Toni Hopper
DUNCAN — When Neva Kitsmiller’s husband and then her father died, there was a void in her life she needed to fill. Even though she was working for the State of Oklahoma in the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, she just felt like there was something more.
An ad in the paper for training of volunteers with a local women’s crisis shelter caught her attention, and she thought to herself, “Hey, that’s something I can do.” That was in 1995.
On Thursday Kitsmiller, who resides between Duncan and Comanche, became recipient of the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Council 2009 Award for Excellence in Action Against Domestic Violence in the volunteer category during a special event held in the Blue Room at the state capitol in Oklahoma City.
Though she was not able to attend the event, her daughter did accept the award on her behalf.
Since 1995, Kitsmiller has been answering the crisis line for the Women’s Haven shelter helping women who may be searching for a way out of a bad relationship.
Kitsmiller said she had a friend who was a victim of a violent relationship.
“She was intelligent, employed, it just didn’t make any sense,” Kitsmiller said. But after receiving training and then responding to the calls of help from area women, it began to make some sense.
“Sometimes you get discouraged when you get don’t get a phone call for days,” she said. “Then a phone call comes in and then you help someone and you really feel like what you’re doing is worth it.”
Since retiring in January 2008 from her state job, she’s able to dedicate more time. She said when she’s scheduled to answer calls, she must be at home.
“You never meet them at their home. You may meet them at the police station or at the hospital,” she said. It’s part of the safety factor in place, along with others, that makes Kitsmiller comfortable to volunteer and answer crisis calls coming in from battered women.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this was the second year for the awards, which are presented by the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Kitsmiller was nominated by Penny Gardner, director of education at Women’s Haven.
“Neva is one of those people that make up the fabric of the community by giving of her time to help others,” Gardner issued in a release. “During her life she made herself indispensable as a wife and mother and in retirement she has continued that nurturing role as a volunteer.”
Kitsmiller said she’s still surprised that she received the award, and humbly thought there are others more deserving. She admitted though that even though the volunteer work isn’t hard, more volunteers are needed, since so many don’t stay with it.
“Maybe I’m doing some good out there in the world,” Kitsmiller said.
“Neva is a caring lady with a giving spirit and is much deserving of this award. Neva, we thank you for the work that you do on behalf of victims of domestic violence in your community,” Gardner said.
Kitsmiller, in her volunteer role, offers education to women about domestic violence, sexual assault and gets involved with fundraising events for Women’s Haven.
“She has served on the agency’s board of directors for three years. Neva was instrumental in convincing the community of the need for a local office for their agency. She has also assisted in establishing a local Batterer’s Intervention program,” Gardner said.
Kitsmiller also is a hospice volunteer, visits the alternative school to teach crochet and is now in a mentoring program with a local school.
Also receiving awards were Irene Asai, Assistant District Attorney in Garfield County in the prosecutor category; Cleveland County Sheriff’s Deputy Ronnie Johnson for law enforcement; and Lori Russell, case manager of the Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma in Ponca City for role as victim advocate.
For information about domestic violence awareness, contact Melissa Blanton, Domestic Violence Resource Prosecutor, District Attorneys Council at 405-264-5008 or via e-mail at melissa.blanton@dac.state.ok.us.
