#rapecrisiscenter

How does she have time to do it all? Our board Secretary Sue Kroft is a great-grandmother and retiree who has lots of interests. Luckily for us, one of her passions is helping the community and The Rape Crisis Center! We learned more about her in a recent Q & A:

Q: Describe your journey with the RCC and how you ended up on the board?

A: In 2011, I was introduced to The Rape Crisis Center by a good friend who was active on the board.  I was brought in to help RCC with some operational duties to grow their Signs of Hope Counseling Center.  During that period, I met some very good board and staff people and was impressed by their commitment and dedication. So when I was asked if I’d join the board, it was a definite 'yes.' 

Q: What has been the best part of being on the board and what has been the most challenging?

A: The best part has been learning more about the difference and impact RCC makes in the lives of the survivors. Then it’s about people –the staff, the volunteers and the board. It’s about how we work collaboratively within the community – schools, prison, and how we collaborate with other community leaders in the outreach part of our program. I was so impressed when I got a personal tour at UMC and was shown the private special room a survivor waits in to receive care and treatment.  When I think about it, there's not been anything that I would categorize as being the most challenging.  `

Q: When your time with the board is over, what will be your best memory?

A: I will always think back to the hard-working staff and dedication of the board, which helped with the successful growth of the counseling center and the well-attended support groups. RCC has been able to make this type of service available at no cost, which is a great feeling.  

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: Spare time?  Hmmm... as a retiree, wife, mom, grandmother, and also great-grandmother, I enjoy the ability to do anything I want 'when' I want.  I love flowers and zoos and have so many interests that my days are always filled.  I love new challenges and also learning new things, which fits my energy.  

Q: If you could have one superhero power, what would it be and why?

“Coming full circle” describes the journey board member Renee Rivera-Shaffer has taken with the Rape Crisis Center. We caught up with her at a recent nightclub compliance training where we saw her in her element and learned more about her background and what she hopes to achieve as a board member.

(Photo, left to right:   TAO Director of Security Kevin Clark, Renee Rivera-Shaffer, and LVMPD Convention Center Area Command Captain Christopher Tomaino)

 Q: What is your background and how did it influence your involvement in the Rape Crisis Center?

A: I was working with the District Attorney’s office in Brooklyn on their sexual assault unit and then moved to Las Vegas. I wanted to stay within the field, but couldn’t find a relevant job so I volunteered with the Rape Crisis Center (RCC). That was 35 years ago!

I found my way to The Gaming Control Board, where I stayed for more than two decades and eventually retired as deputy chief in enforcement. After that I was hired by the TAO group in the compliance department and I’ve been there for five years. This is what led me back to the RCC. TAO formed a partnership with the RCC to work together to build awareness of the Party Smart campaign in the nightclub and dayclub industry. And from there I became a board member. The experience truly has been full circle – volunteer 35 years ago to board member in 2015.

Q: What do you hope to achieve during your tenure as a board member?

A: My goal is to have every hotel as an active partner in the Party Smart campaign. My hope is that every property, nightclub and dayclub is well educated on measures that can be taken to ensure the safety of their employees and guests.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being involved with the RCC?

A: There have been several rewarding aspects of my involvement including the formation of the partnership between TAO & RCC. I’m proud to represent the nightclub/dayclub industry in this role and of the annual Night Out event, which is always a success. It’s also rewarding to see the safety education that has been provided to our staff because they are our family!

Q: What’s a fun fact about you that people would be surprised to know?

A: I love to dance, especially Salsa. My mother and father loved to dance so I grew up thinking it was normal.

Q: If you could live in any period of history, when would it be and why?