Donald R. Schels, associate principal at Wilton High School, was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Schels brings a wealth of experience to the board with a law degree from Rutgers University, Master of Arts in American Studies from Columbia University and is currently a candidate for a Doctorate in Education Policy at Fordham University. He also has experience serving on a board of directors for a mental health agency and says he found the work to be very rewarding.
Schels’ says his interest in joining the Domestic Violence Crisis Center was sparked from the great work of Wilton High School students who have been engaged in prevention efforts as part of the Teen PeaceWorks Club. This club gives teens the opportunity to raise awareness against teen dating violence and the importance of maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. He hopes to support the Teen PeaceWorks Club at WHS, as well as the Wilton Domestic Violence Taskforce.
The DVCC provides a range of services to victims, such as legal, psychological and vocational counseling, a safe house and a victims’ advocacy program. It also works to deliver educational programs in schools and in the community to raise awareness about domestic violence. Schels hopes to build strong ties between the DVCC, the schools and the communities in Fairfield County.