Laura Patzner receives statewide honor for 20 Years of Service

February 24, 2011 – For Immediate Release

Topeka, Kan. – A dedicated advocate working on behalf of victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence has been recognized by a statewide advocacy organization. Laura Patzner, executive director of the Family Crisis Center Inc., was honored for her 20 Years of Service by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) during its 8th annual Safe Homes, Safe Streets reception in Topeka on February 9.

“We honor Laura for her many years of commitment on behalf of victims of sexual and domestic violence,” said Joyce Grover, executive director of KCSDV. “The Years of Service awards are given in recognition of efforts that often go unrecognized, but are transformative and in many cases are life-saving.”

Speaking at the reception, Laura said her mother was the first director of the Family Crisis Center, so she grew up with an understanding of the work and a strong desire to join the movement to end violence against women in Kansas. “I can remember that we had a red rotary dial telephone, which was the crisis line, in our home. Whenever that phone rang we knew that we were to be quiet and support our Mom while she was supporting the women in our community,” Patzner said.

Laura began her work at the Family Crisis Center as the Child Advocate, and since that time she’s held every job available, and in her words, “she’s created some that weren’t available.” Laura left the organization for nine months to work as the Victim Advocate in the Barton County Attorney’s office, but quickly returned when she was offered the position of executive director in November 2006.

The Family Crisis Center Inc. is a non-profit organization serving survivors of sexual and domestic violence in the following counties: Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford. Learn more about services for victims and survivors and resources for the entire community by visiting familycrisiscntr.org.

Since 1995 KCSDV has been recognizing outstanding advocates and allies who are working to enhance victim safety, to increase perpetrator accountability, and to prevent and eliminate sexual and domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in Kansas. This year, several advocates and volunteers were honored with Years of Service awards, including: 47 advocates with five years, 14 advocates with 10 years, three advocates with 15 years, one advocate with 20 years, and one with 30 years of service. In addition, awards were presented the Advocate, Ally and Volunteer of the Year awards.