Mosaic Family Services announces Councilmember Jennifer Staubach Gates as the recipient of the 2016 Champion of Human Rights Award, which will be presented at the nonprofit’s 7th Annual Gala on Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 7 – 11 p.m. at The Empire Room in the Dallas Design District.
The Champion of Human Rights Award is presented each year to individuals and/or groups who strive to ensure the protection of the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. Councilmember Gates has shown remarkable dedication to making a difference in the lives of Dallas residents, particularly survivors of domestic violence. Her extraordinary work with the Domestic Violence Task Force and Public Safety Committee continues to bring awareness to human rights abuses and empowers the agency's clients.?
“Councilmember Jennifer Staubach Gates has been at the forefront of leading efforts in Dallas to raise awareness about family violence,” remarked Melissa Green, event co-chair and Mosaic Family Services board member. “As she continues her work combating this all too prevalent issue, we are pleased to honor her as a Champion of Human Rights. Our work would not be possible without her."?
Past award recipients include director and filmmaker Libby Spears; fashion designer Abi Ferrin; Judge Roberto Canas, Jr., presiding judge of Dallas County Criminal Court No. 10; Jan Langbein, Executive Director of Genesis Women’s Shelter, and Paige Flink, Executive Director of The Family Place; Ambassador-At-Large Luis CdeBaca; and local philanthropist and women’s and human rights activist, Lauren Embrey.
Chaired by Melissa Green and Elizabeth Weathersby, with honorary chair Lana Byrne, the gala will include cocktails, dinner by Stock & Barrel, silent auction, raffle, casino, live entertainment and more.
Added Green, “This year’s seventh annual gala promises to be our best yet as we raise important funds for Mosaic Family Services. We hope the community will join us to support our mission of providing a safe haven for survivors of human rights abuses.”
Tickets are $150 each; sponsorships begin at $500. For tickets, sponsorships or more information, visit mosaicservices.org/events.
About Jennifer Staubach Gates
Jennifer Staubach Gates is in her second term as Dallas City Councilmember representing District 13. From serving as a Girl Scout Troop leader to serving on boards for our leading education and religious institutions, Jennifer has been an active leader in our community for decades.
In her role as Councilmember, Jennifer serves as the Chair of the Budget, Finance and Audit Committee and sits on the Public Safety, Arts and Culture and Libraries, and the Ad Hoc Legislature Committees. She co-chairs the Dallas Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Cultural Tourism Committee and sits on the KBH Convention Center Steering Committee.
Jennifer also serves as the Chair for the Domestic Violence Taskforce, and holds regular meetings that help to bridge communication between the Dallas Police Department, the District Attorney’s office, judges, and community partners. This collaboration aims to strengthen the forces that are fighting to end domestic violence in Dallas.
A lifelong Dallasite, Jennifer attended Ursuline Academy, then went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, and she is still licensed as a Registered Nurse.
Jennifer has been married to John Gates for more than 30 years. Their youngest daughter, Jordan, is obtaining her master’s degree at New York University, and their older daughter, Jessica, and her husband, Will, live in District 13. The Gates family attends St. Rita Catholic Church in District 13, where Jennifer also serves as a Eucharistic Minister. In her spare time Jennifer enjoys running, reading and traveling, and spending time with her grandsons Gambill and Gates.
About Mosaic Family Services
Mosaic Family Services is a safe haven for survivors of human rights abuses, including domestic violence and human trafficking. We are dedicated to serving survivors from around the world and within our community. We create access to opportunities for our clients, empowering them toward independence. We are the only shelter in North Texas providing comprehensive services to multicultural survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit www.mosaicservices.org.