Executive Director Sandy T. Williams announced this week that she will be leaving her role after two years with Between Friends. Below is the email she shared with the Between Friends community.
Dear Friends,
I have some news to share with you: my last day at Between Friends will be Friday, September 2nd.
I am extremely fond of Between Friends, and it will always be a part of me. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done over the last two years. We have turned around a venerated but struggling organization into one that is increasingly recognized as a leader in the domestic violence community. Specifically, we’ve overcome many of the insurmountable challenges presented by the pandemic, while expanding programming, broadening our reach to be more inclusive and minimizing barriers to access for those requiring our assistance.
We have educated countless young people through our virtual and in-person Relationship Education: A Choice for Hope (REACH) program, expanded our A Night Out program to help connect survivors in a safe and supportive environment, answered over 2,200 calls through our 24 hour help line, and implemented a strategic plan that will help guide the organization forward during this time of transition.
Between Friends has grown substantially and is in a strong financial position, which has allowed us to successfully weather the COVID-19 pandemic. We are already nearing our pre-pandemic enrollment. You can remain confident that Between Friends and our partnerships and collaborations are in very good shape for the transition to come.
I fell in love with Between Friends because of its drive for excellence, its commitment to survivors, its boldness to challenge systemic inequities, and its willingness to accomplish big and exciting things. But what I have loved most about this role is the community of people I have had the honor to work with.
Little will change for the survivors and families we work with. We have a truly dedicated team that will be led by Verda Bhatti, our Director of Prevention & Community Education who will be transitioning into an interim executive director role to provide continuity for staff and clients as our Board of Directors prepares to conduct a search for a permanent Executive Director. I will also be available to Between Friends to provide knowledge and support during the transition. I am mindful of the imperative that all our initiatives, collaborations, and the strategic plan can be seamlessly picked up by the next Executive Director.
Thank you for being a part of the Between Friends community.
With gratitude,
Sandy T. Williams