DANBURY – For Alex Lopes, work is not just work when it’s a passion that turns into your career. That’s how Lopes views her 35 years as a bi-lingual counselor and advocate at the Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE).
“It’s a bit surreal,” said Lopes who recalled her job interview years ago. “The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act was passed by the (U.S.) Department of Justice in the mid-80’s which created the positions of Family Violence Victim Advocates (FVVA) in the courts. I was the third FVVA to be hired in our area. It was exciting and scary at the same time advocating for victims’ rights, giving them a voice through the choices that the legal system provided.”
Since she began her journey, Lopes has filled many positions at CEE, including shelter manager and director, all along appreciating the opportunity to offer her knowledge, experience, and commitment to each one.
“Being a FVVA was a perfect fit for my degree in criminal justice with a minor in corrections,” she added. “A bilingual counselor offers support, advocacy, safety planning, counseling, and education services to individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and major life changes.
“This role is best suited for me because of working directly with the clients, assisting them with their road to empowerment through education on the dynamics of abuse and self-esteem issues.”
CEE also has a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Prisons to provide three counseling sessions to inmates who experienced sexual assault through the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Lopes said.
After more than three decades, Lopes remains unwavering in her dedication to her career.
“I attribute my longevity to diversity and personal growth. The underlining position as a bi-lingual counselor was always a part of any of the positions. Each position provided new challenges; it’s never dull or mundane,” she said.
“The work also provided opportunities for personal growth. As a survivor of domestic violence from my childhood I have been able to become part of the solution, not part of the chaos.”
In her position, Lopes offer a high level of competence, integrity, and confidentiality, and combined with her personal experiences, she has a basis for empathetically yet fairly understanding and supporting the plight of the many individuals that CEE serves. She believes she brings compassion, empathy, understanding, and the ability to teach healthy coping skills.
According to Ashley Dunn, CEE president and CEO, Lopes has been a remarkable part of the CEE’s team.
“Alexandrina has stood beside survivors with kindness and compassion,” Dunn said. “Her 35 years of service represent a legacy of hope, healing, and resilience for generations of survivors,” When I think of an advocate, I will forever think of her. She has embodied the very best of survivor-centered advocacy.”
Formerly The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, CEE was established in 1975 as the sole provider of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in the Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield County. It serves more than 22,000 individuals from area communities annually with free confidential services available 24 hours a day.
Its mission is to “interpersonal violence through empowerment, education and support services utilizing inclusive, trauma-informed, and client-centered practices for all individuals in the community.”
Lopes find great satisfaction in her role, helping empower individuals to re-discover their dignity and self-worth and supporting them in moving forward in their healing toward a better and more rewarding life.
“It’s been an honor and incredibly fulfilling to have been a part of all the agency’s transitions from grassroots to the highly respected institution it is today,” said Lopes. “As an example of my personal growth, I discovered what happiness means to me in the form of an equation: Purpose + Meaning = Happiness. CEE has provided me with a stable home to live out my purpose.”
