Next PR Pledges $120K to Amplify Lifeline for Colorado Abuse Survivors

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – April 09, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster community support systems, integrated public relations firm Next PR has announced a strategic partnership with TESSA, a leading non-profit organization that aids survivors of domestic and sexual violence. As part of its 2026 Conscious Capitalism program, Next PR will provide $120,000 in pro bono services to TESSA over a six-month period, aiming to dramatically increase the non-profit's visibility and impact in Douglas County and across the Colorado Front Range.

The collaboration, running from April to September 2026, marks the 16th such partnership for Next PR, underscoring the firm's long-term commitment to leveraging its professional expertise for social good. For TESSA, the support represents a powerful opportunity to amplify its life-saving message and connect with vulnerable individuals who may not know where to turn.

A Lifeline Amidst a Growing Crisis

The timing of this partnership is critical. Colorado has been grappling with a deeply concerning trend in domestic violence. In 2022, the state recorded 94 domestic violence-related fatalities, an all-time high for the second consecutive year and nearly one and a half times the average since data collection began in 2017. Statistics show that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in Douglas County will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, mirroring grim national and statewide figures.

Against this backdrop, organizations like TESSA serve as an essential lifeline. Founded in 1977, TESSA is the sole dedicated provider of services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking in El Paso and Teller Counties, annually serving over 17,000 individuals. Their work is survivor-led and trauma-informed, offering everything from a 24/7 crisis line and emergency shelter to counseling and legal advocacy.

The partnership with Next PR is specifically designed to expand TESSA's presence in Douglas County, where the need is acutely felt. A 2024 county needs assessment identified physical safety and access to housing as the most pressing local concerns for survivors. This collaboration directly addresses that need by focusing on raising awareness of the resources TESSA provides.

Beyond the Bottom Line: The Power of Pro Bono Expertise

While financial donations are crucial for non-profits, the support offered by Next PR provides a different, equally vital form of capital: strategic communication. The $120,000 in services is not a simple cash grant but a comprehensive infusion of professional expertise. The partnership includes targeted media relations to secure coverage in Douglas County and Front Range publications, a full social media audit to optimize online outreach, and messaging workshops to refine and unify TESSA’s public voice.

This type of support allows a non-profit to punch far above its weight, ensuring its message reaches its intended audience effectively. For TESSA, this means more than just brand recognition; it means that an individual in a moment of crisis is more likely to see a news story, find a social media post, or hear a broadcast that directs them toward safety.

Anne Markley, CEO of TESSA, highlighted the significance of this specialized support. "Our organization is incredibly grateful to partner with Next PR to expand local awareness of our services," she shared. "Their support will help ensure survivors know exactly where to turn in moments of crisis, while also reinforcing that safety and healing extend far beyond immediate response."

Conscious Capitalism in Action

Next PR's initiative is a prime example of a growing movement within the corporate world, particularly in the public relations industry, where businesses integrate social good into their core operational philosophy. The firm's Conscious Capitalism program is built on the idea that a company's resources and talents can be a powerful force for community betterment.

"We believe businesses have a responsibility to use their platform for meaningful impact," said Heather Kelly, CEO of Next PR. "TESSA's leadership in supporting survivors across the Front Range reflects the kind of mission-driven work we are proud to stand behind. As our 16th Conscious Capitalism partner, we'll focus on elevating their visibility and ensuring more people know where help is available."

This approach reflects a broader industry shift toward authentic corporate social responsibility (CSR). Today, stakeholders, employees, and customers increasingly expect companies to demonstrate a genuine commitment to social and ethical issues. By providing its core services pro bono, Next PR not only aids a critical community organization but also reinforces its own brand values, attracts mission-aligned talent, and builds trust with the public. The longevity of the program, now in its 16th partnership, demonstrates a sustained commitment rather than a fleeting marketing campaign.

Amplifying Awareness Where It's Needed Most

The partnership's focus on Douglas County is particularly strategic. In August 2025, TESSA, with a $350,000 service agreement from the county, opened a new 35-bed domestic violence safehouse there. This facility was a direct response to the identified local need for safe, emergency housing for survivors. However, the existence of a resource is only effective if the community knows it is there.

Next PR's communications campaign will be instrumental in bridging that information gap. By targeting local media and refining TESSA's digital footprint, the firm will work to ensure that community leaders, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and the general public in Douglas County are aware of the new safehouse and the comprehensive support services TESSA offers. The goal is to create a well-lit pathway to safety, removing the barrier of obscurity that too often prevents survivors from seeking help.

Through this collaboration, the power of a compelling story and strategic outreach will be harnessed to serve one of the community's most vulnerable populations. The work over the next six months aims to fortify TESSA’s crucial role in the region, ensuring its message of hope, healing, and safety resonates louder than ever.