JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Carol Bowers was recently awarded the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault’s P.E.A.C.E. “Lifetime Contribution” Award. The ceremony took place on November 28 in Riverton, Wyo.

P.E.A.C.E. stands for “Promoting Excellence in Advocacy for Change and Empowerment.” The award highlights individuals whose lives have been dedicated to ending violence against women. Only a handful of recipients have ever been so honored.

“Carol carries with her the stories of hundreds of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The weight of these stories is sometimes immense, but Carol bears the burden gracefully,” remarked a current client services staff member at CSN whom Carol has mentored.

How does one measure a life of service to others? By the number of people served? By the quality of service? By some other means?

A quantitative ‘measure’ might be impossible. It’s often an intangible found in the lives of those affected, those forever impacted in a positive way.

Sharel Love, former Executive Director at CSN, said, “If there is one single improvement Carol made on the lives of victims, it is to have taught all of the rest of us, and there were hundreds of staff and volunteers who learned from her, how to be present with those who are struggling and to view growth on an individual basis.”

Bowers has undeniably impacted hundreds of lives—women and children and families whom she has profoundly affected, both at Community Safety Network (CSN) where she has worked tirelessly in Client Services for almost 20 years, and in many other walks of her life.

“Her voice and presence will outlast her tenure, as we continue to embody the compassion and graciousness that she instilled,” said Andy Cavallaro, Executive Director of CSN. “Carol lights up a room, the office, the hallway, wherever she is. She makes us laugh, and sometimes she makes us cry. And we all know, whether here at CSN or in the next chapter of her life, she will always have our backs and those of our clients.”

The honorable and telling award comes at an auspicious time, as Bowers is ending her time at Community Safety Network later this month. Past and present staff at CSN, dating back to 1999, all agreed. They eagerly signed their names to a nomination letter for the P.E.A.C.E award.

“Carol will be missed. Undeniably. Immeasurably,” Cavallaro added. “But we are all so very happy to have worked and walked alongside her and so very grateful to have had this invaluable opportunity.”