WATCH MN

06/27/2019

To all WATCH supporters,

Tomorrow will be my last day as the WATCH Executive Director and with that date fast approaching I wanted to spend a moment thanking the individuals who’ve helped WATCH achieve its mission.

First, I would like to thank Ellen McDaniel for all her support during my time at WATCH. Without her influence I would not have been able to learn the world of WATCH and domestic violence prevention so quickly. Ellen is one of the most dedicated individuals I've met and I truly wish her luck in her future endeavors.

Without the support of a great board, no Executive Director can succeed. I've had had a phenomenal board during my time at WATCH and I want to thank all the current and former board members who’ve given me the support and flexibility to succeed and grow as a professional.

I would like to personally thank the two board chairs who served during my time at WATCH- Ruth Shields and Kristin Stastny. I’ve truly enjoyed learning from and getting to know both of you.

I want to thank Susan Lenfestey ,the founder of WATCH, for always being willing to share her knowledge and passion with me and for taking a chance on the first male Executive Director of WATCH!

Lastly, but certainly not least, I want to thank all the volunteers and interns who have passed through the WATCH office over the past 2 years and 4 months! You are the heart and soul of our organization and that cannot be understated. I have learned from you and hopefully the WATCH staff and program have made a lasting impact on your lives. In the end, you’re the reason why we do this work. All of you are the change agents who can transform not only our judicial system but our overall culture as well.

I believe that someday we will not need organizations like WATCH to advocate for domestic violence survivors and for a truly fair and transparent judicial system because we will have made strides as a society to eliminate the evils of domestic violence from our entire world.

Until that time arrives, I know that WATCH and its many partners will continue to advocate for those who’ve been left behind, those who feel they have no voice and those whom society has turned its back on.

I feel honored and blessed to have served as WATCH’s Executive Director and look forward to following the successes of the WATCH program at its new home at The Advocates for Human Rights.

Nick Cichowicz
WATCH
Executive Director

06/25/2019

If you haven't heard the news, WATCH is joining The Advocates for Human Rights.

Please take a moment to read the below message from Susan and Nick.

Dear Friend of WATCH,

We are writing to you today with some exciting news about WATCH.

WATCH has had a remarkable 27 year run as a small non-profit, often bucking some strong currents, but always managing to stay on course. Thanks to your support, WATCH has been instrumental in making significant changes in how cases of s*xual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse are handled in the Hennepin County courts, changes that have been implemented in other states as well.

In the last 5 years, WATCH expanded into Ramsey and Washington counties, recruited over 500 volunteers, and issued two reports on the prosecution of s*x trafficking in those counties.

But our funding could not keep up with our growth, and it became clear that in order to continue WATCH's highly regarded level of work, we needed to make a change. The board of directors launched a thorough review of local non-profits where our work might be a good fit.

The results are in and we are thrilled to let you know that the work of WATCH will continue as a project of The Advocates for Human Rights.

The Advocates for Human Rights is not only a highly respected and stable organization, it is a leader in promoting the rights of women, and in fighting trafficking of women and girls, both here and abroad.

http://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/

We are also delighted that two former WATCH staffers, Ellen McDaniel and Elizabeth Montgomery, will continue on with The Advocates to ensure a seamless transition of WATCH’s court monitoring programs.

While there is some sadness in saying good bye to WATCH as an independent organization, there is much happiness in knowing the match is a good one.

Thank you all for your generous support of WATCH over the years, whether as a donor or a clipboard-toting courtroom monitor. We helped change attitudes towards gender-driven violence, and made many lives better and safer.

Our work will continue with The Advocates for Human Rights, and we hope you will continue your generous support.

With appreciation,

Susan Lenfestey, Founder of WATCH
Nick Cichowicz, Executive Director

06/21/2019

In addition to hosting an incredible awards dinner last night, we are excited to announce that WATCH will be joining The Advocates!

“We are thrilled to join hands with WATCH, whose deep experience parallels our women’s human rights
initiatives,” said James Anderson O'Neal, chair of the board of The Advocates.

For the full press release, view the link below:
https://bit.ly/2Fp3hVc

04/18/2019

http://www.startribune.com/as-police-reform-looms-s*xual-assault-survivors-share-their-stories-to-minneapolis-city-council/508720692/

Minneapolis police presented a comprehensive plan to better handle the cases

04/03/2019

The mayor and police chief promised to improve police response and place a new emphasis on victims' needs.

02/28/2019

It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I have accepted a new position and will be leaving WATCH next week. I am forever grateful to have been part of such a vital organization for so many years. WATCH instilled within me a purpose, passion and voice that I will carry with me through the rest of my personal and professional life. I want to thank all of the volunteers, staff, board members and interns for making WATCH such a great place to work.

I have had the pleasure of interviewing and getting to know 518 WATCH volunteers throughout my time at WATCH. To each and everyone of you, thank you for the thoughtful conversations, your genuine interest in the criminal justice system and your dedication to this wonderful organization. You are the lifeblood of WATCH, without whom it would not exist.

- Ellen McDaniel, Program Manager

02/15/2019

This week we raise the Live Free Without Violence Flag in memory of Gennie Marie Kingbird and Mary Loons Jansen, the second and third confirmed victims of domestic violence homicide in Minnesota in 2019. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2EbXSR3 and http://bit.ly/2N6vnqZ

02/05/2019

01/30/2019

Court is open and WATCH volunteers are ready to go!

01/25/2019

01/21/2019

Check out WATCH's opinion piece on expanding our Safe Harbor law in MN.

Those penalty fees fund services that make the law effective.