The Shelter honors three staff members for longevity and service

Twenty Years of Service to The Shelter

Transitional Living Advocate Deb Alvarez and Emergency Shelter Advocate Dorota Janasik were honored by The Shelter, Aug. 5, 2020, during its regular monthly staff meeting. Deb was honored for 10 years of service as an advocate in emergency shelter and, more recently, transitional living. Dorota was honored for 10 years of service as an emergency shelter advocate at the Naples facility.

Shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus honors Deb Alvarez for 10 years of service.

Shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus honors Dorota Janasik for 10 years of service.

Employee of the Month

Advocate Shelli Tayman was honored as July Employee of the Month. Shelli works with the InVEST (Intimate Violence Enhanced Services Team) made up of representatives from law enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office and the Department of Children & Families. Each day, she reviews police reports to identify high risk victims of domestic violence and then reaches out to them to let them know about The Shelter’s services. She works closely with victims, helping them to establish a safety plan. She also accompanies them to court or appears on their behalf to ensure their protection and that their abuser is held accountable.

Here’s what her colleagues had to say about Shelli:

“Shelli continues to wow me with her tenacity and determination to do whatever it takes to advocate for our participants.  This month, she has gone above and beyond her role as InVEST advocate, resulting in improved accountability for perpetrators.”

“Shelli has been an incredible addition to the outreach team! We have received numerous thank you notes from participants, all explaining how they felt supported and heard in the criminal justice venue. Judges have increased bond amounts and increased the use of GPS monitoring. I am very excited to see Shelli’s growth within our organization and the impact she will have on the criminal justice system. Shelli is a Super Star!” 

“I am impressed with Shelli’s determination of advocacy, professionalism and kindness! She is quick to go above and beyond to help the victims and her co-workers. If you email Shelli, she immediately answers and tries to help. Simply said, she is amazing!”

“Shelli has so much tenacity and persistence when she is advocating for victims. She is building on the outstanding partnership The Shelter shares with law enforcement while advancing the cause and the voices of victims. Very well done.”

Shelli Tayman