REM Award Honorees (2004) — Charles “Chip” Rumsey (Rape Crisis Assistance and Prevention)

As the communities we serve have grown and changed these past 21 years, we have tried to adjust our focus, mission and vision so that we could continue to offer the most appropriate advocacy and assistance to those who have been affected by sexual violence. RCA&P has grown from a few part-time volunteers to a staff of four full-time employees and one part-timer and about twenty volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to preserving the ideals of those who served before us.

RCA&P is honoring a volunteer who has been working with and for our agency for over 4 years, giving many hours and much effort to benefit our agency and the survivors who come to us for help. It gives us great pride to introduce Sergeant Charles “Chip” Rumsey as our 2004 Volunteer of the Year. Chip, a sergeant on the Waterville Police Department, was elected last year as the President of our Board of Directors after serving several years as a member.

Chip is always there for us — whether it be a cold, rainy evening when he is asked to speak at our “Take Back the Night” march and rally or a hot, sticky afternoon spent representing our agency at one of our annual fundraisers — we can count on Chip to “be there.” He has always been available to help us plan and coordinate fundraisers, he has attended many community outreach events and, through some very difficult financial times, has stood as a firm leader for our agency. As President of our Board of Directors, Chip provides leadership and guidance to our all-volunteer Board as they work to position our agency to be even more effective in advocating for survivors and in reducing the incidence of sexual violence in the years to come.

Chip is a fine example of true citizenship. He believes in his community, in helping his neighbors and in volunteering his time and experience to help make his community an even better place to live and work. Chip, his wife Cynthia, and their two sons, Matthew and C.J., reside in Winslow. Thank you, Chip, for all you do!

Note: Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, Rape Crisis Assistance and Prevention closed for good on December 31, 2008.