Vista Rise Collective (formerly Live Violence Free) | 24/7 Crisis Line: 530‑544‑4444 | Call 911 for immediate danger | Español • Tagalog support

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About

Please allow us to share a little about who we are with you.

Our Mission

Vista Rise Collective is committed to promoting a violence-free community through education and advocacy to address domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Our Commitment

At Vista Rise Collective, we commit to honoring:

  • Our clients by empowering them through compassionate and respectful support
  • Ourselves with mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation
  • Our community by promoting peace and non-violence for a better life
Lonely young latina woman sitting on bed. Depressed hispanic girl at home, looking away with sad expression.
Children

Who We Help

Vista Rise Collective is the sole provider offering services to those individuals and families suffering from abuse within the communities of South Lake Tahoe and Alpine County.

What We Do

Vista Rise Collective offers shelter, counseling, housing assistance, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

All programs and staff are committed to providing culturally and linguistically responsive services, where victims are respected and empowered to make the best choices for themselves.

We've always been more than a name -

We've always been more than a

name -

we've been a movement.

Our name, Vista Rise, reflects our evolution. Symbolizing the path to healing and the power of collective transformation.

VISTA

The path forward

An accessible place

New perspectives

RISE

Healing

Resilience of survivors

Transformation

COLLECTIVE

Community

Coming together

A shared cause

IN THEIR WORDS

Steve's Story

Vista Rise stayed in touch with the local rape crisis center and were happy to hear that Steve was on his way to recovery from the trauma and is now publicly speaking out about his experience at assault prevention and awareness meetings.

Read Full Story

Our Story

1977
South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center Opens
South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center is opened by a handful of volunteers to provide a rape crisis hotline. It was a little two-room cabin by the library. That phone number is possibly the oldest and most vital service we provide.
1977
1980
Expanded Rape Crisis Hotline
Rape Crisis hotline develops into comprehensive services for sexual assault victims.
1980
1981
Domestic Violence Services
Domestic violence services are added, including a 52-week batterer’s program.
1981
1986
Child Abuse Prevention Services
Child abuse prevention services are added, including prevention education at local schools.
1986
1991
Emergency Shelter
The emergency domestic violence shelter is purchased.
1991
1995
Transitional Housing Program
The Transitional Housing program is started.
1995
1999
Headquarters Purchased and Expansion In Alpine County
Current business office building is purchased and services expanded in Alpine County.
1999
2001
Purchase Transitional Housing Property
The transitional housing property is purchased and the children’s play areas are built at the business office and the emergency shelter.
2001
2003
Purchase Transitional Housing Property
Domestic violence services are expanded to Alpine County and the Domestic Violence Response Team is established in collaboration with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office.
2003
2005
Provision of Legal Services
Legal program was added as another support service.
2005
2006
Remodel For the Transitional Housing Property
The transitional housing property is remodeled.
2006
2007
30th Anniversary
Celebrated 30 Years of dedicated service to the community.
2007
2007
Enhanced Services in Alpine County
Parenting program becomes available in Alpine County.
2007
2007
Parent to Parent Program
Parent to Parent Supervised Visitation & Exchanges program becomes available at the South Lake Tahoe Women's Center.
2007
2012
Name Change to Live Violence Free
The South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center changes its name to Live Violence Free in conjunction with the 35th anniversary.
2012
2017
40th Anniversary and Property Improvements
Celebrated 40 Years of dedicated service to the community and Remodeled emergency shelter, transitional housing, and main business office for ADA compliance.
2017
2019
Housing First Program Launched
Domestic violence Housing First program was added to our services.
2019
One Conversation Campaign Launched
Learn How To Look For The Signs Of Abuse And Support Those Experiencing Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Or Sexual Abuse.
45th Anniversary of Live Violence Free
We've been helping the community of South Lake Tahoe and Alpine County for 45 years.

It’s humbling to witness members of our community empowering themselves to lead a life of fulfillment and purpose while supporting them through all of the tough decisions along the way.

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Deedra's Story

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

BANG, BANG, BANG…“LET ME IN!” 

I looked down and saw my hands trembling, fear coursing through my body. I closed my eyes and whispered under my breath “please God, just let me disappear.” As I stood in front of the mirror, all I could do is look at myself in shame. Someone as crazy as I am is deserving of this kind of punishment. Or so I believed. 

He broke the lock, barged in, and threw me on the bed. Pointlessly trying to fight back, he began hitting me with more force and shouting what a worthless wife and mother I was. As he began to sexually assault me, tears streamed down my face and all I could do is close my eyes and find numbness. This was our pattern for 10 years. There were many times I wanted to leave but I feared joint custody would leave my girls vulnerable to his abuse without my protection. I didn’t believe I was capable or strong enough to win full custody, let alone walk out the door. He also controlled all of our finances which made it impossible to hide the expenses we would need to safely escape. The fear of leaving him often crippled me to a point of severe stagnation. Then one day, I had a friend confess that she could see I was being abused. I immediately broke down to her, but was suddenly greeted with a sense of relief that I had been dreaming of for years. She told me about Live Violence Free and the resources I had access to. It was in that moment that I knew I had to seek refuge, it was the only way I was going to provide safety for our two daughters and keep him from killing me. 

After receiving support from Live Violence Free to obtain a restraining order and then undergoing a year-long court battle, Deedra gained full child custody of her daughters. With continued housing assistance, counseling, and legal guidance from Live Violence Free, Deedra was able to obtain her driver’s license, buy a car, re-enter the workforce, and reestablish her life in a new area where she and her daughters could live in peace.

Deedra is now thriving with a fantastic full-time job and is enjoying her new role as a grandmother.

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Thank You!

Your first email will be arriving soon.

We’re thrilled you’ve decided to join the Vista Rise Collective family. At VRC, we know lasting change can happen: Everyone can live with dignity, free from abuse. 

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SAFETY ALERT

Computer use can be monitored. If you are afraid your internet usage might be monitored, use a safer computer or call Live Violence Free at 530-544-4444.

To learn more about internet safety and how the quick exit works, click here.

CLICK THE QUICK EXIT BUTTON AT ANY POINT TO LEAVE THE SITE IMMEDIATELY.

Quick Exit

ALERTA DE SEGURIDAD

Se puede monitorear el uso de la computadora. Si teme que se pueda controlar su uso de Internet, utilice una computadora más segura o llame a Live Violence Free al 530-544-4444.

Para obtener más información sobre la seguridad en Internet y cómo funciona este botón, haga clic aquí.

HAGA CLIC EN EL BOTÓN DE SALIDA RÁPIDA EN CUALQUIER PUNTO PARA SALIR DEL SITIO INMEDIATAMENTE.

Quick Exit

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