Solutions Welcomes Josh Konen

Solutions Center welcomes Josh Konen as a Child and Teen Educator/Advocate.

“This is a newly-created position that will grow and improve the quality of our services to children and families,” said Executive Director Lindee Kimball. “We are expanding our programming for school-aged children and targeting abuse victims at risk of continuing the cycle of violence.”

Konen will work in collaboration with the Child and Teen Advocate and be available to offer healthy relationship and anti-bullying programs to schools as well as providing safety planning, non-violent conflict resolutions, self-esteem building and a greater respect for women. Additionally, he will meet one-on-one with children in the shelter and at-risk children in the community providing education and support and serving as a positive role model.

“While we believe informed advocacy and support are of utmost importance, we would love to see the need for our services lessen,” Kimball said. “Recognizing that children are resilient, our goal is to reach out to children – especially boys – who have been exposed to domestic violence to stop the cycle of abuse. Josh is a wonderful person to serve as a role model to these kids.”

Konen was born and raised in Fond du Lac and attended Campbellsport High School. He is completing his last semester at Marian University where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a minor in Studio Art. He has a passion for helping others and will be going on his sixth mission trip during spring break.

“My role at Solutions Center is a new and exciting opportunity to continue to make a difference in the Fond du Lac community where I have lived all my life,” he said. “I have the ability to change young people’s lives with the position that I have received – that is a great feeling.”

This advocacy role is made possible through a grant provided by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Konen, and other trained staff, are available to speak to classrooms, groups and organizations. More information is available by calling 920-923-1743.