Madison Orban is transforming personal trauma into community action. After witnessing a family member struggle to find help following a sexual assault in Auburn, Indiana, she discovered a troubling reality: her hometown had almost no resources for survivors.
Now, she’s filling that gap herself.
A Crisis That Sparked a Mission
Orban’s journey began when she supported a loved one through the aftermath of sexual assault. The experience exposed a harsh truth about DeKalb County. There were no local resources, no safe spaces, and no clear path to help.
“We were already struggling with the trauma so to have to reach out, and not know where to reach out was even more upsetting,” Orban explained.
The isolation her family felt during that critical time became the catalyst for change. Rather than accepting the void, she decided to create something that could prevent others from experiencing the same helplessness.
That decision led to the birth of Saving Grace, Advocacy and Support.
Building Something from Nothing
Orban didn’t wait for permission or perfect conditions. She approached the Auburn city council seeking guidance, then moved quickly to establish Saving Grace as an official nonprofit organization.
Her friend Brooke Miller witnessed the transformation firsthand and joined the effort.
“Knowing Maddie and being around her energy, it’s really hard not to be drawn into her mission,” Miller said. She also recognized how widespread the problem truly is. “People don’t realize it’s so prevalent and I don’t think you realize how prominent, and how common it is until it happens to somebody close to you, or to you or your family.”
The pair began hosting meetings with organizations that support survivors, building a network where none existed before.
Their goal is simple but powerful: ensure that when someone in DeKalb County needs help, they know exactly where to turn and who to call.
What Saving Grace Offers Today
The organization currently focuses on three core pillars:
- Connection to existing support services
- Direct advocacy for survivors
- Community education and awareness
“If someone comes to me and says hey this happens, I don’t know what to do, I can point them in whichever direction and help them to connect with an actual person,” Orban said.
Miller emphasized the emotional component of their work. “We are here and we’re here to help support you in whatever capacity that looks like because it can feel super lonely going through that experience.”
The approach is personal and hands-on. Rather than offering generic information, Saving Grace creates real human connections between survivors and the help they need.
What Comes Next for DeKalb County
Orban’s vision extends far beyond the current programs. She has concrete plans to expand Saving Grace’s impact across the community.
The next phase includes launching educational programs and establishing local support groups. These initiatives will provide ongoing resources and create spaces where survivors can find understanding without judgment.
The long-term goal is even more ambitious. Orban plans to open a physical clinic dedicated to serving survivors in DeKalb County.
“Having the city’s, the community’s support, and support survivors, that’s the big picture,” she said.
A Symbol of Solidarity
Saving Grace has adopted a lavender ribbon as its symbol. The ribbon specifically represents DeKalb County, signaling that someone in the community stands with survivors.
It’s a visible reminder that no one has to face these challenges alone anymore.
For Orban, the work has become deeply personal in an unexpected way. “This is my saving grace, like this is what is helping me heal, is helping other people,” she said.
Her pain has become purpose. Her trauma has transformed into a lifeline for others navigating similar darkness.
Saving Grace is proving that even in communities without established resources, passionate individuals can create meaningful change. Madison Orban saw a need, felt the urgency, and refused to look away. Now, DeKalb County has something it desperately needed: a voice for survivors and a path toward healing.
What happened to Orban’s family shouldn’t happen in silence, and thanks to her work, it no longer has to. Share your thoughts on community-based support initiatives in the comments below.
