OUR HISTORY

Early in 1977, Wenatchee community members became aware of the need to have local support for victims of sexual assault. The community and Wenatchee Police Department began to research rape crisis centers.  Later that year, the Wenatchee Rape Crisis Center was founded, now known as SAGE.

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By 1978, volunteers poured in to help staff the 24-hour crisis line and assist in domestic violence crisis interventions. The center was issued a 501 C (3) status as a private nonprofit organization. In March of 1978, the first two fulltime paid positions were added with funding received by the Chelan County Commissioners through the Chelan-Douglas County Health Department. 

In March of 1984, an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation changed the name to Wenatchee Rape Crisis & Domestic Violence Center. The center continued to serve all of Chelan and Douglas counties and added a food and clothing bank to meet the growing need. 

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In July 1990, the center expanded to offer a shelter program and relocated to 1203 S. Mission in Wenatchee.  Legal advocacy services and a Hispanic Outreach program was developed shortly after. 

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In 1996, the Articles of Incorporation were amended, changing the center's name to Phoenix Place. The agency employed five fulltime employees and staffed 25 trained volunteer advocates. The agency's budget grew and received funding from DSHS, the United Way of Chelan and Douglas Counties, and other various grants and donations. 

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In 2001, the center moved to 127 N. Wenatchee Ave and became DSV Center of Chelan & Douglas Counties. Our shelter relocated to a confidential residential area and grew in capacity to house 19 women and children fleeing domestic violence. 

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In January 2006, The Crime Victim & Trauma Assistance Center and the Children & Family Advocacy Center were added. These two programs advanced the center's reach and enabled a more holistic approach to working with victims of crime. 

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In October of 2011, the agency moved to the current location of 710 N. Chelan Ave in Wenatchee and the agency was renamed to SAGE (Safety. Advocacy. Growth. Empowerment.) to best encompass the services and mission of the agency. 

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Currently, SAGE is the only State Accredited Sexual Assault Program and National Accredited Child Advocacy Center in Chelan and Douglas Counties. SAGE offers outreach stations in Leavenworth, Chelan, Waterville, and Bridgeport to better serve rural communities in the two-county area. 

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SAGE serves crime victims of all ages, genders, nationality, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, race, and religious affiliation. Until we live in a world free from violence, SAGE will continue to exist to provide services for those in need.