A Conversation with Sue Meuschke
Sue Meuschke, the Executive Director of the Nevada Coalition to END Domestic and Sexual Assault for the past 32 years, has been a tour de force in the domestic violence sector. For her service, the Governor of Nevada granted Sue with the Great Seal of the State. In our interview, we dove into how Sue came into this field, and how her work in Nevada led to such a great honor.
Sue’s journey in this field began in Nevada in 1984, when she started volunteering at a local domestic violence shelter. Sue teared up as she recounted a heart-wrenching experience there:
As a volunteer, Sue would take the children in the shelter to a local park so they could play, as well as give the mothers a break. Once, a four-year-old girl explained to Sue how bread cost a dollar, and that was why her mother had to work. While her mother worked, it was her job to take care of her little brother. Sue assured the girl that today, she didn’t have to take care of her brother, and she could just have fun. Sue was amazed at the sense of responsibility this child had taken on at such a young age. After this encounter, Sue knew she needed to continue the fight to end domestic violence.
As a volunteer, Sue would take the children in the shelter to a local park so they could play, as well as give the mothers a break. Once, a four-year-old girl explained to Sue how bread cost a dollar, and that was why her mother had to work. While her mother worked, it was her job to take care of her little brother. Sue assured the girl that today, she didn’t have to take care of her brother, and she could just have fun. Sue was amazed at the sense of responsibility this child had taken on at such a young age. After this encounter, Sue knew she needed to continue the fight to end domestic violence.
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Since then, Sue has helped to grow domestic violence programs throughout the state of Nevada, trained health care providers and Child Protective Services workers, and created legislation for a state-wide Domestic Violence Council. In 1989, Sue became the Executive Director of the then Nevada Coalition to END Domestic Violence. In 2017, Sue also expanded the mission to include sexual violence. Right now, Sue is working with her team on a bill to increase statewide funding for domestic violence services and to add state-wide funding for sexual violence services, which currently do not receive any. In her time in this field, Sue has never experienced a dull day. She stresses that since the movement is relatively young, it is possible to make a difference in how that movement moves and grows. She hopes to see the sector begin to build partnerships outside of its current comfort zones--for survivors need not only a hotline and shelter, but also economic support, affordable housing, child care, job opportunities, emotional support, and more. These things can only be attained through varied partnerships and support systems. |
Sue encourages everyone to get involved in this movement to end violence, for small steps are what will take us the furthest--whether by volunteering, writing a check, or donating clothing and goods.
Since a sheltered child’s story inspired Sue to continue her work in this field, she has a particular fondness toward PRESENT NOW and our mission. When we hear a story like Sue's, we are extra proud to bring joy and love to sheltered children and contribute toward ending the cycle of violence.
Since a sheltered child’s story inspired Sue to continue her work in this field, she has a particular fondness toward PRESENT NOW and our mission. When we hear a story like Sue's, we are extra proud to bring joy and love to sheltered children and contribute toward ending the cycle of violence.
“What PRESENT NOW does is huge. By celebrating a child, you are changing that child’s arc.”
- Sue Meuschke
It was bittersweet to hear of Sue's retirement plans in September. Sue, thank you for your years of dedicated service. You are an inspiration to us all!
“I get to do what I get to do. I leave behind what I leave behind, and someone else takes it and moves it forward. And that’s the best gift that anyone could give.”
- Sue Meuschke
- Sue Meuschke