Operation Care Appoints Tammie Crabtree Executive Director
Tammie Crabtree was formally appointed as Executive Director of Operation Care, a local non-profit organization providing support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Over the past four years, Tammie has been dedicated to Operation Care in her positions of Program Manager, Deputy Director, and most recently, Interim Director. During this time, she met with virtually every client of Operation Care, whether survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, families of victims, individuals attending support groups, or teens attending violence prevention workshops. This in-depth knowledge of the needs of survivors gives her valuable insight required for future planning.
"We are very proud of Tammie's work, and pleased to announce her appointment as Executive Director", said Linda Zender, president of the board of directors. "For the past months, Tammie has held the interim position, and this was a natural progression for her. She has proven that she can manage business and financial issues, while still holding on to the compassion for our clients".
When asked about goals for her new position, Tammie said, "I look forward to working with our board of directors, our talented staff and community to support the mission of Operation Care." In addition to Operation Care's day to day caseloads, she successfully managed the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing program for Amador County, a $300,000 2-year grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through this program, 62 men, women, and children were assisted with rent, financial classes, and other life skills, allowing them to remain in their homes or to obtain housing for an average of 15 months. Tammie was also the catalyst behind the "Purple People" awareness campaigns during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, as purple life-sized cut-outs are placed throughout the county, each with a different real-life story.
"Although we live in a beautiful county with many caring and giving individuals, we are not immune from the harsh reality that Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault happen in our community to our neighbors, our families, our friends", said Tammie. "Although each one is different, every man, woman and child that finds themselves walking through our door are looking for the same thing; guidance, compassion, understanding and quite often a shoulder of support. As Executive Director I plan to provide the leadership for continued quality services and information for the citizens of Amador County".
Operation Care has been providing services and safe shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault for over thirty years. This fiscal year, Operation Care housed 27 adults and 17 children in safe shelter, for a total of 1278 bed nights. Advocates helped 52 victims with temporary restraining orders, and provided crisis intervention to 30 sexual assault victims. The staff provided transportation 783 times for domestic violence victims to get to safe shelter, appointments, court, or other locations. The mission of the organization is to provide domestic violence and sexual assault support services, crisis intervention and education in our community.