Family Service
Society, Inc.
since 1919
    Encourage, Empower, Educate...
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Contact us at:
101 S. Washington St. Suite 200
Marion, IN 46952
Phone: 765-662-9971
Fax: 765-651-6556
email: famservices@famservices.com

For hours, click here

The Mayor's Commission Against Domestic Violence

The Mayor’s Commission Against Domestic Violence was formed in 1989 as a Task force. In 1991 under Mayor Robert Mitchell’s leadership an ordinance was created elevating the task force to a Domestic Violence Commission. The City Ordinance #28 was passed by the Marion City Council on Nov. 6, 1991.

The DV Commission is made up of at least 15 members and not more than 50 members who serve two year terms. The ordinance is specific in stating that a member must be represented from the following:
  • Grant County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Women’s Services/Family Services (Women’s Service was changed to Hands of Hope in 1997)
  • Marion Police Department
  • Cornerstone
  • Prevention of Child Abuse Council
  • Grant County Child Abuse Protection Team
  • Grant County Sheriff’s Department
  • Mayor or his designee
In addition, members should be drawn from the following areas:  
  • Law enforcement
  • Mental Health Professionals
  • Judicial System
  • Social Service Organizations
  • Educational Systems
  • Business and Industry
  • Legal Profession
  • Victims of domestic violence
  • Medical Profession
  • Religious Community
  • Community at Large 

There are currently 22 members on the DV Commission with the majority of the members actively attending monthly meetings held from noon to 1 p.m., the fourth Tuesday of the month in the second floor conference room at Marion City Hall.

To keep up with the Mayor's Commission Against Domestic Violence via Facebook follow the link below:
Facebook link

The Executive Officers of the DV Commission currently are:

  • Chair: Linda Wilk, Hands of Hope Director/Family Service Society, Inc.
  • Vice Chair: Dana Kenworthy, Grant County Deputy Prosecutor, Vice Chair
  • Secretary: Tammy Cornelious, MBA, RN, CEN, Administrative Director of Emergency Department, Ambulance Services, and Admissions Intake, Marion General Hospital
  • Treasurer: Valerie Loper, Marion Police Department Victim's Advocate

The following individuals were sworn in by Mayor Wayne Seybold at the Marion City Council meeting May 5, 2009:

  • Joseph Combs, Grant County Director Indiana Department of Child Services
  • Julie Autry, Investigator, Grant County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Jason McVicker, Grant County Deputy Prosecutor
  • Lisa Padilla, Community/Latino representative
  • Paula Pauley, Grant County Sheriff’s Department Victim’s Advocate

Other current members include:

  • Rita Scallon, Grant-Blackford Mental Health Center
  • Patrick Kolb, Grant County Sheriff’s Department
  • Ed Beaty, Grant County Sheriff’s Department
  • David Gilbert, Marion Police Department
  • Cliff Sessoms, Marion Police Department
  • Marilyn Simons, Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Rev. Darrell Smith, Grant County Sheriff’s Department
  • Amalia Miller, Healthy Families, Family Service Society Inc.
  • Lynn Jenkins, Healthy Families, Family Service Society, Inc.
  • Mike Henson, Grant County Probation
  • Janet Bailey, First Light Child Advocacy Center
  • Jill Speicher, Grant County Prosecutor’s Office Victim’s Advocate
    Among the projects accomplished in 2009 to date has been the expansion of the Expect Respect campaign spearheaded by Hands of Hope. In May, 20 flags were created by Designs Groups and currently are hanging around the Grant County Courthouse in downtown Marion and into Matter Park.

    In 2009 the DV Commission’s main focuses are on reaching the Latino community and youth of our city and county.  On May 5th, 35 community people along with members of the DV Commission and the Mayor met to discuss local resources and how to reach the Latino community. Information was shared and gathered with the intention of continuing the dialogue and possibly this fall holding a town meeting, trainings and workshops.  

    Local law enforcement are in the process of being trained on a Domestic Violence Lethality Assessment that will be implemented June 1.

    In August 2009 the second annual Back to School Event partnering with Bethel Worship Center took place highlighting the prevalence of teen dating violence.

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