SAFE Harbor honors local heroes
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Every town has local heroes. Annually, SAFE Harbor, in celebration of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, seeks nominations for ”heroes” who have in the last year helped to address violence issues within the region. Nominees are reviewed, and a final list of community honorees is selected.
The 2018 NDVM SAFE Harbor Community Honorees included: Janet Born, Kathy Davidson, Stacy Kiser, Anne Lowe, Brendan McQuillan, Gena Montoya, Janette Rosman and Kathy Starkel. Each of these individuals has, through their actions, had an impact on the quality of life for all in the community.
Born and Davidson helped with a remodel and facelift at the SAFE Harbor office. These two volunteers demonstrated the ideal of civic engagement and showed real commitment to the success of SAFE Harbor.
Kiser, a local therapist, has been instrumental in assisting victims of violence as they rebuild their lives. She is a compassionate, caring and dedicated professional who treats every client with respect and understanding. According to her nomination: “She is that gentle, unassuming person who can see into one’s soul without even trying. And she looks in without judgment or cruelty or spite.”
Lowe, who was an instructor at Salish Kootenai College, took steps to help the campus community while also connecting students to other resources. She was identified as being on the leading edge for prevention and overall community awareness.
Over the last three years, McQuillan served Lake County as the prosecutor dedicated to cases dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault. His work has brought justice to many survivors. His nomination said: “He has been on the front line of this battle, finding meaningful outcomes for clients. He has educated local officers on best practices.”
Montoya is a therapist who has also been leading efforts to help victims and their families. Her nomination read in part: “She has an empowerment perspective for every woman and has spearheaded many events in Tribal Health to honor survivors.”
Rosman has been supporting survivors and helping with direct services for many years as a SAFE Harbor Board member and over the last few years as a hotline volunteer.
“Janette is willing to take action and follow through. She has devoted her time in a totally volunteer capacity for the last several years, helping those most in need.”
Starkel is a volunteer for the crisis line and gives of her time every week. She was recognized specifically for her diligence, thoughtful nature and sincere concern for every call she receives.
