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In January of 2016, the Board of Directors of then Women's Support Services (WSS) proudly announced the appointment of Dr. D. Elizabeth ("Betsey") Mauro as Executive Director. Former Board Chair and current Connecticut State Representative Maria Horn remarked on Betsey’s appointment, stating, "We believe Dr. Mauro's experience, skills and leadership style make her the ideal person to lead WSS in its next chapter." In the nearly 8 years since that time, staff size has doubled, more options are available for emergency and long-term shelter, prevention education programming has more than tripled the number of sessions taught, the agency moved to a new, larger office building at 13a Porter Street, and WSS changed its name to Project SAGE (Support-Advocate-Guide-Educate). Under Betsey's leadership, the agency transformed, entering its next chapter.
A native of northwestern Connecticut, Betsey joined the staff at Project SAGE after a career in ministry and higher education, which included work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Betsey holds a Bachelor of Arts in geology from the University of New Hampshire, a Master of Divinity from Earlham School of Religion, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary.
An intelligent, courageous, and empathetic leader, Betsey strives to create connection. Connection with the community. Connection to resources for clients needing support, and connection within the staff and Board. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff separated to work remotely, but Betsey ensured the hotlines remained open and those in need maintained access to the agency's critical services. Her ability to create connections and dedication to the mission resulted in a stronger agency that grew despite many challenges and unknowns.
In Betsey's first year, Project SAGE responded to 515 hotline crisis calls, provided emergency shelter to 3 adults and 5 children, and taught hundreds of children and teens in the area about the importance of healthy relationships. Last year, the agency responded to 1,485 hotline crisis calls, provided over 2,100 nights of emergency shelter, and had more than 3,200 interactions with children and teens through prevention education programming. These numbers not only speak to the need for Project SAGE's services but the incredible growth of the agency thanks to Betsey's leadership.
Out of Betsey's many achievements in her eight years of leading Project SAGE, her greatest one is having created a sustainable agency that will continue in its mission to end relationship violence long after her tenure has ended. She has made Project SAGE an invaluable community resource and transformed the agency from a locally known organization to a leader in the fight against domestic abuse.
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