(Published 2024 November)
For the last 30 years, Richard Shullaw has been a Domestic and Sexual Violence Services volunteer, demonstrating exceptional dedication, remarkable skill, and a deep commitment to our mission to prevent and end domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking.
Richard has contributed to DSVS in numerous ways, including spending hours of his free time connecting with individuals who often are court mandated to participate in ADAPT and full of shame and trauma, guiding them toward accountability, compassion, and motivation to treat themselves and their loved ones in a way that exudes kindness.
His work has had a significant impact on all staff members that have had the opportunity to facilitate ADAPT domestic violence intervention groups with him, along with many other ADAPT volunteers who Richard has had the opportunity to work alongside. He often sends staff and volunteers articles on topics relevant to the work, further demonstrating his dedication--even after an ADAPT class ends. Having decades of experience doing this work, Richard has often acted as a mentor and a resource to newer ADAPT staff and volunteers.
Richard embodies the spirit of volunteerism through his positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to go above and beyond. He consistently provided support and encouragement to both staff and fellow volunteers, fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment. Richard always takes time before and after group sessions to offer support to clients and listen to them, often offering words of encouragement.
“I've been involved in ADAPT and its predecessor, the Men's Program, for almost 30 years,” Richard said over the summer, when he announced he was retiring from volunteering. “It has been a wonderful and life changing experience for me, making my life richer and my understanding of human psychology greater. It has taught me to be compassionate and to remove blame from my choices on how to react to life's challenges.”
Richard may be leaving ADAPT, but his volunteer spirit continues. “I’m more heavily involved with programs at my church, addressing the needs of the homebound elderly community of our parish,” he said.
In October, Richard was a Community Provider of Excellence Winner during the awards presentations of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Annual Meeting.
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).