About the Porch Light Award
The award is named in honor of the "Porch Light Program," a grass roots movement originated in the 1980's by a group of women affiliated with SASS and A Safe Place who were deeply concerned about the amount of violence and assaults in their community. The program established a network of "safe houses" - houses branded by a green porch light signifying them as a safe haven for those women and children in need of emergency refuge.

The Porch Light Award is presented annually to a person who has demonstrated a significant contribution to improving the lives of men, women, and children through exemplary dedication, passion, and commitment to building a safer, healthier society. Last year, in honor of A Safe Place's 30th anniversary, the founders of A Safe Place, Kathleen Costello, Alan Cronheim, M. Betts Davis, Kathryn Driscoll, Laurie Gerhardt, Kate Lincoln, Margaret Montore, and Jan Schaefer were presented the award and Kathleen Kennett was presented the Distinguished Service Award.

In recognition of the 30th anniversary of SASS, five individuals will be recognized during this year's special champagne brunch award ceremony. These individuals, in various capacities, are being recognized for their exemplary work and contributions to the mission of SASS. They are: Judy Wilbur-Albertson, Kristyn Bernier, Cindy Cole, Bill Faulkner, and Mike Pomp.