Branches Advocate Receives Statewide Award for Excellence during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is proud to announce that one of its own will be honored with a statewide advocacy award from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence at their annual ceremony on Thursday, October 23rd.

Branches’ Director of Development, Sara Blevins O’Toole, is the 2025 recipient of the Diane Reese Advocacy Award in recognition of her tireless effort in her eight years of working with survivors of domestic violence. Her unparalleled commitment has diligently grown Branches’ capacity and training to grow our community’s understanding of domestic violence, and the agency celebrates her efforts to making safety more accessible

for all West Virginians.

Sara marks the fifth Branches advocate to receive the recognition since 2016 from across the state.

The Diane Reese Advocacy Award honors an individual who exemplifies the outstanding commitment to social justice and advocacy for battered women that Diane Reese showed throughout her life. Diane Reese demonstrated her commitment to a broad vision of social justice by working on a multitude of issues, including domestic violence. Diane was a Team Coordinator of the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence for 14 years and was active in numerous statewide and national projects to improve services and supports for battered women and their children, and to expand the vision of justice for those affected by

domestic violence. Diane was a true advocate, helping others to realize their own potential and living by the principles of empowerment and equality. Amber Ross-Chapman is the perfect embodiment of the Diane Reese Advocacy Award.

Branches extends its sincere gratitude to Sara. Her innovation and commitment to excellence in advocacy has proved a driving force for the growth of our agency, and it is through her hard work and sacrifice that Branches can offer more comprehensive services than ever before in its 45-year history. Thank you, Sara for shining so bright in support of our life-saving mission!

For more information visit Branchesdvs.org or call Branches Domestic Violence Shelter at 304-529-2382.