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Devereux’s Gwen Skinner named one of liveSAFE Resources’ “Women of Achievement”

Gwen Skinner, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s vice president of operations, was named one of liveSAFE Resources’ 2019 “Women of Achievement.” 

Skinner was among 15 women honored by liveSAFE Resources, a social services organization based in Marietta, Ga., during an awards ceremony in March.  

“I was truly surprised and honored to receive this recognition,” said Skinner. “The awards ceremony brought together some of the most generous and caring women who unselfishly give of themselves to their communities, and it was a great privilege to be recognized alongside them.”  

liveSAFE Resources: Honoring women leaders

Founded in 1917, liveSAFE Resources (the former YWCA of Northwest Georgia) is a nonprofit “committed to providing safety and healing to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.”  

The organization’s annual tribute to “Women of Achievement” honors women who “exemplify the qualities of leadership, achievement, dedication and generosity.” To date, more than 400 women leaders have received this award. 

“I am grateful to liveSAFE Resources not only for this honor, but for the opportunity to meet all of these amazing women who are working to better our communities and make a difference in people’s lives,” Skinner shared. “I cannot express how gratifying it is to see the abilities and achievements of women being recognized and endorsed in this way.”  

Skinner’s achievements

Skinner, who has more than 30 years of behavioral healthcare experience, joined Devereux in 2009. As vice president of operations, she is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations – including all programs and services – at Devereux’s Georgia, Florida and Texas centers. 

In addition to her vast and valuable professional contributions, Skinner has made it her mission to support some of the most vulnerable members of our society in her personal life, as well.  

Skinner formed the Villa Rica Civic Association, which is comprised of volunteers who work with local governments, law enforcement agencies, schools, churches and businesses to provide food and toys to up to 500 children each year.  

Since the late 1980s, Skinner and her husband, Pat, have also served as foster parents to more than 40 children.  

“Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the large number of children and adolescents needing stable and supportive families and homes,” Skinner explained. “My husband and I began fostering when I brought very young children home from our juvenile detention centers who were there because Georgia, at the time, had no minimum age for detention and juvenile court proceedings. We simply saw it as a way to grow our family, and our family has received so much more from the children we have fostered than we have ever given. We have established relationships that will last a lifetime.” 

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