23 Sep San Miguel Resource Center: Laila Benitez Is Executive Director!
Telluride’s San Miguel Resource Center (SMRC) is pleased to welcome Laila Benitez as its new Executive Director. Laila has extensive experience in government and non-profit management, fundraising, and community development.
To learn more about San Miguel Resource Center’s work and our team, visit here.
Go here for more on the history of the Resource Center.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the San Miguel Resource Center we are thrilled to welcome Laila to lead our team. We are confident that her experience, grace, professionalism, and compassion will propel the SMRC to new heights to service those in need in our region.” Ana Bowling, Vice-President, San Miguel Resource Center.
Twelve years ago Laila moved to the Telluride region from Boulder, Colorado, where she worked in the medical device industry leading clinical studies in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. After moving to the region, she first worked in Community Relations for the Town of Mountain Village. In 2015, she was elected to the Mountain Village Town Council and in 2017, she was appointed Mayor of Mountain Village.
Laila was a critical figure in helping pass the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) ballot measure, leading the launch of the organization. She then served two terms as the SMART board chair. As Mayor, Laila has been a consistent advocate for Town support and funding for community services, such as suicide prevention, anti-violence advocacy, and women’s and children’s safety.
“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated group committed to providing essential services in our community,” Laila shared. “The San Miguel Resource Center is here for our community when they are at their most vulnerable and I look forward to working with this incredible team as we meet this critical need in our region.”
Laila also currently serves on the board of the Telluride Foundation and served for years on the Board of the Telluride Hospital District, until earlier this year.
Founded in 1993, the San Miguel Resource Center is the only victim service agency in the region. The mission is to empower and advocate for individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault through intervention and supportive services, while promoting social change through prevention education and community awareness.
San Miguel Resource Center operates a free 24-hour helpline and crisis intervention and helps victims with emergency shelter, financial assistance, personal and legal advocacy, and counseling resources. The services are free and available to all victims, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.
SMRC, more:
The San Miguel Resource Center empowers and advocates for individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault through intervention and supportive services, while promoting social change through prevention education and community awareness. SMRC is the only victim service agency in our region, and our clientele continues to grow.
Services include:
§ 24 Hour Crisis Hotline & Crisis Intervention | 24-Hour Helpline 1-844-816-3915
§ Emergency Shelter & Financial Assistance
§ Personal & Legal Advocacy
§ Counseling Services
§ Youth Education and Prevention K-12
§ Translation and Interpretation Services
§ Resources and Referrals
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