LiveSafe Resources Recognizes Local Leaders
SM&P has a proud history of supporting clients in domestic violence cases. As an advocate of those who have suffered through domestic violence, SM&P remains dedicated to supporting LiveSafe Resources’ mission: To provide safety and healing to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse.
That history continued at the recent LiveSafe Women of Achievement’s 39th Annual Gala honoring exceptional local community women. https://www.livesaferesources.org/2024-tribute-to-achievement-awards/ More than 450 attendees filled the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel ballroom as 15 community leaders were honored as Women of Achievement, to raise money and awareness in support of their mission.
Janet Bass, Data Specialists Coordinator and Resource Manager at SM&P, shared her thoughts about the event. “Being able to attend this gala highlighting the outstanding achievements of women in the community was an honor. I was also delighted to learn about the good work they (LiveSafe) do in the community, and their exciting plans for the future,” she said. “No one could come away from this event without feeling inspired and motivated to become excellent stewards of our community.”
In the 39 years, more than 700 community leaders have been recognized at the LiveSafe Resource’s Annual Tribute to Women of Achievement. The Academy of Women Leaders created the annual awards program to honor women who exemplify the qualities of leadership, achievement, dedication, and generosity and willingness to inspire success in others.
Joy Doss, attorney with The Doss Firm LLC in Marietta was named 2024 Woman of the Year. Beyond her role as a local attorney Doss has participated and supported a myriad of charitable organizations across the community, from the Center for Family Resources and the Cobb Schools Foundation, to local civic and arts organizations.
“Congratulations to all of the honorees and especially Joy Doss, the 2024 Woman of Achievement,” said Mary Montgomery, SM&P’s founding and managing partner. “We also appreciate the Pat Head Dignity Award recipient, Rocky Middendorf, Commander of the Cobb County Police Department SWAT team and Violent Crime Bureau for “Doing the Right Thing” when serving victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
The Kim Gresh Survivor’s Award represents the incredible strength and resilience of abuse and assault survivors everywhere. Named for Kim Gresh, board member and a tireless champion of the work of LiveSafe Resources on behalf of victims, this year’s award went to survivor and former LiveSafe Resources client, Katina Davis. She is recognized for her success along the journey from leaving an abusive home to becoming independent, earning her college degree, writing two books, and making a life for herself and her daughter.
Past winners have come from all walks of life with diverse career paths and ethnic backgrounds. They have helped and mentored one another selflessly to ensure that each one is a strong contributor to the Academy of Women Leaders. Women from Cobb, Cherokee, and Paulding counties are eligible to receive this honor.
While the highlight of the event was the recognition of local outstanding women, the event also featured a dinner and silent auction. More than 150 auction items were on hand for lucky bidders to take home and also support LSR.
The funds raised through the gala and auction will benefit LiveSafe Resources, a 24/7 operation that has been creating awareness of abuse, fostering support, and saving lives in this community since 1917.
LiveSafe is the only non-profit partnering with law enforcement, the DA’s office, and WellStar Health System to provide emergency services and outreach to sexual assault victims in Cobb, Cherokee, and Paulding counties.
LiveSafe’s broad and deep reach is why Mary Montgomery, Founding and Managing Partner has supported the effort for many years. “We can count on LiveSafe to efficiently and consistently make a difference in our community, we want them to be able to count on us as well.”
