Wisconsin Will Honor Geri Segal With Lifetime Award
The Governor's Council on Domestic Abuse will present the lifetime achievement award in Madison on October 13.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Awards
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Geri Segal, who led the Family Support Center for 28 years, will receive the Patricia J. Washbisch Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement on October 13, 2026. The state award honors her decades of work supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Why it matters
The award recognizes a career dedicated to facilitating healing for thousands of individuals across Wisconsin. Segal implemented critical initiatives like the Rapid Re-Housing program to support survivors.
Geri Segal led the Family Support Center for 28 years, overseeing over 40,000 assistance visits during her tenure. Between January and August 2026, the center served 700 people through violence and assault programs plus 101 through parenting education.
The players
Geri Segal
She is the longtime leader of the Family Support Center who is being honored for her 28 years of service to domestic violence survivors.
Governor's Council on Domestic Abuse
This state organization oversees the distribution of the Patricia J. Washbisch Legacy Award to recognize significant contributions to ending domestic violence.
Family Support Center
The organization provides domestic violence and sexual assault services to residents in areas including Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire.
The details
Segal, who announced her retirement in June 2026, currently maintains a part-time outreach role at the organization. She is credited with implementing key services including the Center for Awareness of Sexual Assault.
Timeline
Patricia Washbisch passed away in 2013.
Geri Segal announced her retirement in June 2026.
The Family Support Center served 801 people between January and August 2026.
The award ceremony will take place on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
The recognition of Segal follows the pattern established by the creation of the Patricia J. Washbisch Legacy Award. This highlights a growing societal focus on honoring the long-term impact of community leaders in the domestic violence prevention sector.
Residents can observe the recognition of local leadership during the upcoming ceremony at the state capital. The ongoing work of the center remains accessible for those seeking parenting education or support through the organization's outreach services.
The takeaway
Geri Segal's transition into a part-time role marks a significant leadership change for Wisconsin social services. Her decades of advocacy demonstrate the importance of long-term consistency in managing community-based support programs.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest news in Awards.
More information
To support the organization, contribute to the capital campaign on the official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Volumeone.
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