Crisis Line Volunteer Honored Lynn Riley Receives Top United Way Award
Lynn Riley found a sense of purpose the night she lost her eyesight.
The 38-year-old Spokane native made up her mind to leave her abusive husband after he beat her until she couldn’t see.
She also made a commitment to herself that night more than seven years ago to help other abused women in any way she could.
For the past six years, the Central Valley High School graduate has done that by serving as a volunteer for the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence Crisis Line.
Riley has provided hundreds of women a calm voice during a chaotic time, according to Jessie McManigal of the United Way.
Her dedication earned her the United Way Volunteer of the Year Award for Spokane County on Wednesday.
Riley was picked from a pool of 200 candidates from throughout the Inland Northwest.
She received a standing ovation from the nearly 400 people who gathered at the Spokane Ag Trade Center for the awards luncheon.
“You don’t do it for yourself,” she said. “You do it for the victims.”
Riley, who works as an advocate for homeless children during the day, often manages the crisis line from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
After dark was always the hardest time for her, she said.
“I remember what the nights were like,” said Riley, who regained some vision after the beating but is considered legally blind. “I remember the intensity of the fear. It’s important not to feel alone. It’s important for someone to be there.”
Riley headed up a domestic violence survivors’ support group for five years and has given speeches throughout the community on abuse.
She opened her home to two homeless families recently, giving them a place to stay.
While she was hugged by dozens of people Wednesday, she said she considers helping others her duty. “If I can be there for just one person, I feel like I’ve done my job and it’s worth it.”
Other volunteers honored at the 14th annual Golden Rule Awards Celebration were:
Youth awards: Desirae Victor and Thomas Buck.
Adult awards: Riley and Gayle Kiser.
Senior awards: Paul Christopher and Norris Barber.
Education award: Carolyn Davis Longanecker.
Volunteer coordinator: Pava Young.
Public service: Northeast Community Center’s “Neutral Zone” Project; Neva-Wood COPS youth volunteers and Side-Step Jump Rope Team; and volunteer advocates of the Spokane Sexual Assault Center.
Business and industry: KHQ-TV; KZZU-FM; and Spokane City Water & Hydroelectric Service.
Labor unions: National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 442; Carpenters Union, Local 98; and International Association of Machinists, Local 86.
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