Asked to describe her first week at the helm of the Coalition Against Rape and Domestic Violence, and new executive director Lori Blank used one word repeatedly: Amazing.
"It has been amazing. There is an amazing group of individuals here that are very passionate and protective and amazing at what they do," Blank said.
Having previously worked as the program director for The Wound Center at Accelecare Wound Centers, Inc. and at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Blank said she was attracted to CARDV's mission of helping women and children affected by domestic violence.
"I'm very passionate and supportive of access to health care and getting people services they need, and being an educational tool or medium to let people know what services are out there," she said. "I also like to advocate for the rights of others.
"We're here to help advocate for anyone who needs assistance with whatever crisis they're going through."
Blank said she is looking forward to stepping into her new role and helping guide the organization into the future.
"I'm really excited about expanding our services and growing our programs and working to become a model community," Blank said, noting that CARDV's trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy programs are "cutting edge."