By: Julie Banks
One of the challenges people living with domestic abuse have is finding out where to go to get support.
Kristin Okesson, a member of The Center for Family Justice’s Board of Directors, helps the agency connect with those who need its services.
Due to her advocacy and passion for helping those impacted by domestic violence, Okesson is being honored with a Purple Ribbon Award, organized by Theresa’s Fund and DomesticShelters.org, and awarded to those doing crucial work to support victims and survivors.
As Senior Vice President of Connoisseur Media, Kristin has helped CFJ highlight its free and confidential programs on air by hosting staff as guests on Melissa In the Morning (WICC 600AM and 107.3FM), hosted by Melissa Sheketoff. Staff from WEBE108 have attended various CFJ events – including April’s Walk A Mile in Her Shoes in Fairfield.
CFJ President/CEO Debra Greenwood said Kristin’s advocacy on behalf of CFJ has helped many find their way through its doors.
“We hold our relationship with Kristin very near and dear to our hearts, not just because she is a strong and smart leader, but also due to her passion, dedication, and commitment to our particular work,” Greenwood said.
In addition to serving on CFJ’s Board of Directors, Kristin also serves on CFJ’s PR/Marketing Committee where she helps brainstorm ways to expand CFJ’s media and community presence so its staff can inform residents about issues related to domestic violence.
“I appreciate the recognition—but it really represents the work of so many. Many of our board members have dedicated their professional lives to helping victims and ending domestic violence alongside the Center for Family Justice. I am just one of them,” Okesson said. “As a board member, my role is to support and be a resource for the amazing team at CFJ because the work they do is vital and life-changing.”
Okesson will join other Purple Ribbon Award medallion winners during a virtual June 13 celebration where all will be recognized. CFJ will automatically be considered to receive a portion of $30,000 in grant money
CFJ serves more than 5,000 clients a year. Its staff provides free and confidential programs and services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
For more information about CFJ, go to www.centerforfamilyjustice.org.
DomesticShelters.org is the first and largest online and mobile searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada, and a leading source of helpful tools and information for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence. DomesticShelters.org is a service that is free to the public, provided and operated by Alliance for HOPE International.
About The Center for Family Justice, Inc.
The Center for Family Justice breaks the cycle of abuse and violence – domestic, sexual and child – by providing services that create hope, restore lives and drive social change through education and community collaboration
Our vision is to end domestic and sexual abuse and violence in our communities.
We believe that:
Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.
Collaboration with our clients, partners and communities is vital to achieve individualized choice, success, and empowerment.
Trust is essential for our work in building self-sufficient survivors.
Compassion and hope allow people to thrive and feel safe.
Community education, awareness and outreach are essential to drive and maintain social change and justice.