Karan Richardson of Bank of America, second from right, presents a check for $7,000 to Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services Director Hope Alvarez and LARC/DVS Board President Bob Houck. Also pictured are Daisy Castilleja and Carmen Flores, Bank of America employees. Alvarez said LARC/DVS would like to thank the bank for its generous award on behalf of victims of domestic and sexual violence. “We are proud to have Bank of America partner with us in the fight against domestic and sexual violence,” she said. These funds will be used help domestic and sexual violence survivors rebuild their lives. “Many survivors coming out of an abusive relationship do not have the financial means to start a new life, a life free of fear and abuse,” Alvarez said. As the downturn of the nation’s economy continues, the need for LARC/DVS’s service has greatly increased and the needs of its clients has escalated. “Many victims face additional barriers because they live in isolated and rural areas or because they live in communities with limited resources,” Alvarez said. Despite limited resources, domestic violence agencies such as LARC/DVS and its staff strive to help survivors. “Whether they are providing safety planning, shelter, connecting survivors with resources or advocating on a survivor’s behalf, advocates are there to strengthen survivor’s voices,” Alvarez said. L&T photo/Robert Pierce