Local heroes honored for making a difference
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News from SAFE Harbor
POLSON — People making a difference was the focal point of SAFE Harbor’s 2016 Community Honorees Celebration on Oct. 19 in Polson. As part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SAFE Harbor had sought community nominees from the area who had made a significant contribution that positively impacted the lives of those dealing with violence. This year’s national theme, “Awareness + Action = Social Change” tied in perfectly with the positive efforts being put forth by these hometown heroes who have assisted others. Those honored this year included Dr. Jera Stewart, Olivia Olsen, Juanita Small Salmon, Kellie Caldbeck, Joanna Browning and Traudle Stockstad. Each of these individuals had demonstrated a level of commitment and compassion for victims of violence that had inspired others.
Dr. Stewart, through her direction with the Tribal Behavioral Health Unit, has helped to increase access to professional assistance for victims and their families while promoting other support services to aid in the healing process. For many years, local artists Olivia Olsen and Juanita Small Salmon have used their talents and time to help raise funds for SAFE Harbor’s direct services. Ms. Caldbeck is a part of the Salish Kootenai College Center for Prevention and Wellness Team and has in the last year served in a leadership role to introduce a program to expand training and prevention efforts for the entire campus community. As a new nurse, Joanna Browning showed exceptional concern for victims, both in her practice and by taking part in a SANE educational program, as well as seeking additional skills development through other training programs. For nearly a decade, retired nurse Traudle Stockstad has devoted time and resources to aid victims from the community, serving as a SAFE Harbor Board member and by promoting increased support from others in the area. “This is a great group of people,” said SAFE Harbor Executive Director DeeAnn Richardson. “They’ve all helped to make our community a better place and it is wonderful that others have recognized their service and that we had the chance to thank them for all that they have done.”
