Hunt: Helping victims recover, rebuild their lives

COSHOCTON – Katy Hunt is passionate about serving her country and community and helping those in need.

It's that passion that has earned her recognition for her hard work and dedication fighting for victims' legal rights.

Hunt will be one of five award recipients to be recognized April 21 at the annual Crime Victims' Week Luncheon for her work at First Step Family Violence Intervention Services assisting clients with various legal needs. The event is sponsored by First Step and the Coshocton County Victim Assistance Program.

"I was surprised and shocked when I found out about the award, and I'm very honored," Hunt said. "I was pretty much just doing my job. I loved working at First Step."

Hunt has served as the legal advocate at First Step, where she helped clients deal with legal issues, including assisting them in getting protection orders, preparing them for court dates, and offering support during court hearings.

"It's a hard process for the clients, but it's very rewarding to be a part of that process and to help victims heal. To see them smile is so rewarding for me," she said.

Hunt, who lives in Coshocton, attended Central Ohio Technical College and received a degree in human services. She began her practicum at First Step in 2011 and transitioned into a position there in 2012.

Hunt also has served as a sergeant in the 1485th Transportation Unit of the Ohio Army National Guard. Though she left her job at First Step in February for a position helping recruits prepare for basic training as RSP specialist at Kilo Company RSP in Coshocton, she still has a passion for First Step and helps with fundraising efforts.

"The services that First Step provides are very needed because domestic violence is the No. 1 violent crime in Coshocton County. It's great to know we have an organization like that in our community," Hunt said.

Hunt said she owes a lot to Vicki Laudick, executive director of First Step, for her guidance and inspiration in helping those in need of the agency's services.

"Vicki is amazing. She is a great role model, and she has a heart of gold. She gave me someone to look up to, and she is a great person," Hunt said.

Though Hunt is very honored to be recognized for her service, she said that helping victims is a collaborative effort of various agencies in the county, including the sheriff's office and the staff at the common pleas court, where protection orders are obtained. It takes teamwork to help victims recover and rebuild their lives, she said.

"It's a scary process, but it can happen," she said. "Yes, you can get out of domestic violence; it can be done with the right support. It's rewarding to be a part of that."

Recipients recognized

The annual Crime Victims' Week Luncheon will be held April 21, at Grace United Methodist Church. The Tribune is featuring each of this year's award recipients. They are Detective Thomas Couts of the Coshocton County Sheriff's Office, Maureen Karl of Coshocton Hospital, Katy Hunt of First Step, Donna Meyers and the Leadership of Coshocton County Class of 2015, and Jim McVey of First Step.