Brooke Larson
Brooke Larson, Outreach Coordinator
770-479-1804 x101
Brooke Larson is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Outreach Coordinator at CFVC. While working on her Master of Social Work at Kennesaw State University, she completed two years of internship in the Legal and Housing departments then joined the team officially in June of 2015 as the Family Support Coordinator. As of August 2016, Brooke became the Outreach Coordinator. Brooke is currently working towards being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is a member of the National Association of Social Work (NASW) and the Secretary of the Domestic Violence Task Force for Cherokee County. Brooke is passionate about serving families and children who have experienced domestic violence and hopes for a community free of violence. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, hanging out with her cute dog, and exploring new places.
Describe your role at CFVC.
I am the Outreach Coordinator at CFVC. My role here consists of doing outreach events in the community, managing the Volunteer Program, creating and running reports for statistics and grants, updating social media and our website, and additional administrative tasks.
How did you come to work at CFVC?
I moved up to Kennesaw to complete my Master of Social Work at Kennesaw State University. As part of the requirements, I had to complete two internships over the course of two years. I chose CFVC because I have always had a passion for ending domestic violence. My first year, I was a legal advocate intern and loved the role and the agency. When it came time to pick a new location for my second year, I did not want to leave! After a discussion and interview, I moved to the housing department to complete my second year as a family advocate intern. When it came time to find a job at the end of my internship, I was happy and excited to be hired on the team as the Family Support Coordinator.
What has made you remain committed to CFVC since then?
CFVC is a wonderful agency and has a wonderful team working towards the goal of ending violence in our community. The agency’s mission and philosophy aligns with my hopes and dreams for our society. The CFVC team is filled with committed, driven, and empowered people who want better for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Tell us about yourself – what should our clients and supporters know about you?
I have a passion for freeing our community from any kind of violence and abuse. I have a dream that the children of our community will have a safe place to grow up and become whoever they imagine being. I am a creative thinker and I love applying my out-of-the-box ideas for different events. I am outgoing and like to meet new faces. I am also very committed and hard working.
What has been your favorite memory with CFVC?
One of my favorite memories with CFVC is when we took the children to Cagle’s Family Farm. At the farm they have an awesome corn maze! As we are preparing to enter, I explain to the group that if I say “marco” they are to say “polo” so I could know how close or far they were from me. While at first it worked and was beneficial to keeping tabs on the children in the maze, towards the end of the trip the children started to mess with me…They would respond to me and say “polo” then run away to the other side of the maze as a joke. I could not have been frustrated with the children as it was just too funny. By the end of the maze, we were all hilariously laughing. We will all carry that memory with us for forever.
Why do you think people should get involved with CFVC?
CFVC is a wonderful organization serving a population who deserves our community’s support.
What’s the biggest proof that you’re good at what you do?
I love it.
What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?
I am a passionate advocate for victims’ rights. I use my skills in relationship building and networking with other stakeholders to both cut red tape for CFVC clients and hold systems accountable to best practices.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Victim blaming and judgement! The default action for people who do not have a deep understanding of this issue, is to take the path of least resistance. People perceive it will be easier on everyone if a victim just leaves the situation. While that may be true, it does not make it right (many victims are in more danger when they leave, leaving does not address the source of the issue: the abuser’s power and control) and it certainly doesn’t make it just.
What do you most look forward to in your work?
I really love working on the systems change aspect of my job. We are so fortunate to be based in a community were other agencies and service providers are dedicated to doing good work. There are always issues that pop up, but we operate under the guise that everyone is doing the best they can, given the resources and training they have at their disposal. It’s great to come together with partners from other agencies in our area, to really hammer out solutions for the victims we work with.
Is there anything else you want to add?
I absolutely love my job and consider myself very blessed to be with a great organization in a community that goes above and beyond to help one another.
Certifications or professional memberships:
Member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Licensed Master Social Worker
Stewards of Children Training Certificate
First Aid and CPR Certified
Active member and former Secretary of the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force
List of CFVC events you have run or participated in:
Candlelight Vigils
Galloping Against Violence fundraisers
Jeep Raffle fundraiser
Poker Run fundraisers
Race for Empowerment