If you’ve ever had the chance to meet our Outreach Advocate, Kristy, you know just how special she is. For the past year and a half, Kristy has been a vital part of the Options team, connecting with survivors in our community with compassion, understanding, and an open heart. Her calm, genuine presence helps survivors feel seen and supported – it’s no surprise that many request to work directly with her.
As our Outreach Advocate, Kristy spends her days meeting people where they are (literally and emotionally) to help survivors navigate the challenges of healing and rebuilding. Whether she’s sitting down one-on-one with a client or representing Options at community events, Kristy approaches every interaction with empathy and a drive to make sure survivors know they aren’t alone.
She also leads our Ellis County Support Group, which she’s infused with her signature creativity and warmth. Kristy is always finding new ways to keep the group engaging – from meaningful discussions to activities that help survivors connect, reflect, and grow together. Her dedication has helped create a space that feels safe, empowering, and full of community. Which, is exactly what healing should feel like.
The month may be winding down, but stay tuned for more a few more staff highlights in the coming weeks as we continue to shine a light on the incredible advocates who make our work possible.
Now, let’s get into Kristy’s interview!
What is your name, title, and how long have you worked at Options?
Kristy Hughes. Outreach Advocate. I have been with Options for 17 months. I have worked evenings and weekend as a shelter advocate and am now in our hays office.
What’s a small “win” that makes you feel like the work you do really matters?
When I am told that I am a comfortable and safe place to discuss hard things.
Who or what do you lean on when the work feels overwhelming?
I lean on nature and exercise when work feels overwhelming. Also, taking a drive to see my grandbabies works wonders every time.
If you could describe your advocacy style in three words, what would they be?
Working as an advocate fills me with joy and a sense of purpose. If I could describe my advocacy style in three words, it would be “I get it.”
If your younger self could see you now, what would they be most proud of?
If my younger self could see me now, she would be most proud of the fact that I am turning all of those past “why is this happening” into “because I have been there I can truly relate and be helpful.”
How do you remind yourself to rest when you feel like there’s always more to do?
Reminding myself to rest even when I feel like there is so much to do comes fairly easy. Knowing that we cannot do for others if we have not done for ourselves helps to keep a healthy balance of work time and leisure/rest time.
What’s one thing about you that your coworkers might not even know?
One thing my coworkers may not know about me is as a child I always dreamed of becoming a police officer. I was a totally tom boy growing up in Mississippi playing cops and robbers with my cousins.
If you need any additional information, have a question, or a concern, feel free to reach out to Options at our 24-hour toll-free helpline 800-794-4624. You can also reach an advocate via text by texting HOPE to 847411 or click 24-Hour Chat with Options.
This grant project is supported by the State General Fund for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, sub-grant number 25-SGF-07, as administered by the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Kansas Governo