Who We Are

As an organization, everything we do is guided by our desire to create lasting change in the lives of children and families who've experienced trauma.

To fulfill our mission, we rely on four core values that define our approach: Safety, Compassion, Empowerment, and Justice. These values are not just words; they are the foundation of our work and the guiding principles behind every initiative, and partnership we build.

safety

Every person has the right to feel safe and protected in their home and community. That’s why we proudly partner with local service providers who specialize in delivering direct support to survivors of domestic abuse. Through these partnerships, we help facilitate critical services such as emergency housing, safety planning, and counseling. By working together with trusted organizations, we ensure that families have access to the immediate resources they need to find safety, begin healing without fear of physical or emotional harm.

compassion

Domestic abuse often leaves individuals feeling isolated and unseen. At Sanctum, we believe in treating every individual with compassion, understanding, and dignity. By creating spaces where survivors and their families feel validated and respected, we aim to reduce the stigma surrounding domestic abuse and encourage open, supportive dialogue. Through fostering trust and empathy within our community, we strive to build a culture where those seeking help are met with kindness and empathy rather than judgment.

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empowerment

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to empowering children and families affected by domestic abuse. We believe in the power of resilience and the potential for growth despite enduring trauma. By promoting awareness, supporting prevention initiatives, and sponsoring critical services for victims, we hope to help individuals recognize their strength, self-worth, and ability to overcome adversity. Empowerment means more than just surviving- it’s about rebuilding with confidence, embracing new opportunities, and thriving in a future full of possibilities.

justice

Domestic abuse is not just an individual issue-it's a community problem that requires a collective response. Systemic change is essential to effectively address and prevent continued violence. Through proactive community engagement and the promotion of policies that protect vulnerable populations, we strive to raise awareness of the root causes of abuse and drive meaningful, sustainable change. By amplifying the voices of survivors and promoting a culture of empathy and accountability, we seek to challenge the barriers that perpetuate abuse and build a future where every family can live free from fear and violence.

Meet the founders

Zach

Zach's understanding and insight into trauma, resilience, and the misuse of the family court system are rooted in his own lived experience. As a child, he endured significant physical, verbal, and emotional abuse while also witnessing domestic violence within an unstable home environment. The abuse, combined with the intrusion of a decades-long custody dispute, shaped his deep empathy for children caught in conflicts they did not choose and cannot control. Zach's personal history continues to strengthen his commitment to breaking cycles of generational trauma and advocating for integrity and transparency within systems designed to protect children and families

Zach holds an associate degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, grounding his advocacy in both lived experience and academic insight. He serves as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem with the South Carolina Department of Children's Advocacy, where he represents the best interests of vulnerable children in family court. In addition, Zach, a medically-retired Navy Veteran, he works as a Mentor and Certified Peer Support Specialist with the 13th Judicial Circuit's Veteran's Treatment Court, assisting justice-involved veterans as they navigate complex systems of care and recovery.

Today, the principles of service, empathy and justice fuel Zach’s unwavering commitment to supporting children and families, particularly within military communities, battling instability caused by domestic abuse. Motivated by a profound belief in the power of healing and hope, Zach is dedicated to ensuring no child faces the darkness alone. Through his work, Zach seeks to honor his own journey and inspire others to join the fight against domestic abuse.

Colleen

A survivor of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse, Colleen has transformed her personal pain into a powerful mission: to empower those victimized where they should feel safest—at home. After escaping a relationship marked by verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, she recognized the urgent need for resources and support for those navigating the complex aftermath of similar experiences.

Colleen holds a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and criminal psychology. She is a Certified Victim Service Provider through the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General and regularly serves as a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, providing crisis support to victims in local emergency departments. She also serves as a Guardian ad Litem with the South Carolina Department of Children's Advocacy, often working complex cases involving child fatalities and sexual abuse.

In addition to her frontline advocacy, Colleen is a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist and a Certified Narcissistic Trauma-Informed Coach, offering survivors the tools and insight needed to rebuild their lives and regain their sense of self after psychological abuse.

By sharing her story and using her training to support others, Colleen creates a compassionate and empowering space where survivors can find peace, validation, and the courage to move forward. Through every aspect of her work, she is committed to ensuring no survivor feels alone in their journey toward healing.