WATCH MN

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

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