SAFE Harbor recognizes community heroes

Kind words, caring guidance, and a sense of hope are simple ways a person can support those dealing with violence. Each October, as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SAFE Harbor honors local heroes who have positively impacted others.

“People are amazing,” said Brandi Clark, executive director of SAFE Harbor. “Through their actions, they remind us of the value of real community.”

Based on nominations from across the Flathead Reservation and Lake County, the individuals and agencies selected represent the highest level of community service and commitment to others. “These honorees have shown a commitment to supporting others without any expectation of recognition,” added Clark.

The 2023 honorees who were recognized last month included: the Lake County Justice Court Clerk’s Office, Lauren Clairmont, Lake County District Court Clerk’s Office, St. Ignatius Police Chief Jason Acheson, Lake County Crime Victim Prosecutor Lori Adams, and the Helping Hands Fund.

When describing the Lake County Justice Court clerks, the nomination stated, “Each day excellence is the goal of this outstanding program. The staff can balance the complicated layers of reporting and paperwork inherent in their work with a commitment to respect for all people, which means they never lose sight of the human experience people are dealing with as they walk in their door.”

For recipient Lauren Clairmont, the nominator said, “Being brave is not like a Hallmark movie where in the end it all turns out well. Being brave is hard. Being brave brings risks. Being brave for someone else is even more challenging. Standing up. Raising voice. Placing oneself in harm’s way. Yet, it is those brave individuals who positively impact society every day. They can be fearless. Seeking solutions. Proposing change. Receiving pushback from all around. And still they go forward, fearless in the face of the storm.” 

The Lake County District Court clerks were recognized as “a victim-centered agency focused on being trauma informed and believing victims. They work to empower clients, to show empathy, to listen, to understand cultural diversity, to (recognize) the fact that there are multiple viewpoints,” and are committed “to learning, to trying to connect, to being respectful, and to supporting healing.”

“That is a lot to work on when one’s job involves a million other daily activities.”

Although he is new to the community, St. Ignatius Police Chief Acheson has already stepped forth in a big way. According to his nomination, “Although in some ways, they might be one of the new kids on the block, this person has shown great wisdom in carrying out work to support the community and directly impact the quality of life for those facing violence. From the first moment they arrived on the scene, they have made it a priority to understand this community and the dynamics that define the world of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County.

“Once they put their powers of observation to work, this person chooses actions for change rather than complaining in the corner. Reaching out to others, they have formed important relationships with programs that can assist the clients they serve.”

Lake County Crime Victim Prosecutor Lori Adams has shown real commitment to her work in the last year. Her nominator said, “When someone steps in to provide guidance, assistance, and professional expertise to a survivor, it can be their only lifeline. If that person happens to be a lawyer and former judge, the level of their advocacy can be even more important.”

“In a short time, one such individual has demonstrated that making a difference in someone’s life is achievable,” wrote the nominator. “Over the past year, this person has gone beyond giving 100% to ensure the safety of victims, to hold offenders accountable, to raise the capacity of all those working with the justice system, and to promote a stronger network of professionals within Lake County and the Flathead Reservation.”

In describing the Helping Hands Fund, the nomination read, “Simple acts of kindness are priceless. Words of hope. Demonstrations of empathy. Taking time to listen. Offering solutions. Providing links to new opportunities. Leaving judgement at the door. Changing the trajectory of one’s life because it matters. Each day, everyone has the chance to be that change.

“People on the fringe know if they walk through the door, the Helping Hands Fund staff will do all they can to help. Their actions are powerful. Their innovations, remarkable. Their heart, huge.”