PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE ANNUAL AWARD NOMINATION~2020
Kathleen Haiden (A.K.A. Grub) is the Bayfield County Jail Administrator and has served in this position for 9 years after serving as a Bayfield County dispatcher.
This nomination may appear to be a bit out of the ordinary as this award has historically been awarded to individuals where their work with survivors is “visible” to the community, this is clearly not the case in Kathleen's nomination. Often the community is unaware or perhaps forgets that survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault are involved in the criminal justice system for a variety of reasons. These reasons can often cloud what a victim or survivor may look like to the community. To Kathleen, she has the capability to n In a time of division in the world Grub offers a hand or a voice of peace to all she encounters. As with the Maya Angelou Peace poem: “It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart”. It is with the greatest respect that I have the honor to nominate Kathleen Haiden for the 2020 Passageways to Peace Annual Award. Nominated by Barb Flynn, Criminal Justice Coordinator, Bayfield County |
2019 WINNER OF PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE AWARD:
JODY HEFFNER
VICTIM WITNESS COORDINATOR FOR
BAYFIELD COUNTY DISTRICT ATTOURNEYS OFFICE.
VICTIM WITNESS COORDINATOR FOR
BAYFIELD COUNTY DISTRICT ATTOURNEYS OFFICE.
We were so very pleased to award jody Heffner, the victim-witness coordinator for Bayfield county district attorney’s office, this year’s passageways to peace award for her outstanding dedication to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Jody has helped victims/survivors with understanding the complex criminal justice system and their rights and options within that…a system in which we often echo how it is not where our victims/survivors find their healing. However, with her approach, these individuals feel empowered and understood. Jody reaches victims with such compassion and understanding, always willing to go the extra mile to make sure these individuals feel heard, believed, and supported in any way she can. Jody has such grace about her, a positive spirit, and an eagerness to see change and be part of the change that it inspires all who are around her. Her enthusiasm for our collaborating teams leaves us all in awe. She truly is exemplary, and we are honored to work alongside her. “it is such an honor, I am so very grateful. It is a privilege to collaborate with the incredible new day advocacy staff. The work they do is truly amazing. I would also like to recognize district attorney Kimberly Lawton for her vision for the victim-witness program. Da Lawton's interpretation of the victim rights statute and constitutional rights is not a ceiling, but a floor. We can always do better than the minimum requirements. I look forward to continuing to enhance our program.” - Jody Heffner “there are many qualities that make a great victim-witness coordinator that cannot be taught. Jody is compassionate, has a calming demeanor, and is genuinely humble. She does not like the spotlight, and her focus truly is on helping victims. Jody is a joy to have in the office and her dedication has really made a positive difference to victims in Bayfield county” -Kimberly Lawton
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2018 WINNER OF PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE AWARD:
- TOM RENZ, RETIRED BAYFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE LIEUTENANT
We are pleased to present the 2018 Passageways to Peace Award this year to Tom Renz, who is a retired Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant. He was nominated by Kim Lawton, our Bayfield County District Attorney.
Here are the reasons Kim nominated Tom: Tom exemplified a victim-centered and compassionate approach to law enforcement. Through his many years of leadership as Patrol Lieutenant for Bayfield County Sheriff’s office, Tom has instilled these values in other members of law enforcement. Tom went above and beyond with domestic violence victims, where he would even stop by and chat with victims as the case was pending for months in court just to make sure victims were doing ok. Tom would always go above and beyond. Tom has been a team player in working with domestic violence advocates and prosecution in order to hold offenders accountable. Victims have reported that he was compassionate, thoughtful, “wonderful” and really a good listener. Tom has helped many victims find peace, and should be recognized for his outstanding service. Congratulations, Tom! Thank you for how well you have supported victims of domestic violence! The Flame Award reads: "Honoring Tom Renz for his dedication to igniting change in ending domestic and sexual violence in our community. Left to right, Amy O'Donahue, Ashland-Bayfield County DV/SA Special Police Liaison; Bayfield County Sheriff Paul Susienka, Kim Lawton, Bayfield County District Attorney; Tom Renz, retired Bayfield County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant; Maxine Renz, Tom's wife; Deputy Dawson. |
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2017 WINNER OF PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE AWARD:
- SCOTT MORLAND, CITY OF ASHLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATOR
- HONORABLE ROBERT EATON, CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, ASHLAND COUNTY
- HONORABLE ROBERT EATON, CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, ASHLAND COUNTY
Scott was nominated for his outstanding contribution and dedication to finding justice for victims of domes-tic and sexual violence. Scott has worked as an investigator for Ashland Police Department for five years and has served 17 years on the force. We have been extremely impressed with Scott’s ambition as he wholeheartedly puts in the time and effort necessary to thoroughly investigating domestic and sexual assault cases, regardless of the enormous work load he has waiting for him. He truly goes above and beyond and is inspiring to all those he works with. He understands trauma and it shows when he is working with victims of domestic and sexual violence, making them feel comfortable and at ease when they are experiencing the most difficult moments in their lives. His ability to show such a high level of compassion and respect drastically progresses the healing process for victims as they feel heard, believed and understood. Scott has a strong relationship with advocates and he understands the importance of New Day’s work. He encourages advocacy to be present for victims and refers victims to services and support at New Day. He is a champion for the movement in helping victims seek justice and support and we are beyond thankful to have him on our team. - Nominated by Amy O’Donahue, Ashland and Bayfield Sheriffs’ Departments’ Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Liaison Special Police Office, and Christa Grande, New Day’s Client Services/Legal Advocate
Nominated by Nancy Thyberg, Victim Witness Coordinator, Ashland County – Judge Eaton has the utmost respect for victims of all crimes, but especially to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Through the court system, he has implemented procedures to ensure the safety of victims and provide opportunities for rehabilitation of offenders. Judge Eaton takes into account the perspective of the victim as well as their desires in an attempt to maintain their safety, but also recognizing their independence. His patience and understanding when it comes to victims and the way in which he treats them in court is demonstrative of how much he wants to help people to overcome their victimization He always explains why he is making the decisions he is making in a way in which the victim can understand and appreciate. Victims are very fortunate to have him as our Judge.
Judge Robert Eaton commented on the historical journey of some of the ways our community has responded to the needs of domestic violence and sexual assault victims since the 1970’s. He said part of the next step forward in dealing with this difficult problem is New Day’s larger building which will better accommodate its expanding services and expertise to better help victims. Both winners received a Flame Award, which read “Honoring ____ for his dedication to igniting progress in ending domestic and sexual violence in our community.” |
2016 WINNER OF PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE AWARD: ANDI MANZER
Congratulations to Andi Manzer who is the recipient of New Day Shelter's 2016 Passageways to Peace Award! Andi is the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) for the Ashland-Bayfield County area, and works in the emergency room at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland. She is the only SANE available in our area and is on call 24/7 to respond to the emergency room to conduct all of the sexual assault exams that come in. Andi treats all sexual assault victims with the utmost respect and dignity throughout the examination process. Her personal compassion is poured into her work. Andi leads the fight against sexual assault through the Forensic Medical Exams which are turned over to law enforcement, and then to the District Attorney to aid in the prosecution of sex crimes. Andi's dedication has been crucial and immeasurable to all victims and survivors of sexual assault. Our area is very fortunate to have a SANE available, especially one as valued and respected as Andi.
Andi was nominated for the award by Amy O'Donahue, Ashland-Bayfield County Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Liaison. Amy works closely with both Andi and New Day Shelter staff, and is a New Day Shelter Board member
Andi was nominated for the award by Amy O'Donahue, Ashland-Bayfield County Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Liaison. Amy works closely with both Andi and New Day Shelter staff, and is a New Day Shelter Board member
2015 PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE WINNERS: MYRA FOSTER & WENDY YOUNG
Myra has been influential to the cause of ending violence against women and children for many years. She has been an instrumental part of personal safety planning with clients seeking domestic violence/sexual assault services. Myra volunteers her time to assist victims with identifying safety concerns and assisting in a plan to increase safety, awareness and assess lethality during the most crucial times of victim’s lives, such as when leaving an abusive relationship or when abusive perpetrators are released back into the community.
Myra has also volunteered her time to educate the community on safety tactics, mental awareness and identifying ways to protect individuals and families against violence.
Myra is an example of going above and beyond to serve our community in bringing peace to victims and their families. Her humble contributions have not gone unnoticed by those she empowers. Her compassion, expertise and unfailing dedication is undoubtedly making passageways to peace for our victims, survivors and community. Congratulations, Myra!
Wendy is being honored for her leadership in organizing the Bad River Casino’s Annual Northland Spring Fashion Show fundraiser for the past three years, with proceeds benefitting domestic violence victims, and for organizing the Bad River Casino’s Big Bundle Up Campaign for the past two years, which collects community donations of new winter clothing, hats, and mittens for children affected by domestic violence.
Wendy Young is the Marketing Manager at Bad River Lodge & Casino. She has been instrumental in organizing the Annual Northland Spring Fashion Show fundraiser at Bad River Lodge & Casino over the past three years. All proceeds from this unique and innovative fundraiser benefit victims of domestic violence who seek safety and security from New Day, as well as the tribal program and shelter in Ashland County.
Wendy has also been influential in teaming up the Bad River Lodge & Casino with the Wisconsin State Department of Tourism to facilitate the Big Bundle Up Campaign over the past two years. This campaign is designed to help keep children warm during the winter, as donations for winter clothing, hats, mittens, etc. are sought from the public. All donated winter wear was given to New Day and the tribal program and shelter in Ashland County for the children affected by family and domestic violence. In the 2014 Big Bundle Up, 3,167 items of winter clothing were collected!
Wendy truly cares about the victims and their children. She deserves to be recognized for her continued willingness to seek innovative opportunities to raise funds and her ongoing sensitivity to those who are plagued by violence. Congratulations, Wendy!
Myra has also volunteered her time to educate the community on safety tactics, mental awareness and identifying ways to protect individuals and families against violence.
Myra is an example of going above and beyond to serve our community in bringing peace to victims and their families. Her humble contributions have not gone unnoticed by those she empowers. Her compassion, expertise and unfailing dedication is undoubtedly making passageways to peace for our victims, survivors and community. Congratulations, Myra!
Wendy is being honored for her leadership in organizing the Bad River Casino’s Annual Northland Spring Fashion Show fundraiser for the past three years, with proceeds benefitting domestic violence victims, and for organizing the Bad River Casino’s Big Bundle Up Campaign for the past two years, which collects community donations of new winter clothing, hats, and mittens for children affected by domestic violence.
Wendy Young is the Marketing Manager at Bad River Lodge & Casino. She has been instrumental in organizing the Annual Northland Spring Fashion Show fundraiser at Bad River Lodge & Casino over the past three years. All proceeds from this unique and innovative fundraiser benefit victims of domestic violence who seek safety and security from New Day, as well as the tribal program and shelter in Ashland County.
Wendy has also been influential in teaming up the Bad River Lodge & Casino with the Wisconsin State Department of Tourism to facilitate the Big Bundle Up Campaign over the past two years. This campaign is designed to help keep children warm during the winter, as donations for winter clothing, hats, mittens, etc. are sought from the public. All donated winter wear was given to New Day and the tribal program and shelter in Ashland County for the children affected by family and domestic violence. In the 2014 Big Bundle Up, 3,167 items of winter clothing were collected!
Wendy truly cares about the victims and their children. She deserves to be recognized for her continued willingness to seek innovative opportunities to raise funds and her ongoing sensitivity to those who are plagued by violence. Congratulations, Wendy!
2014 PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE WINNER: CHRISTA GRANDE
Christa is a New Day Shelter staff member. Christa was nominated for going way above and beyond the scope of her position as Domestic Violence Advocate at New Day. She has been a leader for the agency as well as the community. Christa has made herself available to her clients so as to be ready when they are ready to leave the abuse. Christa deserves to be recognized for all of her dedication and hard work in the fight against domestic violence. Congratulations to Christa!
2013 PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE: JENNA CASEY
The 2013 winner of the Passageways to Peace Award is Jenna Casey. Jenna is the W-2 Coordinator/Financial Employment Planner for Workforce Resource, and is a past New Day Shelter Board Director. Jenna is supportive of New Day Shelter and its mission within the capacity of her job as well as in her personal life. Jenna’s job allows her to meet at risk families on a daily basis. These families are coming to Jenna in a time of need and she so effortlessly meets them with kindness, compassion and understanding. She listens and comforts without judgment and builds a person up with offering endless support-skills that come natural to Jenna. In particular, she has spent extra time talking with victims of sexual assault, offering moral support and bolstering their self confidence. She is a valuable community resource and asset. Her program undoubtedly helps sustain families financially within our community; but, because of her passion, these families leave her office with so much more: hope and confidence for a violence free and supportive future.
Jenna has chosen to stand amongst many in an effort to empower victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by openly promoting and participating in shelter functions, taking the time to educate herself and those around her about domestic violence/sexual assault and advocating for victims and their rights. She has been active in small group/church fundraising for New Day Shelter by her participation in area benefits for victims and as an advocate for New Day Shelter’s annual spring fundraiser, the New Day Limited.
Not a shy person by nature, Jenna has been vocal in the community’s need for an institution such as New Day Shelter and the effects that domestic violence and sexual assault have on all its citizens. It is without question that Jenna is making strides in creating passageways toward peace for the victims and survivors who are clients of New Day Shelter.
Jenna has chosen to stand amongst many in an effort to empower victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by openly promoting and participating in shelter functions, taking the time to educate herself and those around her about domestic violence/sexual assault and advocating for victims and their rights. She has been active in small group/church fundraising for New Day Shelter by her participation in area benefits for victims and as an advocate for New Day Shelter’s annual spring fundraiser, the New Day Limited.
Not a shy person by nature, Jenna has been vocal in the community’s need for an institution such as New Day Shelter and the effects that domestic violence and sexual assault have on all its citizens. It is without question that Jenna is making strides in creating passageways toward peace for the victims and survivors who are clients of New Day Shelter.
2012 PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE: SCOT EISENHAUER
The 2012 winner of the Passageways to Peace Award is Scott Eisenhauer, Iron River Chief of Police, Bayfield County. Chief Eisenhauer has and continues to visibly support and educate for the New Day Shelter and victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. He has attended New Day Shelter community events, coordinated Iron River community members to distribute New Day Shelter posters and publications, and, most significantly, has volunteered as co-chair of the Bayfield County CCR (Coordinated Community Response team), a collaborative group focused on system and community responses to abuse. In his former career in Central Wisconsin, he was active on the area's Sexual Assault Response Team, and has brought principles from that group to the Iron River community. Recognizing the barriers of a rural community, he has organized Iron River community members to develop a support system to address the immediate needs of victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, such as client care, transportation, etc. These community members provide immediate support to victims in the Iron River area until New Day Shelter or other service providers can respond. Most recently, he has partnered with the Ashland County Sexual Assault CCR Coordinator to begin expanding the Ashland and Bayfield County Community Coordinated Response teams in hopes of strengthening efforts to end domestic violence and sexual assault in the Chequamegon Bay Area. His understanding and forward actions have helped bridge the New Day Shelter with Bayfield County. Congratulations and thank you to Chief Scot Eisenhauer!
PREVIOUS PASSAGEWAYS TO PEACE AWARD RECIPIENTS:
2011
2010
2009
2008
Nancy Thyberg
Amy O’Donahue
Jean Ronning
Yvonne Aronson
Nominations for this award are open to anyone, self-nomination is acceptable.
Typical activities that would merit nomination:
Fundraising
Awareness raising
Outside service collaboration
Direct services to clients
Shelter facility maintenance/refurbishment
Influence on social policy issues
Literary/artistic works, etc.
2011
2010
2009
2008
Nancy Thyberg
Amy O’Donahue
Jean Ronning
Yvonne Aronson
Nominations for this award are open to anyone, self-nomination is acceptable.
Typical activities that would merit nomination:
Fundraising
Awareness raising
Outside service collaboration
Direct services to clients
Shelter facility maintenance/refurbishment
Influence on social policy issues
Literary/artistic works, etc.