Big Bear Lake, CA, February 17, 2014 – During 31 years of providing domestic and violence education services, DOVES of Big Bear Valley has had only three Executive Directors: Janet Trott, Kathi Harper and most recently, Helen Adams.
Adams accepted the title at the January board meeting after serving as interim director since her predecessor retired last fall. Prior to joining DOVES as the Director of Shelter Services, she worked in the Bear Valley Unified School District for nearly two decades. She holds a BA in Sociology from Biola University and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University.
Adams described for KBHR the organization’s priority going forward. “What we will be focusing on in a more intentional way is a shift to an agency-wide trauma-informed model of care. A trauma-informed approach involves having a basic understanding of trauma and how trauma impacts survivors, and is sensitive and respectful to an individual client’s needs.”
Adams emphasizes that offering the programs and services to clients seeking help would be impossible without the generous support of community members and businesses.
DOVES used Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month to get students thinking about healthy relationships.
