I am thrilled to tell you about two recent events which underscore the key role that 360 Communities is playing in the area of domestic violence and its prevention:

• First, a Lakeville Government Television program (view video here) about Lewis House (360 Communties' shelter for women and children of domestic abuse) on its 30^th anniversary featuring the house's work with victims of domestic violence in partnership with the Lakeville police, was awarded the Midwest Board of Governors Annual Award at the Upper Midwest's Emmy Gala in September.

• Second, Leslie Metzen, our senior director of violence prevention and a retired district court judge, was first named by Governor Pawlenty to Minnesota's new Guardian Ad Litem Board, then appointed chair of the seven-member board by the Minnesota Supreme Court. She will serve as chair through Sept. 20, 2012. Her work on the Board continues through Jan. 6, 2014. The Guardian Ad Litem Program provides advocates who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.

In the 30 years since our first Lewis House opened in Eagan, we have increased public awareness to the issue of domestic violence, saving countless lives and reducing the number of violent homes in our communities. 360 Communities is committed to violence prevention through education, innovative strategies, community partnerships and personal stories from thousands of lives touched by Lewis House. Our second Lewis House now operates in Hastings.

Our collaboration with Lakeville Government Television and the City of Lakeville's Police Department spans 25 years and includes many public cable programs on domestic violence.  The 30^th anniversary program focused on Lewis House's initiatives and the impact of our work.  And my longtime friend, Lakeville Police Chief  Tom Vonhof, shared the privilege of accepting the Emmy with me, including Jim Schiffman of Lakeville Government Television.  

The State Guardian Ad Litem Board, which Leslie Metzen now chairs, was authorized by the 2010 Legislature to create and administer a statewide, independent, Guardian Ad Litem program to advocate for the best interests of children, minor parents and incompetent adults in juvenile and family court cases.  Metzen will bring her perspective on how domestic violence impacts children and vulnerable adults and her excellent organizational ability to the board. 

Since leaving the bench and joining 360 Communities in 2008, Metzen has developed innovative ways to end intimate partner violence, including coaching boys to become strong, loving and supportive men. 

Our commitment to you is to ensure that women and girls are valued and respected and men are actively engaged to end violence against them. 

This Emmy award for our Lewis House partnerships and Leslie Metzen's appointment to this additional leadership role show that 360 Communities' pioneering work on domestic violence is valued. 

Yet  women are still being hurt and children are still being orphaned—much work remains to be done.

Visit 360Communities.org to learn about how you can contribute to changing lives and strengthening communities to a new degree.