Contributed photo
NEW LEADERSHIP — Desiree Chasse, left, and Patricia Smith will begin work as Hope and Justice Project’s new associate director and executive director, respectively, on Sept. 1.
PRESQUE ISLE — Come September, Hope and Justice Project will welcome a new executive director as well as a new associate director.
Francine Garland Stark, who has been in the position of executive director at Hope and Justice Project for the past five years, will be stepping into the role of executive director at the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) in Augusta. MCEDV is the statewide resource for the eight projects in Maine that serve victims of abuse and violence, including Hope and Justice Project.
Filling Garland Stark’s shoes will be the organization’s finance coordinator, Patricia Smith.
“It is a great privilege to be asked to serve Hope and Justice Project as their new executive director,” Smith said. “I am honored by the trust the board of directors has placed in me.” Smith has worked for Hope and Justice Project for the past 15 years.
In addition, the organization will instate a new position of associate director, which will be filled by Desiree Chasse.
“I continue to be inspired by Francine and the work that she has done to advance domestic abuse and sexual assault response and awareness in our community,” said Chasse, who currently acts as liaison to Child Protective Services for the organization.
“I look forward to working closely with Pat to help lead the team which will continue to provide the highest level of advocacy to and for the highest numbers of individuals affected by abuse and violence over our broad geographical area.”
These changes in leadership will take effect Sept. 1.
Hope and Justice Project works with anyone who has experienced or been affected by abuse or violence in Aroostook County. For more information, visit hopeandjusticeproject.org or email info@hopeandjusticeproject.org. The 24-hour hotline number is a (800) 439-2323. Services are free and confidential.
