Throughout the series, we will:
- Amplify Survivor Voices: Hear directly from culturally-specific programs and advocates that are working with these populations.
- Empower Service Providers: Equip professionals with culturally responsive strategies and resources to better support survivors and their communities.
- Foster Community Collaboration: Build bridges between organizations, agencies, and community members to create a more coordinated and effective response to sexual violence.
For our next event in our Building Bridges series we will be hosting a two part webinar to learn about the unique challenges faced by plural families and communities in Utah affected by sexual violence. This webinar, facilitated by Cherish Families, will provide a space for learning culturally relevant approaches to healing and prevention. We will cover the obstacles and opportunities that exist in our state to support this population. This webinar will offer insights and resources for survivors, advocates, and community members working towards a future free from sexual violence.
Part 1
Part 2
Shirlee Draper was born and raised in “Short Creek” (Hildale Utah/Colorado City, Arizona) within the fundamentalist polygamous Mormon sect now known as the “FLDS.” She was “placed” in an arranged marriage and had four children, two of whom have special needs. After the rise of Warren Jeffs, she took her children and left everything she had ever known to move to St. George, Utah. As a single mother, she obtained a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Public Administration. She has served in many capacities in the rebirth of her hometown, including facilitating the election of the first female mayor in 2017; opening a community health clinic in 2019; serving on the board of the UEP Trust, Short Creek Community Center, and Short Creek Health and Recreation.
She is employed as Director of Operations for Cherish Families, a social service nonprofit which offers crime victim and wraparound services for people from polygamous backgrounds who need stability. She specializes in bridging the population with mainstream society and provides education for outside service providers and government agencies to facilitate cultural competence in dealing with fundamentalist community members. She is a sought-after speaker, and regularly presents at conferences and workshops regarding best practices for serving people from polygamous backgrounds. She also serves on several state and civic committees. Shirlee lives in St. George with her children and relishes the moments when she gets to spend time with them.
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