FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2020   

L.I. Against Domestic Violence| Colleen Merlo, LMSW Executive Director 

631.666.7181 | c.merlo@liadv.org 

L.I. Against Domestic Violence Executive Director nominated for Leadership Excellence – Nonprofit, Corporate Citizenship Award

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L.I. Against Domestic Violence is pleased to announce that our Executive Director, Colleen Merlo is being recognized by Long Island Business News for Non-profit Leadership Excellence during the Corporate Citizenship Award.    

When discussing her secret to leadership success; Ms. Merlo acknowledged the work of her staff, volunteers and the Board. She stated, “Leadership is about inspiring and motivating people to work together towards a goal. Leading an organization with a mission to save lives makes it really easy to keep staff motivated.” 

The award comes at a critical time when COVID has had a direct impact on survivors who were facing increased isolation and increased threats to their physical safety and emotional well-being. Ms. Merlo explained that the necessary isolation orders that were needed “provided abusers another opportunity to exert power and control over their victims”.  She went on to encourage survivors to reach out for help during these challenging times; “LIADV is here for you. Call our 24-hour hotline at 631-666-8833.” 

LIBN’s awards program “recognizes companies and individuals who believe that by being a good corporate citizen, they contribute to the economic and social well-being of employees, business and the community.” The event will be held in a virtual format at 4pm on September 15, 2020. Click Here to Register 

Colleen Merlo, LMSW, Executive Director L.I. Against Domestic Violence

About Organization 

L.I. Against Domestic Violence (LIADV) provides a range of services that help over 14,000 Long Island adults and children each year to escape from abusive relationships and build new lives. Founded in 1976, we are a regional pioneer and leader in empowering victims and survivors, providing them with shelter and support, and working with law enforcement and the community to prevent abuse. To learn more about L.I. Against Domestic Violence, visit www.liadv.org. 

About Colleen Merlo, LMSW 

As a licensed social worker, Ms. Merlo and has worked for more than 20 years in the non-profit human services sector. Her work, both as a direct service provider and in administration has focused on all issues of violence, genre equity, mental health and poverty. She also serves on multiple community boards and task forces focusing on the regions’ most vulnerable populations.  Serving as the Executive Director of L.I. Against Domestic Violence since June of 2014, her visionary leadership has increased capacity and broadened the agency’s ability to respond to the changing needs of Long Island.         

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