N-B Photo: Local victim's assistance coordinator awarded for her efforts

Above: Members of the Wells County Domestic Violence Task Force and a representative of YWCA of Northeast Indiana present Cindy Uptgraft, fourth from left, with a Hope Award Wednesday in the Wells County Prosecutor's Office. Learn more in the Thursday, Oct. 16, News-Banner. (Photo by Jessica Williams)

Here is a press release regarding the award:

YWCA Week Without Violence and Presentation of 2014 Hope Awards

Week Without Violence, held annually during the third week in October, is a global YWCA campaign created nearly 20 years ago to mobilize people in communities across the United States and the World to take action against all forms of violence, wherever it occurs. Each year, YWCAs around the globe host local events and create public dialogue about recognizing, addressing, and ending violence in all its forms.

In recognition of YWCA USA Week Without Violence, YWCA Northeast Indiana is presenting their 2014 Hope Awards throughout the week. Every year during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, YWCA Northeast Indiana recognizes those who exhibit excellence in advocacy that reflects our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. A winner is selected in each of five categories: Racial Justice, Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention, Women's Economic Empowerment, Child Advocacy, and Junior Hope (which recognizes an advocate under the age of 25). Winners are surprised with their awards throughout the YWCA USA Week Without Violence to celebrate the ways in which these amazing individuals are working to end violence.

This year, the prestigious Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Hope Award was awarded to Cynthia Uptgraft, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator of Wells County. According to her nomination, “Cindy provides support to individuals in crisis of domestic violence in the Wells County community with a great passion for her work in the community. She has been an active part of the Wells County Domestic Violence Task Force, and makes sure clients are connected to resources for legal advocacy and domestic violence education and support. She continues to work hard in raising awareness of domestic violence issues in the Wells County community.”

Wells County is one of 6 counties served by YWCA Northeast Indiana’s Domestic Violence Services and Community Programs, such as community-wide prevention and education and emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. “These services would not be possible without the support of Cindy and the Wells County Domestic Violence Task Force”, Arika App, Director of Community Programs, said after presenting the Hope Award.

If you are experiencing domestic violence in your relationship, call YWCA Northeast Indiana at 260-447-7233.