Perspectives, Minnesota's largest therapeutic supportive housing program for women and children who have experienced trauma, addiction, homelessness and mental illness, presented the award to Sheriff Witt on May 11th 2023.
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., June 22, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Sheriff Witt, whose beloved late brother George Bickman served as Perspectives Youth Advocate Leader for over 22 years, is a frequent visitor to the family center campus. Her compassion and humility have endeared her to residents and staff as a symbol of hope, strength, and transformation.
Born in Chicago and raised in Minneapolis, Sheriff Witt became a mother at 15, but nevertheless excelled at school. She earned several college scholarships, including the Justice Alan Page Scholarship. As a condition of that scholarship, she volunteered in various roles, in several community organizations, and quickly recognized that her actions could make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
"Breaking toxic cycles of poverty, homelessness and addiction, is a critical part of my vision for a better world," states Sheriff Witt. "Having witnessed the extraordinary impact Perspectives programs have had on the lives of women and children, I am proud to be honored with the 'Champion of Women' award."
"Dawanna and her remarkable brother George Bickham shared a passion for living a life of service," remarked Perspectives CEO, Jeannie Seeley-Smith. "Addiction destroyed many of their family members' lives. She loved our work because she saw firsthand the positive changes that our programs made in the lives of our women and children. A favorite visitor on the campus, she dazzles everyone with her warmth, humility and charm."
Perspectives systematically addresses the growing need for early intervention programming for children while providing comprehensive services for mothers. Perspectives children's services include a year-round academic and social enrichment program. The Cargill Kids Cafe provides lunch and dinner to children living at the Perspectives housing campus five days a week during the school year. A summer program serves breakfast and lunch.
About Perspectives:
Perspectives is a national model, providing comprehensive mental health services for women and children emerging from homelessness and addiction. Perspectives proven track record demonstrates the disruption of cycles of dysfunctional lifestyles through a holistic approach that includes trauma-informed care, therapeutic services, supportive housing, and comprehensive children's programming. For more information, please contact Annemarie Osborne at 949.237.2906 or [email protected] or Jacqueline Michaud at 952.405.2529, [email protected] or visit https://www.perspectives-family.org/.
About Sheriff Witt:
Dawanna S. Witt was sworn in as Hennepin County Sheriff on January 3, 2023. She is the first woman and person of color to hold the office. Sheriff Witt's law enforcement career began in 2000, when she was hired as a detention deputy in the Hennepin County Jail. In 2004, after returning to school to become a licensed peace officer, Sheriff Witt was hired by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office. During her career at Dakota County, she worked in a variety of roles, ultimately, becoming the first woman in the agency's history to reach the rank of captain.
Sheriff Witt returned to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in September 2019 to take charge of the agency's largest bureau, Adult Detention and Court Services. In 2022, Hennepin County voters overwhelming selected her to be the next Hennepin County Sheriff. She campaigned on her years of experience and a platform of safer communities, improved law enforcement recruitment and retention, reform, collaboration, and transparency.
Sheriff Witt holds undergraduate degrees in chemical dependency and family therapy, and police science. She also holds dual master's degrees in public safety administration, and management. Sheriff Witt is married with two adult daughters and two grandchildren. She also works as an adjunct professor at Inver Hills Community College, teaching Juvenile Justice and American Corrections.
Sheriff Witt is proud to be serving as sheriff of Hennepin County. She is committed to developing healthier relationships between the community and law enforcement while providing proactive public safety. For more information, please contact Kelsey Demmert, Public Information Officer, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, 612-348-2368 or by email: [email protected].
Media Contact
Annemarie Osborne, Perspectives, 949.237.2906, [email protected]
Jacqueline Michaud, Perspectives, 952.405.2529, [email protected]
SOURCE Perspectives
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