Director sets goals for New Choices

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Sidney — Amanda Partington has taken over as the new director of New Choices. New Choices is an organization that provides abused women and their children with shelter, legal support, and assistance being able to begin again in a healthier situation. Partington has been involved with New Choices for nine years.

“I became involved with New Choices in 2008, starting out as the Child Advocate,” said Partington.

Partington attended college at Miami Jacobs Career College in Dayton Ohio and earned her Associates degree in 2007.

In addition to college and her experience as a child advocate in the organization prior, Partington has had other experience to lead her to this position.

“My prior experience was life experience, both my own personal experiences and with friends who would often call and need help or advice when they were in abusive relationships or were coming from homes where children were being abused or neglected. I knew from helping them that my calling in life was for helping others,” said Partington,

As Partington begins her new position, she looks ahead and thinks of what she would like to see happen with the organization.

“We are hoping to build more relationships with other community agencies to help educate others on domestic violence and how New Choices can play a part in helping them when they come across victims in their agencies,” said Partington.

As well as her hopes for reaching out to other agencies, Partington has hopes to reach the public.

“My hopes and expectations for New Choices are that we create an awareness so that the average person understands that this is happening in the homes of people they know and it’s not ok to ignore it, to stop victim blaming by saying things such as ‘why doesn’t she just leave’ or ‘I would never put up with that’, etc. and find ways to help them want to speak up and get the help that they need and that we can provide for them to create a life with the love and happiness that they deserve,” said Partington.

New Choices was incorporated in 1983 and opened their first shelter in 1990. Their mission is not only to help women and children subjected to domestic violence but also to provide education about bullying, stalking, and teen dating violence.

The organization provides many services which can be viewed on their website at www.newchoicesinc.org.

“New Choices is currently looking for board members, and would like to create a list of future board members so that we can be the strongest we have ever been as an agency in the community. If anyone is interested please contact me at 937-498-7261,” said Partington.

Amanda Partington, new director at New Choices, looks forward to forging a stronger relationship with community organizations in the future. Formerly a child advocate, Partington has been involved with New Choices since 2008.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/04/web1_Partington-1.jpgAmanda Partington, new director at New Choices, looks forward to forging a stronger relationship with community organizations in the future. Formerly a child advocate, Partington has been involved with New Choices since 2008. Paula Frew | Sidney Daily News

By Paula Frew

For the Sidney Daily News

The writer is a regular contributor to the Sidney Daily News.

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