MCEDV EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FRANCINE GARLAND STARK HONORED WITH NATIONAL ‘DREAM’ AWARD, CELEBRATES 40th YEAR AS ADVOCATE FOR SURVIVORS OF ABUSE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 26th, Francine Garland Stark, executive director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV), was named the 2025 recipient of the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s (NNEDV) Diane Reese Excellence in Advocacy in the Movement (DREAM) Award, honoring four decades of advocacy, mentorship, and transformative leadership in the movement to end domestic violence. 

According to NNEDV, “This award honors individuals who embody the spirit and promise of true advocacy in all aspects of life – those who lead with integrity and emulate a commitment to clear and ethical communication, an eagerness to collaborate in the spirit of true partnership, and a deep respect for the dignity, worth, and humanity of all people.” 

2025 marks Francine’s 40th year in the movement to end abuse and violence, and her 10th year serving as executive director at MCEDV. Her career began as a volunteer at a Vermont helpline and continued through roles with Spruce Run, (now Partners for Peace, the MCEDV member serving Penobscot & Piscataquis counties) and Hope & Justice Project, the MCEDV member serving Aroostook County. In 2015, she became executive director of MCEDV, the organization that represents and supports Maine’s statewide network of domestic violence advocacy organizations.  

“Francine represents the very heart of the movement,” said Stephanie Love-Patterson, NNEDV President & CEO. “She leads with clarity and compassion, with deep roots in community and a vision of a better, more just world for everyone. NNEDV and the domestic violence field are stronger because of leaders like Francine, and we are proud to honor her legacy and continued impact with this award.” 

As the executive director of MCEDV, Francine has strengthened the coalition’s public policy reach, focusing on an expansive range of issues that impact survivors’ lives and well-being. She has also reinforced the importance of economic justice in creating safety for survivors and their children. During the pandemic, Francine and several generous donors launched the Liberation Fund: a flexible, low-barrier financial assistance fund to help advocates meet survivors’ needs. 

“Francine Garland Stark is a dedicated leader with a vision of a better world for all people. For 40 years, she has brought that commitment, leadership, and vision to this movement,” said Regina Rooney, MCEDV Programming Director. “She often reminds us that we need to work for ‘a higher bar than safety’ and that what we are seeking is to create a world in which all people can be joyful, healthy, and free.” 

Francine’s leadership is marked by humility, humor, and a deep belief in collaboration and consensus- building. She is known for encouraging non-violent language, championing creative thinking, and showing up for survivors and colleagues alike. Throughout her four-decade career, Francine has built new alliances to improve responses to both survivors and those who abuse. Her work has significantly impacted different Maine sectors where survivors come for help, including clergy, healthcare, prosecution, law enforcement, employers, elder abuse professionals, DV intervention programs, and child welfare. Francine’s experience growing up in rural Maine grounded her in the inequities and concerns facing rural people, and she has remained an advocate for rural communities her whole life.  

NNEDV was proud to present Francine with the DREAM Award on June 26th during their Coalition Leadership Summit.  

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The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) represents the 56 state and U.S. territorial coalitions against domestic violence. NNEDV is a social change organization working to create a social, political, and economic environment in which domestic violence no longer exists. NNEDV works to make domestic violence a national priority, change the way society responds to domestic violence, and strengthen domestic violence advocacy at every level. 

The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) advocates for the right of all people to live free from domestic abuse and all forms of violence. MCEDV envisions a world where respect is our norm, and where all people thrive in their homes and communities – nurtured, healthy, joyful, and free.