07 Aug San Miguel Resource Center: A Year in Review & Clutch for the Cause+!
Below Executive Director, Lisa Sebree updates info about San Miguel Resource Center’s (SMRC) the Telluride region’s only nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of interpersonal violence.
Go here for more about the SMRC.
Go here for Clutch for the Cause.
SMRC- staff, 2025.
It is hard to believe that it has been one year since I started at San Miguel Resource Center as Executive Director.
Time flies!
But looking back over the past 12 months, there is much to be proud of.
Our Prevention Educator, Liza, taught 1029 students, 95 parents and ran 256 individual programs in San Miguel, Montrose, and Ouray counties.
Advocates provided safehousing and emergency services to nearly 200 survivors of domestic and sexual violence over the past year.
We implemented the new SMRC Safe Bars Program (more about that below) to ensure a safe night out for patrons of the bars and restaurants in our community.
We raised awareness of our services through community outreach events, including bringing athlete, activist and actor Kali Reis to Telluride to tell her story, and much, much more.
I feel honored to work with my professional, dedicated staff who often provide assistance in the middle of the night to help a victim reach safety.
I am incredibly fortunate to have a Board that has supported me every step of the way.
But most important of all, I have watched clients evolve from scared victims to empowered and strong survivors.
There is no greater reward than that.
Supporter Profile: Kristin Holbrook & Two Skirts:
Kristin Holbrook, courtesy SMRC.
Now in its 10th year, Kristin Holbrook and Two Skirts partnered with SMRC to bring awareness through shopping for gently used bags and purses. “Clutch for a Cause” is the brainchild of Kristin Holbrook, owner of Telluride’s most popular boutique.
Kristin’s motivation was to support an organization that helps real people in need, spreading awareness and understanding that this is a real issue in our area.
“After serving on the Board of SMRC and chairing the Chocolate Lover’s Fling for years, I wanted to stay involved. I’m proud that my business can host this meaningful and fashionable event. It’s also a good way to recycle!”
“Clutch for a Cause” takes place in front of Two Skirts on August 7-8. All proceeds go to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
We are so grateful to Kristin and Two Skirts for their generous support and commitment to our mission!
SMRC Safe Bars Program:
In June, SMRC partnered with the national SafeBAR Network to train 34 owners, managers and staff from 12 bars and restaurants in Telluride in bystander intervention skills designed to prevent sexual assault before it happens.
Why is this important?
Safe Bars training empowers hospitality staff to recognize warning signs and intervene early, preventing harm before it escalates. Staff learn how to de-escalate situations and support patrons who may be at risk. It also promotes a community standard that prioritizes safety, respect, and bystander intervention. When staff are trained and proactive, it sends a clear message: This establishment takes safety seriously.
What did the participants have to say?
“After doing this for so many years, it is easy to think that’s just the way things happen. This was an important reminder that we are in a position to make a difference and shouldn’t accept that kind of behavior.”
“I would describe the training as lifesaving.”
“It feels very validating. I’m glad that someone is finally talking about this.”
The SMRC Safe Bars program doesn’t just prevent harm, it strengthens the fabric of the entire community. During the training we learned that bar staff themselves are often targets of unwanted sexual attention and aggression. One important outcome of the training was the team-building that ensures that staff know how to look out for each other.
Safe Bar training will continue throughout the summer months with a refresher course for new hires just before ski season. We hope to extend the program to provide Safe Festival training in 2026.
Look for the SafeBAR logo at these venues who are committed to a Safe Night Out: Communion Wine Bar, Sheridan ShowBar, Alibi, Stronghouse Brew Pub, Brown Dog Pizza, 221, Liz, Tracks, O’Bannons, Telluride Brewing Company, Telluride Distilling Company, and Van Atta.
SMRC Advocates answer late-night crisis calls, sit beside survivors in courtrooms and hospitals, offer safety planning and emotional support, and fight tirelessly for healing and justice. Their dedication is quiet, fierce, and often unseen—but it changes lives. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are able to keep showing up–day and night–for those who need us most.
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