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The Community Foundation of Teton Valley is pleased to announce that Emily Bilcher, Executive Director of Family Safety Network, has been honored with the 2024 Dawn Banks Nonprofit Leadership Award. This distinguished accolade recognizes Emily’s outstanding contributions as a local nonprofit leader who exemplifies excellence in nonprofit best practices. The award not only serves as a testament to Emily’s remarkable achievements but also pays tribute to the late Dawn Banks, a fervent advocate for the nonprofit community who dedicated herself tirelessly to uplifting life in Teton Valley and supporting local missions.
Now in its eighth year, the Dawn Banks Nonprofit Leadership Award holds immense significance within the community. It represents a commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the exceptional leaders who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of Teton Valley. To commemorate this well-deserved honor, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley bestows a $1,000 grant to Family Safety Network with this award, underscoring our appreciation of Emily’s invaluable contributions.
Emily’s involvement with Family Safety Network began with her work as the Director of Client Services and Outreach. After four years in that position, Emily took the reins as Executive Director in 2019 to lead from a position of hope as she and her small team advocate for healthy relationships while empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Teton Valley. Emily is passionately committed to Family Safety Network’s mission. During her first year as E.D., she received a certificate from the Idaho Victim Assistance Academy, sponsored by the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime. In 2021, she created and launched the position of Prevention Educator & Youth Advocate, as well as a paid high school internship that has grown to 10 interns today! Prevention efforts align with their mission, uplift, and strengthen the fabric of our community.
Recently, Emily has been selected to participate in the 2024-25 Leadership Longevity Fellowship through New Sector Alliance. She anticipates that as need for their services grows exponentially, her organization faces urgent pressure to expand staff size and physical space. Expanding in these capacities necessitates acquiring new skills and strategies that will take the organization to the next level. Already, Emily has grown the staff from 3.5 to 5.5 and doubled their bilingual staff during her tenure; however, their service numbers continue to grow across the board. The following percentages compare all of 2023 to the first 6 months of this year – shelter nights are up 57%, bed nights are up 124%, average clients per month are up 46%, and hotline calls are up 21%. Additionally, Family Safety Network staff created 113 Safety Plans and provided childcare in their office 138 times in the first 6 months of 2024.
Emily believes in collaboration to tackle her mission in tandem with others and has been one of four key partners, alongside the Community Resource Center, Mental Health Coalition, and Teton Valley Food Pantry, working together for the most efficient access to services and to support each other. Emily also understands her vital role as a leader in self-care for the sustainability of her staff and organization. During her tenure she’s instilled numerous benefits to support the physical and mental wellbeing of staff members, knowing that “we must care for ourselves SO THAT we can continue to care for others.”
Leading with a remarkable combination of collaboration, trust, and respect, Emily embodies the true spirit of leadership. As an avid learner, she continually seizes opportunities to participate in workshops hosted by the Community Foundation, ensuring the implementation of best practices and cultivating a healthy work environment. In her own words, Emily humbly acknowledged, “I am incredibly honored to accept the Dawn Banks Award. Dawn’s love of Teton Valley, her commitment to the nonprofit world, and the grace and grit with which she navigated all the things – work, friendship, family, and motherhood – was an inspiration. I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for my supportive family, amazing staff, board of directors, the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence, social services cohort, faithful supporters, and the remarkable nonprofit community of Teton Valley. Thank you.“
The Community Foundation of Teton Valley wholeheartedly commends Emily Bilcher for her passion, commitment, and collaboration. Through her leadership, Family Safety Network ensures everyone can sleep safely today and envisions a world where individuals, families, and communities thrive in collective safety and wholeness.