The fight for social justice can be seen through different eyes.
Diana Reuter, a survivor of domestic abuse, and Judge Sharon
Chatman, of Santa Clara County Superior Court, will be honored Feb.
4 for the work they
’ve done to combat domestic violence, support loving foster
homes and encourage others who are in abusive situations to stay
strong.
The fight for social justice can be seen through different eyes.
Diana Reuter, a survivor of domestic abuse, and Judge Sharon Chatman, of Santa Clara County Superior Court, will be honored Feb. 4 for the work they’ve done to combat domestic violence, support loving foster homes and encourage others who are in abusive situations to stay strong.
Community Solutions, a local human service agency with offices in Morgan Hill and Gilroy, will present the awards at its Second Annual Helping Hands and Healing Hearts benefit.
Reuter, 19, was just 11 years old when her physically and emotionally abusive mother kicked her out of the house. Reuter briefly stayed with her aunt and made weekend visits with her sexually abusive father. After weaving in and out of foster homes and shelters for several months, Reuter found a loving and supportive foster home where she lived until she was 18.
Reuter has been a part of Community Solutions’ Independent Living Skills program for three years, which serves youth ages 16 to 21 who are aging out of the foster care system and will need to live independently when they turn 18 or graduate from high school.
Chatman, the assistant supervising judge of domestic violence courts in Santa Clara County, created the only domestic violence mental health court in California to identify defendants with mental illnesses and provide them with access to appropriate services.
Proceeds will support Community Solutions programs and services that serve children, families and individuals in South County.
The Helping Hands and Healing luncheon will take place from 11:30am-1:30pm Feb. 4 at the Coyote Creek Golf Club.
Tickets are $35. Details and tickets: 776-6232 or 776-6212
