Local sexual-assault and domestic-violence agency cites high use in Osage County, readies summer youth program

Nikki Edwards, executive director, and Teresa Oliver, the Osage County advocate for the SOS sexual-assault and domestic-violence agency, briefed the county commission on June 2, reporting that the agency served 161 Osage residents last year and delivered 253 personalized services.

Edwards said the agency now has two therapists and is offering free therapy by Zoom, which reduces transportation and child-care barriers for clients. She described the Quinnland summer program for kindergarten through fifth grade, which begins the next day and will provide lunch and character-building activities; community volunteers such as judges and local groups will participate.

Edwards noted the agency’s 50th anniversary, outlined other child-focused programs (a child advocacy center and visitation/exchange center), and said prevention and outreach work continues during the school year. She left a packet with statistics and a funding request that county staff and the controller will review.

Commissioners thanked the presenters and did not take formal action on the funding request during the meeting; Tony Parish (the county controller) was identified as a point of contact for budgetary follow-up.

Edwards and Oliver emphasized prevention and community partnerships as keys to program success and encouraged further county support during the budget process.