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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2021
SOCIAL SERVICES 2021 Women of Achievement Finalists
Andrea Hongsermeier
Jenny Bonta
Andrea Hongsermeier has been the executive director of the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center since 2019. She started in 2017 as a volunteer and that fall was offered a full-time position as an advocate and a certified forensic inter- viewer. Hongsermeier’s position requires her to work closely with local law enforce- ment, public schools and other organizations. “Ms. Hongsermeier is one of the most professional and caring advocates, interviewers and natural leaders I have worked with in my 20 years in law en- forcement,” wrote Sgt. Larry Meyer of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Meyer said he has worked with her on dozens of cases involving investigations of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. She spends countless hours helping the abused children in the community, not only through training, but also by raising money and applying for grants to keep Bridge of Hope open, according to her mother-in-law, KimHongsermeier. In addition to her work with Bridge of Hope, Hongsermeier finds time to vol- unteer. She is a North Platte Library board member, volunteers at the Senior Center and delivers Meals on Wheels, and volunteers at Fur the Love of Paws. She spearheaded a shoe drive for children in need. This Christmas, she collect- ed donations of food, clothing and gifts for a family who didn’t have anything, KimHongsermeier said.
Jenny Bonta is the executive director of North Platte’s Rape/Domestic Abuse Program. She has worked with the agency off and on since 2004 and has been executive director since 2015. With her leadership and vision, RDAP has improved its sustainabil- ity by securing new office and shelter facilities, said nominator Kelley Hasenauer. She has also mentored many women in the community. She has shown great leadership and passion for her community through team-based fundraising initiatives with other agencies such as Habitat for Humanity and People’s Family Health Services. In April 2018, Bonta was inspired to start a local philanthropy, “100 Women Who Care North Platte.” As part of its executive planning team, she has helped raise over $85,000 in unrestricted funds for nonprofits in the community. She continues to work tirelessly every quarter, coor- dinating presentations and verifying eligibility through Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation. Not only is she active in her community, but she has also served on state-level committees and task forces, ensuring that the rural perspec- tive is ref lected in statewide efforts. “The core of Jenny’s strengths ties to her ability to truly desire safety and the best support possible for survivors of domestic and sexual vi- olence, and to ultimately strive to end violence in her community, our state, and beyond,” Lynne Lange, executive director of the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, wrote in a letter support- ing Bonta’s nomination. ” “Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” —L ouisa M ay a Lcott , author “
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The North Platte Public Schools congratulate Kimberley Flanders, Principal of McDonald School and Angela Blaesi, School Board Member for their nominations for 2021 Women of Achievement
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Kimberley Flanders
Angela Blaesi
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