Chamber welcomes executive director of Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter – bemidjipioneer.com

Appointment of New Executive Director at Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter

Leadership Transition and Organizational Development

The Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently congratulated Tabitha Vickaryous on her appointment as the new Executive Director of the Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter. Having served the organization for several years, most recently as a program specialist, Vickaryous will now lead staff development and community partnerships. She will continue to enhance outreach and support services, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by supporting mental and physical health through crisis intervention.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – by addressing domestic violence and empowering women and families.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – by providing advocacy and shelter services to vulnerable populations.

Facility Tour and Service Expansion

The Ambassadors also toured the organization’s new facility, which opened in the summer. This facility supports 24/7 crisis sheltering and advocacy services for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. The expansion of these services contributes to:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – by providing safe shelter and resources to those in crisis.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by offering support to marginalized and vulnerable groups.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by fostering safe and inclusive community environments.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

The Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter’s ongoing efforts under new leadership demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing multiple SDGs through:

• Enhancing community partnerships to broaden impact and resource availability.
• Strengthening outreach programs to increase awareness and accessibility of services.
• Providing continuous support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact the Bemidji Pioneer newsroom at (218) 333-9796 or via email at news@bemidjipioneer.com.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses the Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter, which provides support and advocacy services for individuals experiencing domestic violence, directly relating to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The shelter’s role in crisis sheltering and advocacy services contributes to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice and support for victims of violence.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By offering crisis sheltering and support services, the organization contributes to the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5 – Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through provision of public services and social protection policies.
2. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
3. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 5.2: Proportion of women and girls subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner or sexual violence by a non-partner in the previous 12 months.
2. Indicator for Target 16.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide, by sex and age; and proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence in the previous 12 months.
3. Indicator for Target 16.3: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
4. Indicator for Target 3.4: Suicide mortality rate and prevalence of mental health conditions, which can be indirectly related to the support services offered by the shelter.
5. Additional Implied Indicators:
   • Number of individuals and families accessing crisis shelter and advocacy services.
   • Availability and accessibility of 24/7 crisis sheltering facilities.
   • Staff development and community partnership metrics to strengthen outreach and support services.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: bemidjipioneer.com