CHARLOTTE - Jessica Edel-Harrelson knows that stereotypes don't exist for the abused and needy.
For the past two years she's not only been giving talks about domestic violence - but volunteering with CARE, Capital Area Response Effort, as a first-responder in Ingham County. In her role with CARE, Edel visits victims of violence and abuse after their attacker is arrested. She has seen first hand that violence doesn't discriminate. "We may respond to a million dollar home and the next night we may be out in the projects of Lansing," said Edel. "It really does show that this crosses all boundaries."
On July 1, Edel said she will take that and other lessons with her on her first day on the job at SIREN/Eaton Shelter - where she will take over as the Eaton County non-profit's new executive director.
The shelter houses 90 to 100 people a day, both victims of domestic abuse and homelessness.
Filling big shoes
For Edel, who lives in Charlotte with her husband Erik, working in the field she loves in her own community is a real opportunity. Edel has been working for the last four years as an adjunct professor for Western Michigan University where she is also completing a doctorate degree in sociology. Her doctoral research has focused on documenting the survival stories of battered women.
"I've been wanting to work at SIREN for about a year and a half now," she admitted. In fact, two months ago Edel came in and met with the shelter's current director Nancy Oliver about volunteering. Then she heard about the long-time leader's retirement.
"When I found out Nancy was retiring - while that will be such a huge loss for SIREN - I was excited about the opportunity."
Edel felt ready for the post, having worked at as an activity director at a nursing home in Gaylord and as a direct care worker at another in Kalamazoo. It was there that Edel said she became familiar with tight budgets and the importance of public relations - skills she believes will help at SIREN.
Members of SIREN's Board of Directors said Edel is the right replacement for Oliver. "While we all are fond of Nancy and know that her shoes are hard to fill. The board believes it has found a great leader in Jessica, not only because of her strong management skills, but because of her knowledge base of homelessness and domestic abuse," stated Eaton County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Eveland, who serves as board president at the shelter.
Board member Linda Kimball said Edel's experience in dealing with abuse victims was encouraging, but so was her enthusiasm. "She knows a great deal about serving homeless families and domestic violence survivors," said Kimball. "She has published a number of articles on battered women. She is a strong communicator. But, most of all, it is clear that she has a passion for helping meet the needs of those individuals in the community who are often least able to advocate for themselves. We're glad to have her."
The right place
Edel said she felt good about her new position. Then she sat in on a staff meeting at the county shelter this past week - and was convinced it's right for her. Staff members introduced themselves and spoke about the desire they have for helping people. "I was so impressed by how passionate each one of the staff were," said Edel. "Every one of them just seemed so personally invested. That really fits with my work ethic."
Edel is already involved in local endeavors - membership chair for the General Federation Women's Club and a member of Hayes Green Beach's Women's Advisory Board.
Now she hopes to commit to maintaining the funding that SIREN already has and securing more through grants.
"I'm really interested in expanding programming," she said.
Written by
Rachel Greco
Greco, Rachel. "SIREN Shelter's new director knows stereotypes don't exist for the abused." www.lansingstatejournal.com. 2011. Lansing State Journal. 08 Jun. 2011 <http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110626/CHAR01/106260399/SIREN-Shelter-s-new-director-knows-stereotypes-don-t-exist-abused>.
