A new leader for Safe Passage
Lieske
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
COEUR d'ALENE — Chauntelle Lieske is taking her role in assisting domestic and sexual abuse victims to another level.
Lieske, who has been the program director at the Safe Passage Violence Prevention Center for the past 18 months, has been named the executive director of the nonprofit, effective July 1.
"I have been working directly with survivors for a number of years and I see this position as a way for me to support them at a higher level," she said.
Lieske said she is a child witness to domestic violence and the only woman in her family who has not experienced violence.
"I also have a daughter who I don't want to ever have to experience domestic or sexual violence," she said.
Lieske will replace Katie Coker, who is stepping down to spend more time with family but will remain involved with the nonprofit. Coker has been with Safe Passage for three years.
"When I think about the future of Safe Passage I really want to build on the strong foundation Katie built," Lieske said. "Programs will always grow and change based on survivors needs in the community. I think it's important for us to always listen to these needs and be willing to make changes needed. I am hoping we will continue to build our current partnerships and forms new ones while educating the community as much as possible."
Before coming to Safe Passage, Lieske worked for the YWCA for 10 years. She was a criminal advocate, manager of the legal advocate office and associate director of legal services of the nonprofit.
Safe Passage has about 20 people on staff. There are nearly 50 volunteers who serve in various roles ranging from the board to the 24-hour crisis hotline.
The nonprofit works with law enforcement to serve victims.
"They refer survivors to us, call our crisis line to have a survivor talk with an advocate or sometimes have us go with them while they interview a survivor," Lieske said.
Safe Passage Board President Trina Caudle said Lieske is a great fit to lead the nonprofit.
"We were very pleased to offer the position to Chauntelle Lieske and believe she will be able to build upon the positive changes implemented by Katie Coker to assist in realizing our organization's mission to provide safety, education and empowerment to victims of violence and the community," Caudle said in a press release.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, call the nonprofit's hotline at 664-9303 to learn about the options available to you.