Former AVRC Executive Director Receives Award

Congratulations!
2020 COVA Award Winners

COVA recognized the 2020 COVA Award recipients on April 19, 2021, at the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Virtual Event. The award winners are individuals or agencies who have gone above and beyond the normal challenges of providing victim services and who make a positive impact on the lives of crime victims and the victim advocacy movement.

Winner of the Deana Griswould Award for Outstanding Victim Advocate within the Nonprofit Sector
An individual who works in a nonprofit or private organization who has made a significant impact on the lives of victims of crime.

Sandra Leonard
Executive Director,
Arkansas Valley Resource Center,
La Junta, CO

“Sandra Leonard, like Deana Griswould, has made helping victims of crime her life’s work. Leonard has a sunny disposition and very approachable manner, which has led to the ease with which she helps those who suffer from crime. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and puts other’s well-being as a priority. Leonard is an asset to our community and gives assistance where it is most needed–helping victims of crime. To say she has made an impact on survivors’ (victims’) lives is an understatement, she has led by example and exemplifies the best of humanity in her 30 years at the Arkansas Valley Resource Center.”