On behalf of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke awarded Joanne Brooks the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne.
JoAnne Brooks’ many contributions to Women’s Rights in Renfrew Nipissing Pembroke are renowned. She has dedicated decades of her life toward the safety and protection of women.
JoAnne’s significant accomplishments include:
- her commitment to social justice issues – especially violence against women and children and in particular survivors of sexual violence;
- public education efforts for ‘Take Back The Night’;
- advocacy for L.G.B.T. issues.
“I was delighted to honour JoAnne today, because of her lifelong advocacy of championing women’s rights” stated Cheryl Gallant. “JoAnne’s service to her peers, her community and to her country is evident. I join with her collegues and family to convey our praise and admiration to JoAnne as a true Canadian.
Background:
JoAnne has lived in Renfrew County since 1981 – 31 years. She is a proud mom of 3 adult children – Katelyn, Matthew and Emily Ott; and a 3 year old grand-daughter Alexis Ott.
JoAnne has held many interesting positions in her years in Renfrew County. She was hired as the first Director of Wise Owl DayCare, Pembroke in 1982. In 1986 JoAnne was hired to the inaugural teaching team for the newly established Early Childhood Education Diploma Program at Algonquin College, Pembroke.
Later, she was hired by the Steering Committee to co-coordinate the development and opening of the first rape crisis centre in Renfrew County in 1993; and is proud to be involved with the grassroots, community-based, volunteer organization Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County for almost 20 years.
During a year sabbatical from WSAC, JoAnne was hired as the first paid coordinator of the Child Poverty Action Network (CPAN) from 2004-2005.