places like the police station, OBGYN appointments, Planned Parenthood, or other clinics can be daunting to face solo. It can be challenging to share these experiences with family or friends, leaving us in need of a supportive presence.That's where Friends of Soteria comes in. We provide "friends" who are empathetic, non-judgmental, and willing to accompany anyone to these appointments or situations. Our companions are here to offer a reassuring and caring presence, ensuring that you never have to face these moments alone.At Friends of Soteria, we believe in fostering a community that stands by one another and values safety and support above all else. No one should have to navigate challenging situations in isolation, and with our dedicated volunteers, you can find the comfort and understanding you deserve.We invite you to reach out to Friends of Soteria whenever you need a caring friend by your side. Together, we can uphold the spirit of Soteria and create a space where everyone feels heard, protected, and empowered. Let's face life's challenges together, with unwavering support from our Friends of Soteria community.
We have compiled a list of resources available to you. These resources are either free or cheap, and cover a range of topics and services. If you have any resource recommendations, we encourage you to share those with us so that we can distribute to the community.
2023-2024 Friends of Soteria
Colleen Jennings (she/her)
Colleen is a senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. Aside from her volunteer work as a Friend, she is the president of FEM as well as an intern with the university's Title IX office. Colleen also volunteers with the HEART Project, promoting health, empowerment, and recovery from trauma. In addition to these roles, Colleen possesses a Peer Mentor Leadership certification as well as the Born This Way Foundation's Be There Certification, further enhancing her ability to support and guide others.
Ren Clark (they/them)
Ren is a senior majoring in both Psychology and Philosophy. They serve as FEM's vice president, and plan to pursue a career providing support and care to victims of violent crime. Ren was instrumental in developing Friends of Soteria and cultivating its mission.
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Resources
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