We Are Huntsville feels that it’s important to highlight local non-profits, as well as the good that people in our community do every day. One of the first organizations that we took a deep dive with is the Crisis Services of North Alabama. In this interview, you will hear from one of their board member and advocate, Tuyet Clark.
1. What is Crisis Services of North Alabama and what are the main services offered?
Our mission at Crisis Services of North Alabama is to respond to individuals and families in crisis. We provide crisis counseling to those facing emotional distress and offers vital assistance to victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Our HELPline (256-716-1000) operates around the clock, with trained volunteers who offer compassionate listening and work hard to connect callers with the necessary community resources and support.
Our trauma-informed, comprehensive services for victims of intimate partner violence include shelter, court advocacy, counseling for adult victims and the children who witness the violence, case management, information and referrals, educational instruction regarding health and safety issues, and support groups.
We also have a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator available to provide crisis counseling, emotional support, and medical and court advocacy. Crisis Services also provides a Sexual Assault Support Group once a week for adult survivors of any gender. Crisis Services holds the distinction of being the exclusive provider of forensic examinations specifically for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Our dedicated team of Forensic Nurse Examiners undergoes rigorous training to ensure they possess the necessary expertise to conduct these crucial examinations. An exam by one of our Forensic Nurse Examiners is available 24 hours/day.
We serve the communities of Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties with compassion and care, operating with a trauma-informed approach and prioritizing confidentiality to understand the unique needs of individuals in distress.
2. What is your volunteer position and how did you get involved?
I’m a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault from a previous intimate partner. In the early morning hours of July 17, 2018, I was hospitalized after my abuser tried to murder me. A Crisis Services Domestic Violence Responder and a forensic photographer showed up at the hospital. I remember the Responder just holding my hand and letting me know I wasn’t alone. After I was released from the hospital, I went to the courthouse to file a restraining order against the person who tried to murder me.
Crisis Services provided a court advocate who met me at the courthouse, explained my rights, held my hand, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. After several years of intensive therapy, I started my journey of healing. As part of that journey, I wanted to give back to an organization that was there for me. I was asked to be a Crisis Services board member in 2022 to represent victims and domestic violence survivors on the board. I continue to hold that position and I also chair the Development Committee.
3. Tell us about the annual Turkey Trot.
The Turkey Trot is Crisis Services of North Alabama’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It is held on Thanksgiving morning at Spragins Hall on the University of Alabama-Huntsville campus. This year will be our 30th anniversary. Last year we raised $38,231 with over 1,300 participants from across 31 states. This year our goal is to raise $50,000 through runner participation and sponsorships. Through the years, it has become a tradition for families and friends, some who even dress up in Thanksgiving attire. For newbies, it is way to start new traditions or just enjoy a 5K run or walk. We also have a 100 yards dash for small children to race against the CSNA Turkey Trot mascot, a big turkey.
4. What are ways people can get involved with CSNA?
If you’re interested in volunteering, Crisis Services provides intensive training for you to be part of the staff for HELPline or to be a Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Responder. If volunteering isn’t your preference but you still want to help, you can make a direct donation to us through our website.
5. Why do you think CSNA is essential to North Alabama?
We play a vital role in this community for several reasons. The North Alabama area is undergoing significant population growth and attracting people from all over the U.S. Moving to a new place can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re a stranger in unfamiliar surroundings. That’s where we come in; we are the sole organization with a dedicated HELPline people can call.
We also staff the 2-1-1 service for the area which assists callers with information about various community services available to them like where to find food pantries or how to get assistance with their electric bill.To learn more about the Crisis Services of North Alabama, as well as ways you can volunteer, partner or be a sponsor go to https://csna.org.
Ashley Polesak has spent the last 10 years living her best life in Huntsville, Alabama. She loves to explore all of the things that Huntsville and the surrounding areas have to offer and is a big proponent for scouting out local experiences. Ashley lives and breathes the outdoors and recreation opportunities in the area, you are very likely to run into her at a park or on a hiking trail. If she has her two rescue dogs with her, Oba and Twyla, please excuse their over-excitement, they are currently being trained and it’s a work in progress! If she had to describe herself in television characters she would choose 1/4 Eleanor Shellstrop, 1/4 Leslie Knope, 1/4 April Ludgate and 1/4 Margaery Tyrell.
