KCSDV Honors Volunteer with its Outstanding Advocate Award

Hays, Kan. – A local woman working on behalf of victims of sexual and domestic violence has been recognized by a statewide advocacy organization.

Karen Bolt has received the Juliene Maska Outstanding Advocate Award by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV).

KCSDV recognized Bolt at its gala on Thursday in Topeka.

“We honor Karen for her dedicated and tireless work on behalf of victims of sexual and domestic violence,” said Sandy Barnett, executive director of KCSDV. “This award is purposely given in recognition of efforts that often go unrecognized in our communities, but are important and many times life-saving nonetheless.”

Bolt has been volunteering for four years at the Northwest Kansas Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (NKDSVS) in Hays. She has volunteered as a court advocate, shelter staff member, and crisis line responder. She drives two hours one weekend a month to volunteer at the shelter. Bolt personally worked nearly half of the total agency volunteer hours during the last fiscal year.

“Karen’s efforts are valuable and her dedication is greatly appreciated,” said Charlotte Linsner, executive director of NKDSVS. “That is why we nominated her – she is truly one-of-a-kind.”

Since 1995 KCSDV has recognized one outstanding advocate and ally each year. The award is named after its first recipient, Juliene Maska, a longtime advocate for victims’ rights in Kansas.

KCSDV is a membership organization made up of 30 sexual and domestic violence advocacy programs in Kansas. These programs provide direct services to victims of sexual and domestic violence. Northwest Kansas Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is a member of KCSDV located in Hays and provides services to the northwestern portion of Kansas.

Contacts:
Charlotte Linsner, (Hays) 785.625.3055
Laurie Harrison, KCSDV (Topeka) 785.232.9784