Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming presented Theresa Cherry, a volunteer at The Retreat’s Stephanie House shelter, with a proclamation for Woman of Distinction in the Second Legislative District on April 13.
“Theresa has been an integral volunteer organizing The Retreat’s clothing room called Stephanie’s Closet, providing clothes and other necessities to sheltered clients facing domestic violence,” Legislator Fleming stated. “The Retreat is such a critically important organization in our community, which is why it was a pleasure to honor such an amazing woman driven to improve the lives of others.”
“Theresa is a huge asset to The Retreat and to the Stephanie House shelter in particular,” said Loretta Davis, Executive Director at The Retreat. “I am thrilled she is being recognized for all her hard work and dedication to helping our clients.”
In 2002, the Suffolk County Woman of Distinction program was created by the legislature in order to recognize the extraordinary work that women do to better their communities. Each of the county’s legislators selects a nominee and an advisory commission selects a county-wide honoree from those nominations. Legislator Fleming nominated Cherry for the critical work she does at The Retreat’s shelter. She is the third Retreat volunteer to receive this award, along with Nicole Behrens in 2011 and Shirley Katz in 2010.