A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house were held Nov. 15, 2021, for the dedication of Polli’s Place at SARA House, 418 Ensign St., in Fort Morgan, according to a news release.
“Thanks to the generosity and support of Pollard and Alan Dahms, the addition is called Polli’s Place,” the news release stated.
Polli’s Place is handicap accessible and will enable SARA House to provide forensic interviews for two families simultaneously. The addition will include a forensic interview room, an observation/meeting room, a medical examination room, two offices, a restroom and a family room.
“If you are not aware of SARA House Child Advocacy Center, we provided advocacy, support, and crisis response to numerous survivors of sex assault and domestic violence in the 13th Judicial District, which consists of Morgan, Logan, Washington, Yuma, Phillips, Sedgwick, and Kit Carson counties,” the news release stated.
SARA House also has increased its presence in the local school system by offering educational training for teachers and students. The nonprofit’s nursing program has been training various medical, law enforcement and community agencies on forensic medical examinations for victims of domestic violence that report strangulation.
SARA House also has been working with the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking to bring training for community members, providers, and law enforcement.
SARA House offered a special thanks to Alan Dahms and Pollard (Polli) Dahms, who funded the addition to the Child Advocacy Center.
Others who contributed financially to the project are:
- Timothy Guggenmos of Edward Jones and Gates Family Foundation
- Contractor – Reinvented Construction and Remodeling
Subcontractors included: Bloedorn Lumber, Galaxy Plumbing, Blue Sky Electric Service Inc., Ruder’s HVAC LLC, Y -Not Construction, Cabral Concrete, Cruz Concrete & Design LLC, Timeless Window Fashion, Specialty Shoppe Floors and More Inc.
Fort Morgan Police Department also shared information about the ribbon-cutting and what it means to their agency and the local community.
“Since 2009, the SARA House has been providing service to the Fort Morgan Police Department and the entire region. As an organization ‘dedicated to the empowerment of sexual assault and domestic violence victims through direct victim services; community education that impacts deep-seated beliefs and behaviors; and the development of a coordinated community response to the crimes,’ the SARA House has been a great partner for the Fort Morgan Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. Most importantly, they have served the members of our area for the past 12 years by providing fantastic service,” FMPD posted on its Facebook page.
“Earlier this year, we were honored to witness the groundbreaking ceremony at Polli’s Place. Alan Dahms and Polli Talton-Dahms, who were instrumental in the project, were present. (On Nov. 15), we were able to be there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony as well, while Alan, (SARA House Executive Director) Paula Bragg and Deb Paulsen cut the ribbon,” the FMPD post continued. “Polli’s Place is a great addition to the SARA House and the entire region. … It is very well done and is a very friendly and inviting space.”
Fort Morgan Police Department offered its congratulations to “Paula Bragg and her staff for an extraordinary endeavor that will, undoubtedly, serve our community for many years,” as well as gratitude to “Alan Dahms and Polli Talton-Dahms and the many others who provided support. We are happy to have them all in our great city!”