Victim advocate wins award, donation for Safe House for Women

Beth Garoutte thought it was a mistake when she learned she had won the HopeLine Hero award from Verizon Wireless for her work as a victim advocate.

She has been the Cape Gir-ardeau County Victim Advocate since 2001 and was nominated for the award by Linda Garner, executive director of the Safe House for Women.

"Beth helps survivors put one foot in front of the other as they rediscover self confidence," Garner said in her letter of nomination.

The letter said Garoutte deserved the award and cited her diligent work helping the victims through the judicial process.

"When I was told I had actually been nominated I was very surprised," Garoutte said. "I'm glad that in some way I could do something to help the Safe House."

By winning the award, Garoutte will receive a plaque, but the Safe House receives $2,500 from Verizon to help fund the many services they provide. The award is meant to honor "ordinary heroes who do extraordinary deeds in the name of domestic violence prevention," according to a press release.

The Safe House for Women, a domestic violence shelter that provides safe shelter for women, is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1991. It offers group counseling, emergency housing, even pet housing when someone has to leave their home for their own safety, but still fear for their animal's welfare.

Verizon Wireless has awarded $40,000 to not-for-profits in Kansas, Missouri and Southern Illinois and given awards to 15 people associated with those organizations.

Safe House workers called Garoutte "approachable and empathetic."

"It's very important because clients need to be able to share their personal stories when they are trying to work through the judicial system to get help," said Lisa Quick, development director at the Safe House.