AUBURN — Three local leaders will be recognized at Safe Voices’ annual Fall Mixer & Community Partner Awards at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Bates Mill Atrium in Lewiston.
Safe Voices is the domestic violence resource center serving Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Each year, the agency honors local citizens and organizations who have made remarkable contributions in support of victims and survivors, as well as those engaged in abuse and violence prevention and awareness.
This year’s awardees include: Dawn Comeau of Auburn Housing Authority; Community Credit Union; and Lacey Barcelou, housing navigator at Safe Voices. In addition to the awards ceremony, the Fall Mixer & Community Partner Awards will include networking and giveaways, catering by Jasmine Cafe and a cash bar.
As a housing specialist at Auburn Housing Authority, Comeau has assisted countless families in finding safe and stable housing after fleeing a domestic violence situation. She will be recognized with the Kimberly Wilson Community Transformation Award for her work advocating for victims and collaborating with landlords to help others understand the impact of violence and homelessness.
Staff and leadership across Community Credit Union are recognized for their deep commitment to ending domestic abuse and sex trafficking and exploitation. Community Credit Union has been an active participant in local anti-trafficking collaboratives and community engagement efforts, as well as conducting donation drives and other efforts to benefit victims and survivors.
Barcelou will receive Safe Voices’ annual staff recognition for her work supporting victims as they transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. In the past year, Barcelou supported and discharged 21 families, meaning that those families remained stably housed after leaving Safe Voices’ shelter for a full year and are no longer considered in need of services.
The event is open to the public. For ticket information and to register, contact Victoria Stanton, director of development and engagement, at vstanton@safevoices.org or 207-795-6744. Pediatric Associates of Lewiston P.A. is the 2019 Fall Mixer & Community Partner Awards presenting sponsor for this event.
If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, call Safe Voices’ 24-hour helpline at 1-800-559-2927.
