MONO COUNTY, Calif. (June 30, 2025) – Mono County Probation’s Batterer’s Program, Courage to Change, recently received a National Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).  The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. 

The Courage to Change Batterer’s Intervention Program is a 52-week, evidence-based course rooted in Nada York’s “Courage to Change” widely respected curriculum.  The program is designed to stop domestic violence by holding offenders accountable, promoting long-term behavior change through deep personal reflection, and building healthier relationships.  Mono County’s Courage to Change program stood out for its holistic trauma-informed approach, low-cost barrier to entry, gender and language specific group facilitation, clear expectations and accountability, and low recidivism rate.  Individuals learn to identify abusive behavior, develop empathy, and explore the intersections of violence, socialization, substance use, and generational trauma. 

“While Mono County is one of the smallest counties in California, it is big on innovation and dedication,” said Dr. K.S. Humiston, Mono County Chief Probation Officer.  “Along with probation programming, other entities and justice partners within our county problem-solve using pioneering ideas to reach those with the highest needs.  Mono Probation has implemented parenting education and batterer’s intervention to serve the needs of the county with  all programs provided in-person by Probation staff.  The Courage to Change program has been operating for almost three years in all Mono County communities.  With no failure to date, the success of this program is owed to dedicated facilitators Leianna Eissinger, Deputy Probation Officer IV, Orlando Mejia, Deputy Probation Officer III, and Deputy Chief Jazmin Barkley, Program Administrator.  The NACo Achievement Award is most deserved.”

Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast, comprehensive services counties provide.  The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement and more.  Launched in 1970, the program is designed to celebrate innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications. 

“The Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and innovation happening in county governments across the nation,” said NACo President James Gore.  “This year’s winners highlight the dedication and creativity of county leaders and our teams to building thriving communities and providing the best possible services to our residents.” 

Additional information about NACo’s Achievement Awards can be accessed here [1].

About NACo

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government.

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