Community Leadership Award
For almost 30 years, Ms. Elizabeth Verterano, a financial advisor in New Wilmington, PA, has campaigned against domestic violence. With the guidance and leadership of Ms. Verterano, the crisis hotline and emergency shelter of Lawrence County was launched in 1981. Today the shelter, comprised solely of volunteers, also offers transitional housing, counseling, court and medical advocacy, prevention education, and intervention training. With unwavering commitment, Ms. Verterano continues her crusade as a board member, a mentor to women, a championed fundraiser and has recently established an endowment fund to move the agency from governmental funding to self- sufficiency.