In 2023, 85 Volunteers donated 11,579 hours to MOCSA and went on 264 hospital activations. Their contributions are valued at $368,212 based on national averages of volunteer time.
We could not do the work we do without their dedication and support. Here is a highlight of only a handful of the many incredible volunteers we’re lucky to work with.
Marissa Vore (she/her)
Marissa, 29, is a Hospital Advocate who has donated more than 350 hours to MOCSA! She grew up in Olathe and currently lives in South Kansas City. When she’s not volunteering or working as a Technical Recruiter at TriCom in Leawood, she enjoys running marathons and especially likes running outdoors on the trails in South KC.
“MOCSA was there for me at a time when not many people in my life knew how to help,” Marissa said. “
I learned firsthand how important MOCSA could be to Kansas City, and felt compelled to give back to an organization that made such an impact on my life in the past.”
Marissa says the most impactful part of volunteering is getting the opportunity to witness firsthand the resilience of the people of Kansas City.
“To see survivors in some of their most vulnerable moments be willing to trust another person (and to have the honor of being the person they choose to trust)- it means everything to me.”
Marissa (left) with her mother during the Arrowhead 5K
Favorite candy? Gobstoppers
Dream vacation? My Grandma came to America from England, and I’d love to see her hometown of Hunstanton in Norfolk
Favorite game? Farkle
Favorite book? Currently reading book four of the ACOTAR series right now with a friend
Favorite tv show? Grey’s Anatomy
“My favorite part of volunteering with MOCSA is knowing the difference that is made in the community,” Marissa said. “The time I spend at the hospitals is incredibly fulfilling.”
Lisa New, Kristi Richardson, & Tiffany Meeks
(Left to right) Lisa New, Kristi Richardson & Tiffany Meeks
Tiffany, Lisa, and Kristi are Event Co-chairs for Night Out with MOCSA. As event volunteers they are instrumental in establishing and executing a theme, recruiting sponsors and donors, and supporting event setup and logistics. Their leadership is greatly appreciated!
“MOCSA has my enduring support for so many reasons,” Tiffany said. “Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.”
“By working together to raise awareness, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and respected. Also, continuing education is paramount to informing others about the importance of consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention to create safer communities for everyone.”
“And most importantly to me, silence allows perpetrators to continue their actions. Reducing the stigma and shame of survivors coming forward is the only way we can hold these predators accountable.”
“Volunteering with MOCSA over the last six years has allowed me to educate friends and family about this incredible organization and create friendships with others that also believe in its mission,” Lisa said.
“It is with thanks to all our supporters and volunteers that MOCSA can continue improving the lives of those impacted and help prevent sexual violence across our Kansas City community.”
Jace with their cat, Cecil.
Favorite candy? Reese’s Pieces
Dream vacation? Istanbul, Turkey
Favorite game? Settlers of Catan and Quoridor
Favorite book? The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Favorite tv show? The White Lotus
Jace Hasterlo-Shoupe (they/them)
Jace, 25, a Community Outreach Volunteer, first got involved with MOCSA during their time as an undergraduate at Rockhurst. They work full-time as a Head Paralegal at Family First Law, LLC, in Kansas City, and part-time at Johnson County Community College in the Adult Education Program.
When they’re not prepping for their upcoming LSAT, they love reading, learning dead languages and how to crochet, and playing trivia with their usually-unsuccessful trivia team.
As an Outreach Volunteer with a busy school and work schedule, Jace appreciates the ability to volunteer when they can.
While doing outreach, they often hear from community members about MOCSA’s impact.
“I love hearing people say that they know what MOCSA is because MOCSA comes to their children’s schools, or that MOCSA comes to their workplace or their church group. Being part of that presence in a community is very gratifying,” Jace said.
“As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I wish that a program like MOCSA had existed where I grew up,” Jace said.
“I did not have the language at the time to describe what was happening to me, and I am so incredibly grateful that MOCSA provides these tools to children and adults who may be in a similar situation.”
Austin Graham (he/him)
Austin, a Crisis Line Volunteer, grew up in Miltonvale, Kansas and works as an Edward Jones Advisor in Concordia, Kansas. His main passion is studying the Bible and traveling – he loves to explore a new culture almost every month.
Austin decided to volunteer with MOCSA after being a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
“After I realized the amount of children who go through sexual abuse, I decided to see if MOCSA could use my help,” Austin said.
“It’s very simple to be remote and volunteer at the same time with MOCSA,” Austin said. “Plus, callers are typically appreciative of our service. MOCSA did a great job of giving me the tools I needed!”
Favorite candy? Brazilian Banana Candy
Dream vacation? Jerusalem
Favorite game? The Farming Game
Favorite book? The Book of John
Favorite tv show? Gunsmoke