Porchlight Counseling Services

Diana Newton has a background in non-profit fundraising, journalism and public relations. Diana is committed to raising awareness about the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses. Through her work in the non-profit sector, Diana has witnessed the devastating effects of violence. However, she also has been privileged to know many courageous people who have demonstrated that healing is possible after trauma, especially with the support, guidance and love of community.

Porchlight Counseling Services was started in 2004 by a group of community members who were very concerned about the high incidence of sexual assault among college students. These community members gathered together and began discussing what could be done about this problem. They partnered with a Psychologist and conducted a feasibility study to find out what college sexual assault survivors most needed. They also formed a small Board of Directors and became a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. Once the feasibility study was completed, it was clear that many college students did not seek out the services they needed. Why? The students feared that their peers would see them going into the college counseling office and might start asking questions. Thus the shame they felt about what happened to them kept them from seeking the very services that could ease their pain. It was then decided that Porchlight Counseling Services would offer off-campus advocacy and services to this underserved population.