February 8, 2025

Celebrating Volunteers: SARC’s Impact in Brazos Valley

News Summary

In Bryan, Texas, the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) honors its dedicated volunteers who have significantly impacted the community in 2024. With 498 survivors assisted and Juan Lleras recognized as Volunteer Advocate of the Year for his 500 hours of service, SARC emphasizes the importance of volunteer efforts in delivering vital support. Meanwhile, the community grapples with shocking legal news as Dana Pettigrew receives a 45-year sentence for child sex crimes, underscoring the critical role of vigilance and support for survivors.

Celebrating Volunteers: The Heart of the Brazos Valley Community

In the vibrant city of Bryan, Texas, the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) is making waves as it celebrates the extraordinary impact of its volunteers in 2024. This year has been a remarkable journey for SARC, as hundreds of survivors received the help they needed from dedicated volunteers like Juan Lleras, who was honored as SARC’s Volunteer Advocate of the Year.

Making a Significant Impact

SARC reported an impressive reach, assisting a total of 498 survivors and answering 632 crisis hotline calls over the past year. With a total of 3,378 hours of counseling provided across seven counties, the center’s dedicated volunteers played a leading role in helping close to 1,000 individuals find their footing after trauma.

Kim Dimmett, the executive director of SARC, highlighted the crucial role volunteers play in the organization’s ability to deliver quality services. Volunteers are not only representing the center in call centers, but they also accompany survivors during crucial medical visits and assist in communications with law enforcement. It’s this kind of commitment that makes SARC such a lifeline for those in need.

Juan Lleras’ Inspiring Journey

Juan Lleras made waves with an astounding 500 hours of volunteer work in the last year alone. Lleras focuses on ensuring survivors feel heard and understood. One of the most profound moments for him came during a visit to the hospital with a survivor, where he witnessed firsthand the sense of isolation many feel in that moment. This experience cemented his understanding of SARC’s critical role in the community.

SARC is always on the lookout for more compassionate hearts to join their efforts. The organization encourages those in need to reach out for their services, while also inviting volunteers and donors to help strengthen their mission of support and healing.

A Sobering Legal Update in the Community

45 years in prison for committing sex crimes against children. Pettigrew was found guilty after a jury took just 30 minutes to deliberate on charges of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact and Indecent Exposure. His offenses were related to experiences reported by a child living in his household, shedding light on serious issues within our community.

Important Legal Details

Testimony in court painted a disturbing picture, revealing Pettigrew’s history of domestic violence against the mother of the child and previous victims outside of Texas. His sentencing includes a concurrent 20-year term for the charge of Indecency with a Child by Exposure. The Brazos County District Attorney’s Office emphasized the significance of believing survivors of child abuse in their quest for justice.

Recent Indictments Against Other Suspects

The legal system has also seen a flurry of activity, with a grand jury issuing new indictments this month for men facing sex-related charges against minors. Key among these include:

Roberto Carlos Martinez-Almendarez, 20, indicted on charges of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, with a U.S. Immigration Hold placed.
Sergio Adrian Garza, 28, facing three counts of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, who was released on bond shortly after his arrest.
Stelton Wendrick Govan II, 24, indicted on Sexual Abuse of a Child Continuous with a Victim Under 14, still remains incarcerated due to a high bond.
Tishawon Tiriayon Moore, 19, indicted on Sexual Assault of a Child and released on a lower bond.
Jamarr Zamora, 22, has been sentenced to 20 years after sexually assaulting two teenagers, a case marred with manipulative and abusive tactics directed at vulnerable youth.

Community Response

As the legal repercussions continue, the Brazos Valley community is reminded of the importance of vigilance, support, and resources available for survivors. With organizations like SARC fighting tirelessly to support those affected by such heinous acts, the community can take comfort in knowing that healing and justice are within reach. Together, we can stand against these offenses, ensuring that survivors are never alone on their journey to recovery.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

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