Karen Gonzales- Story for her Legacy Award

During the subsequent years of getting back on her feet, Karen immersed herself in trauma-informed education. With the help of other organizations such as Echo Parenting & Education and Safe Passage, she got certified in parenting education and is now a domestic violence counselor to help others realize they don’t have to be a victim for life.

Karen said she has learned first-hand how deeply children of victims and the whole community are affected by domestic violence.

As part of what she called “the movement of survivors to come back and to give back,” she suggested people can help through funding, sharing talents, empowering victims, and being a friend.

“There has to be a safe place for victims,” she said, “and they need help getting back on their feet.” Just like she did.