Patty Brightman Steps Down
Posted November 27, 2015 at 5:24 am by Tim Dustrude
Heather Spaulding shares this note…
Patty Brightman – Contributed photo
After 18 years of service to San Juan County’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) Patty Brightman will be stepping down as Staff Manager.
She has been an integral part of the team from the organization’s humble beginnings in May of 1997, when she attended one of DVSAS’ first awareness trainings, facilitated by then Executive Director Pat Reveles, and Jan Osborn. The class amounted to forty hours over several weeks. She was officially hired toward the end of that training.
Her first task was to coordinate 25 volunteers. This included traveling to the other islands in order to facilitate trainings. She also worked on their newsletter and assisted with monthly meetings. As the organization grew, her title evolved from volunteer coordinator to community advocate. As an advocate she has assisted many survivors through their darkest hours. In September of 2013, Jan Osborn retired as Legal Advocate, and Patty stepped up to fill that void as well. “It was an honor working with Jan, I learned so much from her.” Patty said.
I first met Patty as a board member of DVSAS, and have worked with her many times since, as a fellow Soroptimist and volunteer for DVSAS. The two of us drove down to Portland one very stormy January weekend, to attend a human trafficking conference. The conference was so intense and emotionally draining we returned back to our hotel room each night with barely enough energy to move, yet trying to make ourselves laugh. It was life changing, and we both vowed to make a difference. I can honestly say it has been an honor working with her. She taught me the power of gentle strength.
I think I can speak for the DVSAS staff as well as clients she has stood beside, when I say thank you Patty, for all you have done for the survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and for all you have done for this community.
You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.
Categories: Around Here
No comments yet. Be the first!
By submitting a comment you grant the San Juan Update a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate, irrelevant and contentious comments may not be published at an admin's discretion. Your email is used for verification purposes only, it will never be shared.