CALCASA member receives 2012 Visionary Voice Award

April 26, 2012 |
Valor

Karen Cooper's husband & daughter accept the Visionary Voice Award, which was presented by Senator Jean Fuller & Assemblymember Connie Conway

In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) highlights individuals throughout the country whose outstanding prevention work is making a significant impact in their communities. For the 2012 Visionary Voice Award, the NSVRC posthumously awarded Karen Cooper, Executive Director of Family Services of Tulare County, as the Californian recipient for this award.
Karen was nominated by the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault for her life’s work to foster a community of healthy people in supportive relationships and safe environments.
“Karen will be greatly missed,” said CALCASA’s Executive Director Sandra Henriquez. “Her dedication and influence reached rape crisis centers and by extension, rape victims throughout the state. Karen’s efforts will continue in Tulare County and across California as we carry on her legacy.”

Karen Cooper

Karen is recognized for her outstanding work in the sexual violence field for the following accomplishments:

  • She had been with the Family Services of Tulare County for 21 years.
  • Growing an agency that includes a domestic violence shelter and a transitional housing program; operates the Rape Crisis program for all of Tulare County; provides domestic violence awareness programs; offers services for those affected by HIV/AIDS; has adult and children’s counseling centers; and offers classes in anger management and parenting.
  • Her leadership in the field led to an appointment by Gov. Schwarzenegger to the California Domestic Violence Advisory Council, and she also served as chair of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence.
  • Her efforts have been rewarded with many awards over the years, including the Chamber’s Woman of the Year, Assembly District 34 Woman of the Year in 2008, the Ruiz Foods Danza Award in 2011, and the Soroptimist International Sierra Pacific Regional Women Helping Women Award.

Yesterday, CALCASA was pleased to be present this award to Karen’s family during its Denim Day event on April 25, 2012. We are grateful for Karen’s leadership in making changes across California and her community.