In September, Connie Button with Battlefords Interval House was awarded the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, along with 122 other recipients who contributed in various ways to communities and the province.
2017 was the first year women’s shelter workers were eligible for the award.
Below is the text written by Ann McArthur in 2014 submitted as a nomination for Button.
Connie Button began her career with Battlefords Interval House Society in August 1979 when the operations were in the infancy of existence. She and one other crisis counsellor began their work out of an office space and then moved into a new shelter facility in January 1980. In 1993 another move was made into a larger facility. Connie continues to work at the shelter today.
Prior to her work at the Interval House, Connie worked at the Umbrella Drop In Centre in North Battleford – an organization that worked at assisting and protecting people who could be homeless, fleeing violence, vulnerable to abuse and addicts. Connie’s work at the drop in centre allowed her to carry her ability to ensure safety and security to a new level at Battlefords Interval House. The shelter is a 24-hour shelter for women and children leaving abusive situations. These clients present as vulnerable, fearful, suffering from addictions, suffering from mental health or physical medical issues, and potentially volatile in behaviours. As a staff member Connie provides supportive counselling, information, education, advocacy, referral services to women who have experienced violence, are vulnerable to experience further violence, possible ongoing poverty, possible homelessness and possible gang affiliations.
Connie’s calm, controlled personality allow her to ensure the safety, security of the clients at the shelter despite the threat of danger. Many times the threats occur during single staff coverage. Connie is very dedicated to her work, comes with an open non-judgmental attitude and works tirelessly for women. Connie has taken every opportunity to expand her training and education to ensure she is knowledgeable on the most up-to-date information and methods of working with clients fleeing domestic or interpersonal violence.
During Connie’s 35.5 years of working with victims of violence, she worked with the Battlefords Humane Society and had a special interest in the connection between domestic violence and the abuse of animals – especially pets in the homes where domestic violence occurred. She included education in the area to enhance her understanding of this correlation and Connie continues to work toward the protection of animals today.
Connie’s sincere dedication to working with over 3,200 families at Battlefords Interval House and ensuring their safety and protection warrants consideration as a recipient of the Saskatchewan Protection Service Medal.
