In early November, the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council hosted Ms. Jeannie Mwiliriza from Rwanda as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
This particular project focused on women’s shelters, domestic violence courts, and the role of law enforcement in combating domestic violence. In addition, Ms. Mwiliriza visited a local host family to give her the opportunity to learn about American culture and family life.
Councilwoman Sherri Myers gave Ms. Mwiliriza a warm welcome to the city of Pensacola, and they discussed our history as well as our current achievements and challenges. Ms. Mwiliriza also met with local residents and activists at the Palace Café for an informal community discussion over coffee. Locals who attended include Sue Brye, Cecily Chundrlek, Paula Drummond, Kesha Royster, Doreen Swartz, and Leonard Swartz.
Upon the suggestion of Councilwoman Sherri Myers, Ms. Mwiliriza stopped by the Gulf Coast Kid’s House to get information on their programs. She did not expect the surprise visit to turn into a fantastic tour of their facilities with Office Manager Debra Bond! (Thank you, Debra!)
She also visited the First Judicial Circuit Court for a meeting with Circuit Judge W. Joel Boles, Victim’s Advocate Blaine Lucker, and Assistant State Attorney Chris Sherwin. This discussion highlighted the role of the legal system in gender violence cases. Afterwards, she visited a courtroom where domestic violence cases are heard. Court Administrator Ana Eligio arranged this time for her.
To address sex crimes and to discuss the role of a vicitim’s advocate in a law enforcement agency, Ms. Mwiliriza next visited the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. She met with Victim Advocate Sarah Smith, Investigator Melissa Salter, Investigator Heather Kinnard, and Deputy Nicole Coffey. Protocol Officer Allison Morgan arranged the time at this office.
FAVOR House (Family Anti Violence through an Organized Response) is an organization fighting domestic abuse. Not only does it run a shelter, but it also offers counseling for both victims and abusers. Ms. Mwiliriza met with Director of Residential Programs Marsha Travis for a discussion on best practices in shelter management and explored transition services and reintegration programs for survivors. After this discussion, Ms. Mwiliriza took a tour of the shelter house and discussed the practicalities of launching and running a shelter program.
Last but not least, our Rwandan visitor met with Mack Moore, director of the Lakeview Rape Crisis Center, to discuss the center’s counseling services for victims of sexual assault and their families. The Lakeview Center’s Victim Services program is recognized as the primary rape crisis program serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. It provides trauma recovery counseling services to help victims of sexual violence recover from emotional trauma. The counseling services are free and are provided to victims and their families whether or not the crime has been reported.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generosity of all of those in the Pensacola community who contributed their time and energy to meet with Ms. Mwiliriza and make her feel welcome. We extend a special thank you to Karen and Mike Jurkowich who hosted Ms. Mwiliriza for dinner in their home.
