A Nanaimo non-profit’s board of directors has received recognition for its work to support victims of domestic violence.
The Haven Society’s board has been conferred with the Purple Ribbon Award from DomesticShelters.org for “making a substantial positive impact on the lives of domestic violence victims and survivors,” said a press release.
Adrianne Marskell, Haven Society co-chairperson, said the board was “extremely honoured” to be nominated and receive the award.
“We understand that Haven Society was ranked highly because of its commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace – where all employees, volunteers and clients, whatever their race, indigeneity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socio-economic status, age, religious beliefs, physical abilities, language, immigrant status, and ideology feel welcome, valued and respected,” Marskell said in the press release.
Sylvia Shedden, board co-chairperson, said in the press release that there is further work to do to ensure no woman is left behind.
The society’s board is comprised of 11 women with diverse backgrounds, with ages spanning six decades, the press release said. Formed in 1978 in response to increasing awareness around familial violence and abuse, Haven Society serves the mid-Island region, with a transition house in Nanaimo and a safe house in Parksville.
A crisis line can be reached at 1-888-756-0616.
DomesticShelters.org, an international organization providing information about domestic violence supports, is comprised of 3,000 members in both the U.S. and Canada.
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