By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

Following its acquisition by South Valley Services, the resource formerly known as the Colleen Quigley Women’s Sanctuary reopened as Colleen’s Sanctuary. Seeking to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking, the shelter celebrated its return to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Speaking at the affair, SVS Executive Director Lindsey Boyer discussed the current and plans for the shelter,” We’re starting with the shelter facility program as a kickoff and say that there will be more to come as we evolve and grow. And we’ll definitely continue these conversations with the community as we go forward.”

“We had a listing session just about a week and a half ago down here to get some input from Community Partners … What I saw a week and a half ago is very, very clear that there is a community here that truly cares and is interested in having solutions and being part of the solution.”

SVS offers a variety of resources outside of the emergency shelter, including a 24-hour crisis line for individuals and families trying to escape from domestic violence. All of the organization’s services are confidential and free for survivors.

According to the organization’s 2024-25 annual report, SVS served over 4000 survivors, sheltered 596 individuals and provided 1,563 hours of therapy.

“We have an incredible team, and we have a lot of Advocates spread far and wide,” said Boyer. “But we can’t do this work alone. We can only do so much as advocates … We really depend on community engagement, whether that’s people showing up with donations or doing donation drives or volunteering their time, that’s the saying ‘many hands make light work’, and that is a real thing in our world.”

Closing her remarks, Boyer continued on the importance of community involvement,” When a survivor feels like their neighbors or their friends are recognizing the issue, it can combat shame … There are so many ways community members can show that support in very small contributions, and they all add up.”

Following these remarks, the ribbon was cut, officially welcoming the organization to the Castle Country.

For more information on Colleen’s Sanctuary, visit svsutah.org/Colleens/, or if you are in crisis, call the Carbon/Emery 24-hour helpline at 435-637-6589. 

Watch the full ceremony here: