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Suzi Schoenhoft
Executive Director sschoenhoft@apfvwalworth.com |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Suzi:
"As Director at New Beginnings, I am privileged to work alongside a strong and dedicated team and community. We ensure victims of violent crimes receive services and advocacy that will empower them to regain their strength, both physically and mentally. We ensure our clients know their rights and provide options for growth. In my role, I write grants to fund our agency, speak as the voice for survivor justice and implement operational strategies that benefit those we serve and our team at New Beginnings APFV. All individuals have the right to be free of harm, fear and abuse. I'm at New Beginnings to help make that happen". |
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Irma
Bilingual Crime Victim Advocate Bachelors Degree in Psychology from UW-Whitewater Masters in Counseling/Certified Counselor Bilingual - fluent in English & Spanish |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Irma:
"I have worked with families, children and individuals for many years as an advocate and liaison. It has always been my passion to support, educate and advocate for community members in need, particularly the Latinx community. As a bilingual Advocate for crime victims at New Beginnings, I can help, support, and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, harassment, and human trafficking. Being able to advocate for others assures people or groups in a community that their voice is heard and it lets them know they are not alone. That's what New Beginnings does and much more. Providing advocacy for others through New Beginnings is a great and rewarding feeling". |
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Carmen
Bilingual Counselor & Crime Victim Advocate cgarces@apfvwalworth.com Licensed Professional Counselor Masters Degree in Counseling from UW-Whitewater Bilingual - fluent in English, Spanish & German |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Carmen:
"In a society that has a difficult time dealing with issues of domestic violence and sexual assault, New Beginnings is a safe place for victims to go. As a counselor, I get to witness and learn from my clients' journeys from pain and struggle to personal strength and healing. I could not think of a more rewarding job". |
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Lisa
Special Crime Victim Advocate lpeach@apfvwalworth.com Bachelors Degree in University Studies/Child & Family Brigham Young University |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Lisa:
"As a Special Crime Victim Advocate at New Beginnings, I have the privilege of working with an amazing group of professionals who care about and make connections with victims and survivors every day. Hearing each individuals’ story makes me appreciate the opportunity I have to provide information, services, support, and resources to anyone who calls or walks through our doors. I do all I can to assist victims of crime and trauma so that they can cope with what they are going through, have their rights protected, and be empowered to make informed decisions." |
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Martha Bilingual Legal Advocate
mgama@apfvwalworth.com Bachelors Degree in Social Work from UW-Whitewater Bilingual - fluent in English & Spanish |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Martha:
"As the Bilingual Legal Crime Victim Advocate I am really passionate about the legal advocacy I am able to offer the victims and survivors. I am grateful for the opportunity my role gives me to empower and support many underrepresented populations, such as the Latino community". |
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Will, CTRS
Child and Teen Advocate/SA Advocate whelling@apfvwalworth.com Bachelors Degree in Recreational Therapy - from Western Illinois University |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Will:
"As a survivor of sexual assault, I felt alone and scared to talk to others about the assault. I felt like I had no one to go to who would believe me or what I had gone through. Later in life I found that I am not alone. I do have a voice and my voice holds power. Being granted the opportunity to work as part of the team here at New Beginnings, I have the opportunity to help empower everyone I work with. As children and teenagers, it is common to believe that we need to accept things as they are, but when it comes to being a victim or survivor of violence and/or sexual assault that is absolutely not the case. As an advocate for child and teenage victims and survivors of violence and sexual assault I want to make sure each individual knows; I hear you, I believe you, I will support and advocate for you". |
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Amber
Crime Victim Advocate agee@apfvwalworth.com Bachelors Degree in Social Work from UW-Whitewater. |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Amber:
“In my role as an Advocate, I can help those affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault to become empowered survivors instead of victims by providing them with a safe place in the community to heal". |
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Angeline
Special Crime Victim Advocate/SANE & Outreach Coordinator (Specializes in working with adults 60 & older) adoman@apfvwalworth.com Bachelors Degree in Social Work from George Williams College Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Angeline:
"In my role as the Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator I have the opportunity to help bridge societal gaps by connecting individuals to the help they need while constantly brainstorming and putting together new programs and workshops to benefit our community. Domestic violence and sexual abuse are never an easy topic but as an outreach coordinator and advocate I am able to provide support, awareness and resources to victims and those in the community also wanting to help make a change! My past experience in geriatric healthcare combined with the special place the population has in my heart gives me a well rounded understanding of older adults allowing me to connect with my clients on a profound level." |
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Tyler
Crime Victim Advocate tsurface@apfvwalworth.com Bachelors Degree in Criminology from UW Whitewater |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Tyler:
"As a Crime Victim Advocate, I am passionate about providing services and a safe space to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is my position to provide a space to heal and regain the power that survivors of such crime deserve. I provide assistance and empathic care to survivors and offer a safe place to speak about a survivor's journey. I also offer a place to help survivors overcome their hardships. It is my passion to grow, and it is my passion to help survivors grow and develop towards a life of safety." |
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Kelsey Child/Teen Social Worker/Intern Coordinator kthatcher@apfvwalworth.com Bachelors Degree in Social Work from UW-Whitewater Masters in Social Work from UW-Whitewater/CSW |
Why New Beginnings APFV is important to Kelsey:
"As a social worker at New Beginnings, it is my privilege to work with children, teens, and their families to over come any trauma they might have from experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault. Working with children and teens has always been a passion of mine because I know what it is like to try and overcome mental health challenges while also dealing with the stressors of everyday life. It is my goal to empower our clients here at New Beginnings and provide them with a supportive team to overcome the difficulties they may be facing on a daily basis. I want my clients to believe they are worthy and have the strength to overcome the hardships they are facing." |
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Karen
Office Manager/Finance Assistant - CPA kberry@apfvwalworth.com Natalie Administrative Assistant nspruce@apfvwalworth.com |
Our Board Members:
Diane Bustamante - President Lorraine Newman - Member Ruth Anne Morava - Vice President Stuart Arnett - Member Linda Cheney - Treasurer Jacqueline Cates - Member Alan Shillair - Secretary Sandra Ramirez - Member |
