STUART — Rebecca Beckett has given so much of her time to SafeSpace, a local nonprofit organization and the only domestic violence outreach center on the Treasure Coast, that many may have assumed she was a paid employee of the organization.
On the contrary, Beckett is one of the many dedicated volunteers of SafeSpace who is focused on doing everything in her power to help victims of domestic violence.
As a nonprofit organization, SafeSpace relies heavily on the year-round support of its volunteers in order to assist with its many programs that help victims and families affected by domestic violence.
SafeSpace volunteers take on the responsibility of answering calls that come through the SafeSpace hotline, serving as Crisis Intervention Court Advocates, planning events, hosting fundraisers, planning activities with the mothers and children at the two shelters, and managing retail operations at the Thrift Shoppe, among many other important tasks.
In April, Beckett joined nine other SafeSpace volunteers to be recognized by the organization for their tireless efforts in 2012. During the organization’s annual appreciation luncheon, Beckett was awarded the 2012 Douglass & Patricia Stewart SafeSpace Volunteer of the Year Award for the three-county region.
Representing each county individually, Joan Smith, Mindi Fetterman, and Barbara Creran were announced as the Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Indian River County Volunteer of the Year, respectively.
“I’m honored to receive the Volunteer of the Year award. As a survivor of domestic violence, I understand the importance of having somewhere to turn to when difficult situations arise, and for that reason, I do all that I can to help increase awareness about domestic violence and the benefits of organizations like SafeSpace,” Beckett said.
The SafeSpace Thrift Shoppe in Stuart would not be as successful without the strong team of volunteers who give of their time and talents on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.
For this reason, five volunteers were presented with the annual SafeSpace Thrift Shoppe Volunteer of the Year award, including Hildy Saulnier, Joann Kelly, Camille Passino, Bonnie Trunk, and Cora Meyer.
Carissa Grone, a member of the nonprofit’s Board of Directors, was also recognized with the Board Volunteer of the Year Award for her time and dedication as a board member.
“The effort and dedication from our entire roster of volunteers have played a vital role in saving and changing lives of those affected by domestic violence throughout the Treasure Coast. Words cannot express how proud I am to have these particular award winners as community advocates for SafeSpace,” explained SafeSpace CEO Jill Borowicz.