Rexburg, ID Release: May 17, 2021 For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Chloe Aponte, 209-356-0065, chloea@familycrisiscenter.info
Meegan Littlefield, 209-356-0065, meeganl@familycrisiscenter.info
The Family Crisis Center (FCC) Board of Directors has announced that after 26 years of devoted service. executive director Margie Harris is set to retire at the end of May 2021.
Harris joined the organization in 1994 to support the community's need to respond to abuse victims’ needs. In the early years of her career, her efforts meant countless hours and navigated periods of time where funding was limited. She took on a variety of responsibilities that would have otherwise been filled by staff and volunteer advocates. The value of the organization and its service for the community were motivating reasons to continue. Under her direction, the advocacy group has grown from one or two people providing occasional crisis intervention, to a fully operating victim advocacy organization with comprehensive programming.
“I do not believe there was anyone except Margie who could have led the Family Crisis Center to the level it is today. Over the years, she has rescued victims of domestic violence, saved lives, protected children, united families, and provided food and shelter to countless individuals and families. All of Idaho is better off because of Margie’s compassionate leadership and sterling example of service. We will miss her presence, but her influence will continue to affect the Family Crisis Center for generations to come. We wish Margie the very best as she begins a new chapter in her life."
- Brent Hill, former Idaho Senator
Prior to joining the FCC, she served our community as an EMT where she responded to emergency calls with the first responders team and supported care to the sick and injured. Those closest to Harris know that serving her community is at her core.
“I’ve worked with Margie since she was a new EMT and I was a new Deputy in law enforcement. I would see her on-scene and got to know her through those interactions. When Margie became the Director of the Family Crisis Center I knew any referrals I sent to that office would be well taken care of. I’ve had absolute confidence in the agency she created and the services offered. I thank her for her years of dedicated services and send Congratulations to Margie on her retirement.”
- Sheriff Len Humphries
The FCC has been transformed over the years and many credit Harris’s energy, perseverance and dedication to victims and survivors. The center’s mission has become a community endeavor because of the purpose and passion for the work she has sparked in local partners to join in as allies and advocates for survivors.
During her tenure as director, Harris has played an important role in helping the FCC grow and adapt to significant changes in building the resources and services the center provides. The services include advocacy, housing, a food bank, a thrift store, plus counseling, economic, educational, safety and legal resources, among others.
Volunteers gather weekly to support the Family Crisis Center's food bank by sorting food and assembling food boxes.
“For the last 20 plus years Margie has been a great regional partner and state representative for eastern Idaho and the programs who serve victims of violent crime. When I think of someone who I knew I could count on when attempting to obtain large goals, Margie was the person I always had in my corner.”
- Teena R. McBride, Executive Director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center
In 2020, the center served 236 clients in Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, and Madison Counties.. The food bank serves about 200 families weekly, which include FCC clients from the four counties and Madison county residents. Although the FCC closed its office doors for a period of time during the pandemic, Harris led the efforts to provide uninterrupted client services.
Harris has dedicated her career to ensuring victims and survivors have resources and a voice long after she’s retired. The FCC board, staff, and volunteer advocates will continue to build on the work Harris has established. Current co-director Meegan Littlefield will take on the role of executive director beginning in June. “I am so grateful for the trust that was given me all those years ago to serve the Family Crisis Center. I’ve seen the strength and courage of countless victims who’ve made difficult choices to find a safer life for themselves and their families. I’ve seen the generosity of community members through the years that have donated time, money, gifts, and multiple items to assist the Family Crisis Center. I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous others who have guided and supported the Family Crisis Center to make it what it is today. As I retire, the Family Crisis Center has the best Board of Directors, best staff, best volunteer advocates, and the best Executive Director to move forward and continue to do great things.”
- Margie Harris, Family Crisis Center Executive Director
A farewell open house event will be held on May 24, 12-2 p.m at Family Crisis Center – 16 E Main St., Rexburg, ID. All friends, community partners, and well-wishers are welcome to attend.
Harris, Family Crisis Center staff and community members participated in the "What Were You Wearing" exhibit. The exhibit showcased outfits of sexual assault victims, plus performances and speeches by advocates, allies, and other community members. ###
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