COLORADO SPRINGS — KOAA News5 and TESSA of Colorado Springs are teaming up this holiday season to try and bring awareness to and combat domestic violence in our community.
TESSA was originally founded in Colorado Springs in 1977, and the organization's acronym stands for Trust, Education, Safety, Support, and Action.
Launched originally after community leaders were concerned with the high rate of calls to law enforcement from women who were being threatened or assaulted by their partners, at the time there were little to no resources for victims as domestic violence was considered a private matter.
Since its inception, TESSA now runs a confidential safehouse for victims, victim advocacy, 24/7 Safe Line, Counseling, and Children Programming, as well as Community Outreach and Education.
This Thanksgiving, you have the chance to help continue TESSA's goal of helping victims in our community and the News5 team will be bringing you a News5 Special: TESSA Day of Giving to help raise funds for the organization.
Tune in on Thanksgiving evening after the NBC Thanksgiving NFL Game around 9:30 p.m. to watch the News5 Special: TESSA Day of Giving where you will hear the stories of survivors in our community, how TESSA helps victims on a daily basis, as well as what law enforcement has done in recent years to try and bring awareness to the issue.
News5 with the help of the Scripps Howard Fund the philanthropic branch of our parent company E.W. Scripps will be matching the first $5,000 donated. You can donate below.
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Military Families Concerned As TRICARE To End Services With Children's Hospital Colorado
In the new year, military families covered by TRICARE insurance will need prior authorization for non-emergency services at Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado).
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