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360 Communities Awards
Domestic Violence Work Garners Emmy Award, Board Chairmanship
A Message from Mary Ajax, President/CEO
I am thrilled to tell you about two recent events that underscore the key role 360 Communities is playing in the area of domestic violence and its prevention.
First, Lakeville Government Television, the Lakeville Police Department, and 360 Communities Lewis House received the Midwest Board of Governors Annual Award at the Upper Midwest’s Emmy Gala on Sept. 25.
Second, Leslie Metzen, our Senior Director of Violence Prevention and a retired district court judge, was first named by Governor Pawlenty to Minnesota’s new Guardian Ad Litem Board, then appointed chair of the seven-member board by the Minnesota Supreme Court. She will serve as chair through Sept. 20, 2012. Her work on the Board continues through Jan. 6, 2014.
In the 30 years since our first Lewis House opened in Eagan, we have increased public awareness to the issue of domestic violence, saving countless lives and reducing the number of violent homes in our communities. Our second Lewis House now operates in Hastings.
Our collaboration with Lakeville Government Television and the City of Lakeville’s Police Department spans 25 years and many public cable programs on domestic violence.
The State Guardian Ad Litem Board, which Leslie Metzen now chairs, was authorized by the 2010 Legislature to create and administer a statewide independent Guardian Ad Litem program to advocate for the best interests of children, minor parents and incompetent adults in juvenile and family court cases. Metzen will bring her perspective on how domestic violence impacts children and vulnerable adults to the Board.
Our commitment to you is to ensure that women and girls are valued and respected and men are actively engaged to end violence against them.
This Emmy award for our Lewis House partnerships and Leslie Metzen’s appointment to this additional leadership role show that 360 Communities’ pioneering work on domestic violence is valued. Yet women are still being hurt and children are still being orphaned. Much work remains to be done.
Lewis House Recognized by the Secretary of State
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