Special Publications - Living Here - Living Here_People

POSTED: Sunday, Mar. 30, 2008

Kirsten Hammer, executive director of Womencare Shelter

Name: Kirsten Hammer.

Age: 45.

Job: Executive director of Womencare Shelter.

How long: Nine and a half years with the organization, five months as director.

Background: B.A. in human services from Western Washington University, current board member for the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, board member for the Whatcom County Reentry Coalition.

In her years at Womencare, she has served as an overnight advocate, a woman's advocate, a legal advocate, a teen leader and shelter manager.

Most frequent question: "What does Womencare do?" (It provides confidential emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence and their children, support services, a crisis line and community education.)

Most difficult question: "Why does she stay?"

"This is a common misconception because there are many barriers that battered women face when leaving an abusive relationship."

Tip: "Always believe in people and always focus on their strengths. Whether it's people you're serving or people in your personal life, a positive attitude takes you a long way."