Staff

I am a Victim Advocate which means I meet with victims in times of crisis either by a phone call from the Crisis Line or victims may come to Harbor House seeking help. I also facilitate the Women’s Support Group once a week; there are different topics discussed each week that are relevant to turning victims into survivors whether they are away from their abusers or are trying to cope with still being in an abusive relationship. As the Legal Advocate I accompany victims to the various hearings they may be required to attend; I also explain how the judicial proceedings work. I also accompany the victims as a means of moral support in case the abuser is there or anyone else who may try to intimidate her. We are fortunate to have a staff and Executive Director that work great together which in turn helps victims receive the very best service we can provide them. I will be with CADV for 2 years next month; it is the most rewarding career move I have made in the 30+ years I have worked.

As a Victim Advocate I help women of Domestic Violence by giving them information about the resources they can receive here at the Harbor House. I help them become self sufficient in helping them with our new Path housing program. I answer the crises line which is open 24 hrs a day. I started out as a volunteer being a survivor myself I enjoy helping other women get away from there abuser’s and start a new life. 

I was hired in January of 2008 and have already learned of how much violence has come into my home town of Elko. As a victim advocate I help out on the crisis line and peer counseling with victims hoping to help with their goal to becoming a survivor. I also stat all paper work that comes though to make sure the statistics we get are correct for in put with grants that help us to run the Harbor House. I also have the job to recruit and train volunteers. Without the help of volunteer our jobs would leave us with very little time for advocacy. I now know how helpful and needed Harbor House has been for our community. I am proud to be part of such a wonderful and caring staff that we have here at Harbor House and I hope I can help make a difference in someone's life.

As a Victim Advocate, I assist victims of domestic violence in becoming safe and familiar with Harbor House's resources, I manage the donations received. When a woman comes to Harbor House the transition for her and her children can be eased by having essential items such as hygiene products, clothing, and food provided. Through donations, a majority of these items are available. On a daily basis I sort, organize, and stock items for the residents to use. I make weekly trips to the store for fresh groceries and other necessities. Those interested in donating clean secondhand or new items are welcomed to contact me during business hours.

Yvette Waters

As a victim advocate and I am proud to say I have been a member of the movement for 21 years.  I made the choice to dedicate my life to the fight to end violence against women after escaping from my abuser and healing from 10 years of living with violence. 

I began working within the movement as a volunteer within the same organization that had provided my children and me safety. I answered the crisis line and volunteered at the shelter

After moving to Elko, I became involved with the Committee Against Domestic Violence.  I called to volunteer but instead became the Program Coordinator.  I continued to work at CADV for the next 1 ½ years.  With two babies in diapers, I resigned as a staff member but continued to volunteer.  I joined the CADV board in 1991.  I was the chair of the committee to construct Harbor House.  In 1994 I was elected President of the CADV Board of Directors.  In 1996, I was hired as the Executive Director. 

As the Executive Director at CADV, I have worn many hats, including a hardhat as construction supervisor at Harbor House.  However, the first hat I put on daily is as a victim advocate.  The second is as an educator.  The last hat is as an administrator.  I realize that may not be the correct order of hats according to many, especially funders, but I do this work for the victims and they will always come first.