We are proud to celebrate Kyle Jarvis, a prior client, current member of our Survivors Advisory Panel and longtime champion of our mission, for being recognized as North Dakota Today’s Nice Person of the Week.
Kyle’s story is one of hope, which to Kyle stands for “Hold On. Pain Ends.”
As a young teen, Kyle hid behind couches and locked doors in his rural hometown while his father, an alcoholic and third-generation user of domestic violence, frequently harmed his mother. After his parents separated and the family began rebuilding their lives, Kyle struggled in school and carried the weight of the trauma he had experienced.
A teacher who helped Kyle with his schoolwork learned about the challenges he was facing at home and referred him to CVIC. Through therapy services with our now Vice President of Therapy Services, Therese Hugg, Kyle began a healing journey that he credits with saving his life.
“If it weren’t for CVIC, I wouldn’t be here,” Kyle said. “I would not be right here, right now.”
Today, Kyle’s family is a living, breathing example of the Safer Tomorrows Road Map in progress. CVIC provided services that helped his family find safety and begin healing from the trauma they experienced. Now, Kyle’s life is on a safer, more vibrant path.
He is married to his wife, Mariah, and together they are raising their daughter, Gwendolynn, affectionately called Winnie, in a safe and loving home.
One day, Winnie will attend school locally and receive lessons from CVIC’s Prevention and Education team that reinforce what she is already learning at home: love does not hurt, home should feel safe, there are healthy ways to work through conflict, and everyone can play a role in creating a safer, more vibrant community.
Kyle now gives back by serving on CVIC’s Survivors Advisory Panel, a program of our Coordinated Community Response team. The panel is comprised of survivors of interpersonal violence who have received services from CVIC and who help inform the organization’s work.
Members serve as a sounding board, review programs and initiatives, and provide valuable feedback on current and future projects. Their perspectives are vital to ensuring that CVIC continues reaching survivors and meeting their needs in meaningful ways.
For Kyle, sharing his story is another way to support survivors and raise awareness.
“When people ask why I got a dove tattoo, I get to spread awareness about CVIC and how they helped me become the person I am today,” he said.
Kyle’s recognition as North Dakota Today’s Nice Person of the Week reflects not only his compassion and dedication to helping others, but also the power of healing, hope and the lasting impact of safe, supportive relationships.
We are honored to celebrate Kyle and grateful for the way he continues to use his voice and experience to help create safer tomorrows for others.
Read more about Kyle’s spotlight as the Nice Person of the Week here.