What an achievement - one lady's 20 years dedication to Amber Women’s Refuge in Kilkenny

The board of Amber Women’s Refuge CLG recently recognised Manager Lisa Morris’ 20 years of service with the local domestic abuse organisation.

The milestone was marked by a presentation and reflection on Amber’s growth and expansion under Lisa’s stewardship.

Following a degree in Social Studies, Lisa began her career as a Relief Project Worker in the refuge in 2005. Promoted to Senior Project Worker in 2009, then Acting Manager in 2014, she was appointed Manager of Amber in 2015.

Since becoming Manager, Lisa has overseen the development of Amber’s community-based Outreach and Court Accompaniment services in Kilkenny and Carlow, the development of specialist services for children and the roll out of Amber’s One Million Stars community arts project, which raises awareness of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

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She also led a major redevelopment of the refuge building in 2022 and the development of ‘Acorn Lodge’, Amber’s onsite therapeutic hub offering counselling and other supports to women and children.

Speaking at the presentation to mark her 20 years of service, Ken Byrne, Chairperson, Amber Women’s Refuge CLG praised Lisa’s transformative impact: “Lisa’s tenure as Manager of Amber has been marked by the organisation’s growth and expansion and the implementation of many innovative initiatives. Supported by the board, Lisa ensures we have the proper plans, procedures, policies, structures and resources in place to achieve our objectives and serves as a wonderful leader to Amber’s 27-strong staff team. She does this while remaining always focused on the needs of the women and children we support and protect.”

In the coming years, Amber will see further expansion with the planned development of a new refuge and support services in Carlow town. This will effectively double the size of the organisation.

“The Board is committed to supporting Lisa and her management team throughout this next phase. On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank Lisa for the dedication, commitment and compassion she has shown over her 20-year career at Amber.” concluded Ken Byrne.

Established in 1995, Amber Women’s Refuge CLG provides a 24hr Helpline, emergency refuge accommodation, community-based supports and therapeutic services to women and children living in Kilkenny and Carlow experiencing any form of domestic violence and abuse.