Anna D'Amato, longtime director of victims services for Community Works, resigned today.

Ginger Lee, president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit that provides services for domestic abuse victims and at-risk youth, declined to comment on D'Amato's departure, but wished her well.

"Everybody is really grateful for what she's built," Lee said, adding she expects to have an interim director in place by Wednesday.

Lee said the new director is from the Rogue Valley, but she declined to name the person. A permanent director will be named after a more extensive search has been completed, she said.

D'Amato could not be reached for comment today.

In spring 2004, D'Amato stepped down as the first director of Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity to begin working a part-time position at Community Works. She handled the outreach program for Dunn House, a domestic violence shelter. D'Amato then became the organization's director of victims' services.

Community Works remains dedicated to helping those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault or sudden homelessness, Lee said, adding the "common thread" for all programs within the Community Works' umbrella is that it serves people who have "suffered a severe life trauma."

"Everything's continuing," Lee said. "The programs and access to all services are not changing."

Community Works services — from Dunn House to victim services to HelpLine to Lithia Springs school and residential care facilities — remain operational, Lee said.

"Internal leadership changes happen all the time," Lee said. "But our staff is so deeply grounded and passionate about their work."

— Sanne Specht

Read more in Tuesday's Mail Tribune.