About Us

The Network is a state-level non-profit agency comprised of caring people dealing with the concerns of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Our member programs employ and support individuals of all racial, social, religious and economic groups, ages, and lifestyles. Rural, urban and tribal areas are proudly represented. The Network believes that the abuse of power in society fosters domestic violence, rape, gender inequality, racism, and poverty by perpetuating conditions in which certain groups benefit from the domination of others. We believe that domestic violence results from the use of force or threat to achieve and maintain control over others in intimate relationships. The Network opposes the use of violence as a means of control over others and supports equality in relationships. All of our programs and services are rooted firmly in the belief that people victimized by crime have the right to assume power over their own lives by making informed choices regarding their empowerment journey. The Network is dedicated to the empowerment of those victimized by domestic or sexual violence. Therefore, we are passionate about eliminating personal and societal violence and welcome the help of all people as allies. We believe in a world free of violence and we are committed to turning this dream into a reality. The Network envisions a world free of violence. We are committed to making this dream a reality by diligently working in collaboration with other community allies to advance prevention endeavors and improve response efforts across our state. Networking with other entities in our community creates avenues to impact long-term systemic and social change.

The work of The Network is guided by the input of our diverse Advisory Board:

EAST RIVER

Beacy Nelson, Child Protection Services, Mitchell, SD
Betty Durfee, Goodwill Industries, Sioux Falls, SD
Bryan Gortmaker, SD Division of Criminal Investigation, Pierre, SD
Carmen Bremmon, Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter, Brookings, SD
Clara Hart, Axtell Park Jr. High, Sioux Falls, SD
Deb Aden, USF Social Work Department, Sioux Falls, SD
Gayle Scott, FBI, Sioux Falls, SD
Janet Johnson, Child's Victim Advocate, Wagner, SD
State Representative Joni Clark Cutler, Colorado Technical University, Sioux Falls, SD
Joseph Holt, Sioux Falls, SD
Kathy Knobloch, Sioux Falls, SD
Dr. Mary Helen Harris, Sioux Falls, SD
Patti Vonsik, Court Services, Sioux Falls, SD
Paul Matchan, Sioux Falls, SD
Honorable Vince A. Foley, 3rd Circuit Court Judge, Brookings, SD

WEST RIVER

Anne Marshall, Lindsey Memorial Presbyterian Church , Martin, SD
Sgt Gordon Decker, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City, SD
Karen Griffith, Black Hills Counseling Service, Spearfish, SD
Madonna Thunder Hawk, Eagle Butte SD
Mike Wilson, Barker Wilson Law Firm, Belle Fouche SD
Peggy Moore-McCoy, EAFB Sexual Assault Prevention & Response, Rapid City, SD
Sharon Kallemeyn, Victims Assistance Program, Rapid City, SD

The staff of the Network is comprised of passionate professionals with many years of experience in the field:

Krista Heeren-Graber, Director
Jackie Goosen, Administrative Assistant
Holly Moritz, Project Coordinator
Lora Ronning, Financial Director
Verzella Bauman, Rural Outreach Coordinator
Liz Bara, Legal Outreach Coordinator
Gladys Hall, Grants Manager

(visit the Contact Us page for more info on these individuals.)