NEWBURGH – Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) recently presented Joanna Janik of Fearless!, previously known as Safe Homes of Orange County, with a Senate Commendation Award. The Commendation Award is bestowed upon civilians who have gone out of their way to give back to the community and are of dedicated service to others.
Joanna Janik has worked at Fearless! for six years as a Risk Reduction Project Coordinator, working hand-and-hand with the City of Newburgh Police Department and local law enforcement to help keep survivors of domestic violence safe. The Risk Reduction Response Program works with law enforcement to identify high-risk cases and connect individuals with Fearless!’ programs as well as conduct joint home visits. Fearless! provides free counseling, support groups, legal services, and more to survivors of domestic violence, teen dating violence and human trafficking. Previously, Joanna worked for the New York Police Department as a Domestic Violence Police Program Manager for seven years.
“At a time when we need more individuals in society to be giving and caring, Joanna is a symbol of just that,” said Senator Skoufis. “Joanna has had an incredible career fighting to ensure that families in Orange County have a safe place to call home. She has been a dedicated advocate for survivors of domestic violence, as well as a staunch supporter for programs that empower survivors to flourish. Joanna is beyond deserving of this award and I thank her for going above and beyond to make our county a safer and healthier place.”
Joanna Janik said, “I thank Senator Skoufis for presenting me with the Senate Commendation Award! My life’s work has been dedicated to helping survivors of violence thrive despite what they have been through and it’s truly an honor to have that work recognized. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Senator Skoufis, partners in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Orange County Probation Department, City of Newburgh PD partners, and of course, the Fearless! Hudson Valley Advocates, to advance the mission of the CNPD’s Risk Reduction Response Team to provide services to victims of domestic violence as well as hold offenders accountable.”
