By Jamey Sheesley
Elizabeth Juszkowski started volunteering for Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence in 2018. She was one of the first online Facebook members who reached out and joined BTSADV’s Facebook page when it was first created. After attending the Survivor Sister Retreat, she knew she had to volunteer for this group because of the fantastic experience she had during the retreat. She was very nervous about flying across the country and attending this event. However, after her experience, she felt a sense of calm and found she could connect with other survivors.
She is now the social media champion manager for BTSADV. Not only does she get to reach out to people through social media, but also she gets to meet and talk with them in person. She is in charge of overseeing the social media groups, connecting with volunteers all over the country, providing resources, and she engages survivors through various means. It takes a special person to be able to reach out to people in person, and Elizabeth shines at those skills. She has the ability to connect with those around her.
According to Brian Nguyen, director of communications, “Words can’t express how grateful we are to have someone who is always eagerly willing to jump in and help where she can. As an outspoken survivor, she’s able to take her experience and empathize where someone is in their journey.”
Elizabeth was shocked to hear she was volunteer of the month. She is grateful that she is able to contribute to BTSADV in the ways that she has. She enjoys talking with people and getting to hear their stories.
“I am just very grateful and appreciative of this organization,” said Elizabeth.
She enjoys being able to reach out to survivors in several different ways. She is also an essential member of her team.
“Her knowledge, her experience, her personality, and enthusiasm are a few things that make Elizabeth stand out. I’m honored to have her on my team and ecstatic for her to receive volunteer of the month,” said Brian.
According to Andrea Burger, social media coordinator, “Elizabeth’s passion and drive to help others is hard to put into words and almost more is something that should be experienced. She naturally has the ability to connect with survivors, giving her a gift to assist and help on a different level.
Some people give 100 percent, and then there is Elizabeth who gives even more than that.
“Elizabeth puts 120 percent in everything she does, which makes her such a valuable and essential part of BTSADV,” said Andrea.
Congratulations, Elizabeth, on being named February 2020 volunteer of the month.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there is help. You can visit the Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence website at www.breakthesilencedv.org or chat with one of our helpline advocates at 855-287-1777.
========
Share Your Story
Sharing our stories can be incredibly empowering while also helping others connect with survivors who have similar experiences. If you are inspired to share your story with us, submit here. You can choose to remain anonymous.
You can also donate to BTSADV here.
