SAAM Volunteer Spotlight of the Week: Paige Meade

For the month of April, nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), ACTS Sexual Assault Services will highlight the work of several of our program volunteers who give freely of their time and talents to support survivors of sexual violence. 

This week’s Volunteer Spotlight highlights Paige Meade.

Paige first learned of ACTS Sexual Assault Services in 2006, when she joined a survivor’s support group to help her work through the aftermath of a violent sexual assault that happened in Manassas in 1992.  “I was at my lowest, and the group welcomed me and helped me work though long-buried issues,” says Paige.  “I’m not sure what I would have done without that support, so I believe it’s important for me to give back to my community.” 

Currently, Paige volunteers 96 hours per month. She is routinely on call for hospital accompaniment visits to provide support during the sometimes-lengthy forensic exam. Paige is also a powerful speaker and is always willing to share her story of sexual violence in the hopes of helping others. In addition, as if that is not enough, Paige has been instrumental in providing graphic design services to include the development of the #MeToo flyer that we are using in our restaurant bathroom initiative. The goal of this campaign is to reach survivors and connect them with ACTS Sexual Assault Services for help. According to Terry Swirchak, Community Educator, “Paige is smart, energetic, and passionate and is a gifted writer and story teller. While working full time and raising a family, she finds time to help others through her voice and pen.”

To learn more about Paige and her story of hope, be sure to read this month’s sexual assault blog, which will be published on April 9th.