Woman of the Year, Dalai Lama, Birthday and Visits

April is shaping up to be an exciting month. I have my in-laws in from the East Coast, Ms. Saada's 5th birthday brunch, spring fever in the air, FVLC breakfast invite to meet the Dalai Lama in San Francisco and my mother being honored as Woman of the Year. Wow! In usual fashion either nothing much is happening or EVERYTHING is happening at once. You know how we roll. *chuckle*

Below is a "blurb" written about the work my mother has done and the award she's to receive.

CWL [California Women Lawyers]Board Governor Cherri Allison
Inducted into the Alameda County
Women’s Hall of Fame




On April 25, 2009, CWL Board Member Cherri Allison will join the ranks of Alameda County Women of distinction and accomplishments by being inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame in the Justice Category. Ms. Allison, a formidable woman leader in Alameda County and the State of California, is a CWL District Governor representing District 3, encompassing much of the Bay Area. Ms. Allison joins her dear friend and colleague on the CWL Board, Nancy E. O’Malley, who was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

Ms. Allison is an Alameda County native. She serves as the Executive Director of the Family Violence Law Center (FVLC), an organization serving domestic violence victims and their children for more than 30 years in the County. During her tenure as Executive Director, Ms. Allison has successfully expanded the capacity and scope of FVLC. In 2008, under her leadership, more than 10,000 victims of domestic violence received services from FVLC, the teen dating violence outreach program grew and received national attention as a model for communities. In 2008, FVLC was selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for a national grant as a leader in successful Teen Dating Violence Programs.

Ms. Allison has led her organization to reach beyond the traditional norms in providing both outreach to victims and access for victims through the creation of innovative, collaborative partnerships with other organizations and service providers. Ms. Allison is one of the founders of the Alameda County Family Justice Center (ACFJC). In April, 2009, Ms. Allison has strengthened the collaborative and comprehensive delivery service mode of the FVLC by moving the operation to the ACFJC. By doing so, Ms. Allison brings her vision, leadership and success to the ACFJC, itself a national model recognized for effective, efficient and comprehensive services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual abuse and exploitation and elder abuse.

Ms. Allison is a woman who has dedicated her life, sometimes wrought with personal challenges, to helping others in need. She has been married to her wonderful, handsome husband Richard, for more than 40 years. They raised 4 children and now have 20 grandchildren. She is a beautiful person inside and out and her induction to the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame is well deserved and very well earned.

Just in case you in the area and would like to participate, here is the luncheon info.

The ceremony is being held on April 25, 2009 at
Hs. Lordships Restaurant
199 Seawall Drive, Berkeley.
The luncheon starts at 12:30 p.m. and the cost is $75.00
Please call 510.259.3871 or visit http://www.acgov.org/cao/halloffame/