Elena Crenshaw outlines new initiatives for Alliance Against Family Violence Shelter

The Alliance Against Family Violence took center stage at the Leavenworth City Commission meeting, with new Executive Director Elena Crenshaw highlighting the organization's impactful work over the past year. Crenshaw reported that the shelter has assisted 174 individuals, providing nearly 3,000 safe bed nights and over 4,000 services, including a 24-hour hotline and court assistance.

Crenshaw emphasized the importance of proactive measures to reduce the number of individuals needing shelter. "We hope to bring attention to issues before they escalate," she stated, outlining plans to expand community awareness and outreach efforts. The organization has recently partnered with a mental health agency to offer weekly support and is implementing ongoing anger management sessions.

In addition to crisis intervention and medical advocacy, Crenshaw expressed a commitment to working within local schools to raise awareness about domestic violence. "Our goal is to prevent individuals from being forced out of their homes," she said, underscoring the potential financial burden on the city if these issues are not addressed early.

The meeting underscored the critical role of community support in tackling domestic violence, with Crenshaw's initiatives aiming to foster a safer environment for all residents.