FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 5, 2013

Contact: Bobbi McLin

(Office) 405.608.0445

YWCA OKC Executive Director Jan Peery honored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington DC

Recipient of the 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award

OKLAHOMA CITY – Jan L. Peery, chief executive officer of the YWCA Oklahoma City, was honored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) April 5 in Washington DC as a recipient of the 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA).

The DCLA was created in 1990 as the principle means for the FBI to honor individuals or organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs and violence to help keep America and its children safe. FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, personally presented the award at the national ceremony honoring recipients from each of the 56 FBI field offices.

Peery was honored for her distinguished career helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. During her 15-year tenure at the YWCA Oklahoma City, Peery fostered and developed the YWCA Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program for Oklahoma County, which includes partners from law enforcement, the Department of Justice, and medical and forensic agencies. Through the SANE program, Peery has unified social service providers to meet the needs of domestic abuse victims. Peery helped establish the agency's dating violence prevention education program, the Oklahoma County Task Force on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and domestic violence education groups for women incarcerated in Oklahoma Department of Corrections facilities.

“The dedicated staff and supporters of the YWCA-OKC work tirelessly helping domestic violence victims break the cycle of abuse and build better lives. I am very fortunate to work with such a talented, supportive group and hope that this award brings hope to victims in Oklahoma City so they know we can help them rebuild their lives,” Peery said.

About the YWCA Oklahoma City

The YWCA Oklahoma City is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice and dignity for all. The YWCAOklahoma City is best known as the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County and offers wraparound services including counseling, financial literacy training, childcare, and housing for families rebuilding lives after violence. For more information, visit www.ywcaokc.org.

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