Sacred Cycle, Bright Future Foundation now working in tandem to help survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence
Local nonprofits combine to help those affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse
Sacred Cycle/Courtesy photo
Since 2016, Sacred Cycle has been inspiring survivors of sexual trauma through cycling, therapy and community. That community is about to grow.
Sacred Cycle is integrating its program with the Bright Future Foundation to enhance its support and resources for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. This strategic shift allows Sacred Cycle and Bright Future Foundation to deepen their impact within the community, particularly in the Vail Valley.
“Bright Future Foundation is very excited to offer Sacred Cycle programming as an enhancement to our existing wrap-around services for survivors of sexual assault,” said Sheri Mintz, chief executive officer of the Bright Future Foundation. “The missions, values and visions of our two organizations are in alignment.”
Mintz said Bright Future Foundation will contract with existing Sacred Cycle staff and coaches to maintain the integrity and heart of the operation.
“The Sacred Cycle therapeutic cycling program will be offered as an addition to our long-term healing and recovery services,” she said.
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The Bright Future Foundation has been operating in the Vail Valley since 1984 and presently operates a 24/7 crisis line and offers survivors of interpersonal violence- advocacy and case management, legal services, trauma-specific behavioral health services, emergency housing, transitional and housing stabilization support, financial empowerment, sexual assault nurse exams and youth violence prevention programming.
“The decision to join forces with Bright Future Foundation marks a significant step in securing the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of Sacred Cycle’s mission and vision of healing and empowerment through mountain biking,” said Jeannine Anders with Sacred Cycle. “We are confident that this integration will create a stronger support network for survivors, empowering more individuals than ever before through enhanced resources and unified services.”
Not surprisingly, Sacred Cycle was born on a bike. During a long mountain bike training ride, Heather Russell had the idea to use cycling as a healing tool to help treat the complexities of sexual trauma, while providing a safe community to support the healing journey. This worked for Russell, and she believed it could work for others as well.
“It is common for survivors to disassociate from their bodies due to trauma. During the Sacred Cycle program, participants discover and break through barriers to become more confident in their personal recovery journey,” Anders said. “Through a community-based healing cycle, survivors become an empowering force to help other survivors heal and advocate for holistic paths to finding strength and to re-associate with their bodies.”
“Sacred Cycle is excited about the future with the Bright Future Foundation. We are confident that this integration will create a stronger support network for survivors, empowering more individuals than ever before through enhanced resources and unified services,” said Sacred Cycle board member Alan Luu in a press release.
As with any nonprofit, community support is always appreciated.
“Private financial donations are crucial to sustaining our operation. We can also accept a limited number of trail-worthy mountain bikes in excellent working condition,” Mintz said. To learn more, visit MyBrightFuture.org
