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Local nonprofit director takes national job

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Freedom’s Rest Family Violence Center Executive Director Matthew Ennis is exiting the organization to lead a national nonprofit based in Los Angeles.

 

Ennis, who’s led the Ozark shelter that advocates for women and children since March 2017, is scheduled to start Jan. 2, 2019, at the nonprofit named 1in6. It refers to the one in six men who researchers say have been sexually abused or assaulted either as a child or as an adult. The nonprofit provides advocacy and service for victims and their families. 

 

Ennis will continue to live in Springfield with his family, according to the release. 

 

“My wife, Jessica, and I are exceedingly grateful for the deep roots our family has grown in Springfield. We chose to raise our son, Isaac, here in this community we are so very proud to call home,” he said in the release. “I am elated by the opportunity to engage in the vital work 1in6 is doing at the national level, while maintaining our home base in southwest Missouri.”

 

At Freedom’s Rest, the nonprofit's board and staff are working on a transition plan and timeline, the organization announced late last month. 

 

Ennis, who also founded communication startup Reachmodo LLC, takes over for Steve LePore, the founder and executive director of 1in6 who's retiring at year's end, according to the release.

 

“Over the past 12 years, 1in6 has grown into a wonderful example of what a technically adept and culturally responsive organization can accomplish in the 21st century. Most importantly, it has played a vital role in allowing more male survivors the opportunity to find help,” LePore said in the release. “I am confident that under Matthew’s guidance, 1in6 will not only continue to flourish, but take a substantial leap forward in its evolution.”

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