At Roberta’s Place, we believe healing begins with care that centers survivors. And that’s why, this fall, we’re launching a long-overdue service for Cibola County: a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Unit based right here in Grants.
For years, survivors of sexual violence in our community have had to travel out of town — sometimes over an hour — just to receive a medical- forensic exam. Others have gone without, because the barriers were too great. That changes now.
This SANE Unit will provide confidential, traumainformed care to survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Our team of specially trained nurses will offer evidence collection, injury documentation, and compassionate support. Survivors won’t be forced to repeat their stories to five different people. They’ll be treated with dignity, and they’ll have choices — about treatment, reporting, and what happens next.
We’re hiring locally to make this happen. Right now, we’re seeking a SANE Coordinator (RN preferred) to help lead this effort. This role will oversee on-call coverage, support a team of nurses, and work closely with law enforcement, advocacy, and hospital partners. We’ll also be hiring nurses on a per-exam basis to ensure 24/6 availability.
This unit won’t just serve survivors — it will also strengthen our community’s response systems. We’re working closely with the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (NMCSAP), the Crime Victims Reparation Commission, and regional stakeholders to ensure coordination and readiness.
We know that in rural communities like ours, access to care can be a matter of geography, funding, and trust. That’s why our approach is culturally grounded, survivordriven, and built with our community in mind — including Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and historically underserved populations.
To survivors in our community: we see you. You deserve care that honors your experience and protects your choice.
If you’re interested in applying or learning more, visit robertas.org or email angelc@ robertas.org.
A safer, stronger Cibola County is possible — and it starts with care.