Safeplace advocates awarded for outstanding work

(November 8, 2008) We are proud to announce that Connie Sue Brown, Community Services Director, and Alejandro Rugarcia, Spanish Speaking Advocate each recently received the Amethyst Award.

The Amethyst Award, presented by the Thurston County Sexual and Domestic Violence Task Force, is given every two years to members of the Thurston County community who have dedicated exceptional time and talent to preventing and responding to domestic violence.

Alejandro was recognized by the task force for his creation of a weekly bilingual radio program, Did You Know?, sponsored by SafePlace and aired on KAOS 89.3. Alejandro was also applauded for his community outreach and weekly facilitation of support groups for mono-lingual Spanish speaking victims of domestic violence.

Connie Sue (picture) received the Amethyst Award for her 10 years of service at SafePlace. Currently the Community Services Director at SafePlace, Connie Sue has provided many community presentations and trainings, in addition to serving as a shelter advocate, Safety Audit participating member, Shelter Administrative Assistant, Legal Advocate, and the co-creator of a survivor’s network called Survivors in Service (SIS).

SafePlace is proud of our award winners!