It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that I announce that Carol Arthur has decided to retire from her position as Executive Director at the end of 2014.  Carol has led DAP's work to end domestic violence since 1988.

Collaboration and innovation have been hallmarks of Carol's leadership.  During her tenure, DAP has established and maintained partnerships with the Little Earth Community in South Minneapolis and NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center in North Minneapolis.  DAP's current collaborations include work with Sojourner Project, Alexandra House, the University of Minnesota, Lutheran Social Services, FATHER Project and Urban Ventures.  DAP works effectively with the Minneapolis Police, the Minneapolis City Attorney, Hennepin County Probation, Hennepin County judges and other members of the criminal justice system.  If there's a task force addressing domestic abuse, odds are high that Carol serves on it!

Carol often says that our name is Domestic Abuse Project for a reason.  Carol has made innovation an integral element of DAP's character.  Recently, DAP created CHANGE STEP™, a program to give male veterans the tools to eliminate abusive behaviors from their intimate relationships.  No similar program exists nationwide. In fact, the US Air Force will implement CHANGE STEP™ at all 75 of its bases worldwide in the fall of 2014.  DAP is collaborating with the University of Minnesota on a study of the feasibility of integrating trauma informed yoga into women's domestic abuse therapy groups.  Women participating in the groups have found that the stress relief provided by yoga helps them heal.

Twenty seven years of strong management by Carol have left DAP well positioned to carry on Carol's legacy.  The four members of her management team have a combined 73 years of service to DAP.

Please join me in thanking Carol for her visionary leadership and in wishing her an engaging and enjoyable retirement!

Deborah Kermeen
Domestic Abuse Project Board Chair