SAFE Harbor thanks community heroes
Honored at an October 16 luncheon by SAFE Harbor for their immense contributions to helping victims of domestic and sexual violence were, from left, Jesse Barnes, CPA; Elisabeth Mollica; Sergeant George Simpson, Polson Police; Georgi Mitchell; Jami Pluff, CSKT; and Commander John Todd, LCSO, representing Lake County Detention Center Team.
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous relationship, it is good to know there are people throughout the community working night and day to help.
SAFE Harbor is a Ronan-based county-wide organization to support victims of domestic violence and abuse. They provide safe housing, legal assistance, community education on violence prevention and treatment, and many other services.
As part of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, SAFE Harbor sponsored a luncheon October 16 to thank some of the individuals and groups that contribute greatly to the network of support Lake County offers those in need.
A wide range of efforts were acknowledged at the luncheon, highlighting that there are myriad ways in which people can help victims and support the organizations that support the victims.
Honorees were nominated by coworkers and anyone in the community who thought someone deserved special recognition. Dana Grant, SAFE Harbor Director of Development, coordinated the presentation and citations for the honorees.
The Lake County Detention Center Team of John Todd, Lanny VanMeter, Dane Heckel, Joel Shearer, and Gus Bliese was honored for demonstrating “a commitment to going the extra distance to assist victims and those working with SAFE Harbor. They consistently strive to maintain a positive, supportive and informed relationship with the SAFE Harbor Legal Assistance Center when working with clients.”
Georgi Mitchell received an award for “putting forth more than 500 hours of [volunteer] time” dedicated to helping SAFE Harbor’s Sister Sallie’s Thrift Store “flourish and grow.”
Sergeant George Simpson of the Polson Police Department was thanked for his work with victims and their families, illustrating “the best in victim-centered services,” and helping providers “work through the Lethality Assessment Process to establish new operational approaches to better serve victims of violence. He is a real asset for the entire community and a true friend to those in need.”
Jesse Barnes, a Missoula CPA received thanks for providing “direct consultation to the SAFE Harbor Legal Assistance Program with free, incredibly helpful information about taxes and business valuations for divorce and parenting plan cases.”
Jami Pluff serves as a Policy Analyst for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She was honored for giving “a sense of hope to those around her.”
Pluff is currently “helping to look at approaches and ideas to confront the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People’s reality that is impacting so many people and communities. Both at the local and state level, she has been a force for change. Seeking solutions. Building coalitions. Promoting policy change. Offering training. Helping
others navigate an unknown area. Pluff is an outstanding person who truly cares about others.”
Elisabeth Mollica offers her time and support as a volunteer for SAFE Harbor’s 24-hour a day hotline.
“Offering empathetic and compassionate support over the line, Mollica is a vital link and an outstanding volunteer.”