afe Harbor recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Honorees
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
By Dana Grant, Safe Harbor Director of Development
Bringing a vision to life. Sharing time with those in need. Inspiring others with guidance and encouragement. Contributing to community improvements. Facilitating collaboration to support improved health outcomes. These are examples of the outstanding efforts being made by those chosen as 2024 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Honorees. Every October, SAFE Harbor seeks nominations from the community to recognize those who have positively impacted the lives of others affected by violence. NDVAM is a chance to promote greater understanding of the challenges violence brings to the community, as well as the availability of resources and services.
“It is always important to celebrate the local heroes who are helping others,” said SAFE Harbor Executive Director Brandi Clark. “Sometimes those having the greatest impact don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
This year’s honorees include James Manley, Lisa Brueggeman, Dr. Megan Vigil, the Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation, Dr. Nikki McKinsey, Kristen Desjarlais, Carole Lankford, Tammy Young, Molly Stammer, Joanna Hazen, and Don Roberts. Each of these individuals has been working to improve the quality of life for everyone living in Lake County and the Flathead Reservation.
“People do so much that directly benefits our clients and their families,” said SAFE Harbor Director of Development Dana Grant. “This is our chance to pull back the curtain and put a spotlight on their achievements.”
Retired Judge James Manley had a long career as an attorney and jurist. Before his retirement, he was instrumental in leading the development of a Drug Court for Lake County. As an alternative approach within the justice system, the drug court model has proven successful in providing offenders with a way back to a better life. After nearly a decade in operation, the Lake County Drug Court is changing lives and helping families reconnect.
Manley had a valuable vision, and a decade later, the Drug Court is thriving, in large part because of the work of current Coordinator Lisa Brueggeman, another 2024 honoree. She is the glue keeping all the pieces in place for the Drug Court. Her attention to detail, empathy for enrollees, and ability to work with others have enabled the court to be a meaningful option for many. According to Judge Molly Owens, who now oversees the court, “Brueggeman is amazing in working with clients and helping them find success.”
Honoree Dr. Megan Vigil, a family medicine physician with St. Luke Community Healthcare, was described as a person of action, helping lead the New Horizon Healthcare Community Action Team. Her nominee said, “She has a vision of better health outcomes, less division, more connections, and a community where people share the path…together.”
“We always receive wonderful nominations, representing programs across the community,” Grant said. “Each honoree is making a difference for others.”
The next honoree is rarely seen. For over a decade, this “secret” friend to everyone in the area has been sharing their resources with the only intention of helping others. The Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation is an important force for the entire Mission Valley. They help fix buildings, support youth programs, celebrate diversity, promote education and encourage cultural expression, providing financial assistance that contributes to a better quality of life for all.
“The LFVCF is making a real difference, helping so many programs to succeed,” Clark said.
The next honoree’s life is literally devoted to dealing with issues that none of us like to face. However, with an amazing heart, Dr. Nikki McKinsey makes sure everyone is comfortable. Along with her role as a doctor with Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, she is a civic-minded person, willing to share her time and talents. Over the last few years, she has taken an active role in supporting those impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis with direct action and quiet support.
Honoree Kristen Desjarlais is there for the kids in the Ronan Schools and though she doesn’t know it – they think she is a superhero. Her nomination read “A force for positive change. A force who wants everyone to be at the table. A force for helping all students find satisfaction. Desjarlais is a counselor who takes time to listen, helping youth negotiate the difficult world of today.”
For over 30 years, Carole Lankford has been serving the community as a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council. Her nominee said “She sets a high bar for others, because no matter what is happening, she always shows up, offers support, and shares the journey. She never looks down on those who need the most assistance. And she gets it done. Whether being an integral connection for developing an outstanding system of Boys and Girls Clubs or securing funding for a person struggling-her passion for her community is without question.”
Counselor Tammy Young is helping students in the Ronan Schools build confidence, community connections, and a view to the future. Young’s nominee said, “Guiding them in her unassuming and wonderful way, this person is all about opening doors. Doors to the imagination. Doors to purpose. Doors to change. Doors to the future. She knows that behind each door is endless opportunity for whomever takes that first step. With a gentle push, she often helps them run.”
Honoree Molly Stammer is an attorney for the SAFE Harbor Legal Assistance Program who helps victims find their own pathway forward, advocating for them within the courts, and giving them guidance as they become more empowered.
“As Molly’s boss, I can attest to her hard work and dedication to every client,” Clark said. “Molly is exceptional in her role and has had to work on some very challenging cases in the last year. We wouldn’t have the success we have with civil legal proceedings if she wasn’t on the team.”
Whether forming partnerships, assisting clients, promoting systemic change or simply connecting to others, honoree Joanna Hazen, a Prevention Specialist with Tribal Health, is known for her exemplary attitude and respect for everyone. This last year she helped lead the New Horizon Healthcare Community Action Team. Her nominee said: “Joanna finds purpose in life, modeling kindness to everyone.”
Honoree Don Roberts founded the Never Alone Recovery Support Services Program, dreaming of a brighter future with little support but lots of passion. Jump forward a decade, and NARSS is now a valuable resource, offering direct assistance and a positive recovery community.
“Seeing Don build this is vital program from the ground up has been inspiring,” Grant said. “He never gave up on that dream and now it is a thriving program, helping so many in our community.”
