Colleen Rice — From Harm to Healing: How Communities Can Prevent Violence Before It Begins

Sunday Service — 10:30 a.m.

Leader — Jen Gibson

Speaker — Colleen Rice

Title — From Harm to Healing: How Communities Can Prevent Violence Before It Begins

Topic — Domestic violence does not emerge in isolation—it grows in the gaps where communities are under‑resourced, relationships are unsupported, and systems fail to uphold dignity, equity, and compassion. In this talk, Colleen Rice, Executive Director of the Richland County Domestic Violence Shelter, explores how communities can move upstream to prevent violence before it starts. Drawing from decades of advocacy, survivor‑centered leadership, and community development work, Colleen illustrates how prevention is not only possible but deeply interconnected with the principles of worth, justice, compassion, and the interdependent web of life.

“From Harm to Healing” ultimately affirms a powerful truth: when communities unite around dignity and justice, we create the conditions for peace—one relationship, one family, and one compassionate act at a time.

Bio — Colleen Rice serves as the Executive Director of the Richland County Domestic Violence Shelter, where she leads a mission to build a peaceful, just, and compassionate community. Under her leadership, the Shelter provides comprehensive, life‑saving services—including 24/7 shelter, crisis hotline and chat, emergency hospital response, and specialized advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and strangulation.

Colleen’s career reflects a deep commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Her leadership spans nearly 30 years of community and leadership development work and public health.

A barrier‑breaker and equity advocate, Colleen became the first woman to serve on the Western Reserve Masonic Community Board and has served on the National United for ALICE advisory board, advancing racial and economic equity for working families. Her work recognizes that true safety is inseparable from justice, compassion, and community collaboration.

Through her mission‑driven leadership, Colleen is dedicated to expanding access to safety while building pathways to healing, empowerment, and prevention—rooted in the belief that a peaceful future is possible when communities come together with courage and care.

Join us downstairs after service for coffee and conversation.

Masks are optional in the building, and we fully support individuals’ choices regarding their use.