SAFE Harbor celebrates community heroes

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.

“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 are James Manley, Lisa Brueggeman, Dr. Megan Vigil, the Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation, Dr. Nichole 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.

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 path 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. 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, helps lead the New Horizon Healthcare Community Action Team. According to her nominee, “She has a vision of better health outcomes, less division, more connections, and a community where people share the path … together.”

Another honoree is rarely seen, and silently shares their resources with only the 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. Dr. Nichole McKinsey, a doctor with Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, is 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 regard her as a superhero. Her nomination describes the middle school counselor as “a force for positive change. A force who wants everyone to be at the table. A force for helping all students find satisfaction and … 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. According to her nominee, “She sets a high bar for others, because no matter what is happening, she always shows up, offers support, and shares the journey. … 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 vision of the future.

“Guiding them in her unassuming and wonderful way, this person is all about opening doors,” reads her nomination. “… 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.

“Molly is exceptional in her role and has had to work on some very challenging cases in the last year,” said Clark. “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 who helps lead the New Horizon Healthcare Community Action Team, is known for her exemplary attitude and respect for everyone.

According to her nominee, “Joanna finds purpose in life, modeling kindness to everyone.”

Honoree Don Roberts founded the Never Alone Recovery Support Services Program. Jump forward a decade, and NARSS is now a valuable resource, offering direct assistance and a positive recovery community.

According to his nominee, “He never gave up on that dream and now it is a thriving program, helping so many in our community.”

    Dr. Nichole McKinsey was among the community members honored by Safe Harbor during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (Courtesy photo)