Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO) serves people at some of the hardest moments in their lives. With support from the AI Institute at Fort Lewis College through the Elevate AI incubator, SASO explored and developed AI tools that free up staff time for survivors and community partners.  

The work focused on three everyday needs that shape care and connection: preparing volunteers, strengthening prevention education, and keeping communications consistent for donors and partners. The goal was simple: adopt AI tools that return time to staff, build capacity, and strengthen support for survivors.

To prepare volunteers, SASO introduced an AI role-play tool that helps new volunteers practice crisis-line responses. The scenarios are survivor-informed, so that no one has to act out traumatic events for training. During simulations, staff provide real-time coaching. Two cohorts, totaling 16 community members, have used the new approach. Staff described smoother preparation and coaching that stayed focused on skill building.

In prevention education, SASO used HeyGen to create short video-avatar explainers that deliver sensitive content in a consistent, accessible format for youth and community partners. HeyGen allows staff to script a message and present it through an on-screen avatar, which reduces on-camera burden and protects privacy.

“We learned so much being part of the Fort Lewis College AI Institute. This pilot has shown us what’s possible when technology is used with intention, compassion, and community at the center. By integrating AI, we’ve freed up more time to focus on what matters most—survivors. The Elevate AI incubator expanded our capacity. We’re excited to keep building tools that strengthen our services, deepen our outreach, and empower our team to support more people across our region,” said Executive Director of SASO Laura Latimer.

Next, SASO will continue using a grant-writing assistant to support Montezuma County expansion, extend its editorial calendar, and convert existing training footage into an online companion for volunteers. The goal remains the same: use technology to return time and attention to people.

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