“A philosophy of empowerment,” Tahoe Women’s Services prevention team manager Rose Tutera described of the organization’s mission and educational focus.Tahoe Women’s Service is a nonprofit group that offers services to victims of abuse and, in addition, strives to educate the community about the serious problems of domestic abuse, sexual harassment and sexual assault.The prevention team is a vital arm of the organization, and of the effort to stop violence toward women. Besides responsive services provided by the organization, such as a safe house, counseling support and advocacy, the prevention team’s programs are just as important, as they aim to stop the cycle of abuse.”Violence is learned,” Tutera said, “and can be unlearned.”The prevention team spreads awareness through programs for all age levels. The education programs help youths identify and understand the ways they would want to be treated, and thus treat others. Older children, according to Tutera, are able to talk about issues and learn about things in the program that they may not have before.For example, Tutera explained that in their high school program, relationships are a topic of focus, as many students are entering one for the first time.The programs team also offers sexual harassment training for companies or businesses, self defense classes and other outreach programs in the community. The Gifts for Good program is a campaign to support Truckee-North Tahoe nonprofit organizations. If you would like to support the Tahoe Women’s Services, pick up an envelope at a local business and mail in a contribution, find a form (on page A7 of this Sierra Sun), cut it out and send it in, or call in your donation to Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation at 587-1776.WHAT THEY OFFERTahoe Women’s Services offers many programs for the community, including:• A safe house• Counseling support• Advocacy• Sexual harassment training for companies or businesses• Self defense classes• Workshops in local schools• Requests for programs and workshops