Recent CVIC retiree honored with national award for commitment to domestic violence prevention and advocacy
May 21—GRAND FORKS — The Community Violence Intervention Center's recently retired director of grants management has received national recognition.
Julie Christianson was granted a "Lifetime Achievement Award" as part of the 2025 Purple Ribbon Awards, presented by
DomesticShelters.org,
an online hub for domestic violence survivors and those who support them, according to a press release issued by CVIC.
"I am so honored to be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized for the passion and commitment I have for ending interpersonal violence," Christianson said in the release. "Working alongside so many others who share that passion made those dreams and accomplishments come to fruition."
She first became involved with CVIC more than 20 years ago; her efforts led to a significant increase in funding support for the local nonprofit, by way of grant programming and management, the release said.
"We are a stronger agency — and better people — because of Julie's presence over the past two decades," CVIC President and CEO Coiya Tompkins Inman said. "We are deeply grateful for the passion and commitment she brought to advancing our mission."
Christianson is one of two CVIC nominees to be honored through the 2025 Purple Ribbon Awards. The second is Gate City Bank, which was recognized as "Business Partner of the Year."
Since 2019, the bank has funded and otherwise supported the
Green Dot Greater Grand Forks program,
a violence prevention initiative that aims to empower bystanders to safely intervene during potentially harmful scenarios, the release said.
The Green Dot program reaches the community through education and awareness events, with a mission to permanently reduce incidents of violence and empower residents to proactively engage in healthy relationships, according to the release.
"This partnership that we have is such a gift," said Becky Mindeman, CVIC board member and Gate City Bank senior vice president of northeastern North Dakota. "The opportunity that we have to support such a tremendous need in our community really is more rewarding than I could possibly put into words. We are grateful to be a part of such a remarkable vision to end interpersonal violence."
This is the third year in a row that CVIC-nominated partners have been recognized with Purple Ribbon Awards. In 2024, the Rydell Angels on Wheels Program was recognized as "Business Partner of the Year," in 2023, former Rep. Mark Sanford, R-Grand Forks, was
recognized as an "Outstanding Legislative Partner."
The Purple Ribbon Awards are hosted annually by DomesticShelters.org and Alliance for HOPE International. This year's awardees will be recognized during a virtual ceremony Thursday, May 22, where select winners will be eligible to receive grants from a $30,000 funding pool, the release said.
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