Agency hires new director
On Jan. 3 Peter Celum stepped into the role as the executive director of Lassen Family Services, Inc., Lassen County’s only crisis intervention center providing completely free services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child and elder abuse and neglect.
Celum carries a deep commitment to compassionately respond to the needs of those seeking personal and relational health, healing, reconciliation, and restoration. Celum and his family have lived in the community for a few years now, and his passion for helping end domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse is what drove him to apply for the position.
Prior to accepting the position, he served as Protestant Chaplain at High Desert State Prison and as chaplain at the Veterans Hospital in Fresno, California. Celum also maintains a part-time practice, Christian Counseling & Conciliation, specializing in pastoral counseling, mediation, training and consulting services.
With dedication to conveying the message and meaning behind the work at Lassen Family Services, serving as the executive director will be an easy transition as he is accustomed to public speaking. Peter speaks at various marriage and family enrichment events, as well as conducts conciliation training, from local to national level, including conferences, workshops and seminars.
Celum shares his motivation in working with Lassen Family Services stating, “My objective is to lead and grow this fine organization in fulfilling its mission in ending abuse and providing healing services to victims of abuse. LFS’s mission is in alignment with my lifelong mission of strengthening marriages and families.”
LFS Board of Directors Secretary Linda McAndrews said, “Peter Celum was the most qualified candidate for the executive director’s position, due to his comprehensive background, education, experience, and perspective. He articulated a plan to work with our community partners, to better serve people in crisis situations in Lassen County. We are very fortunate that he will be our new Executive Director. We are also grateful that Karen Martin, the fiscal director, accepted the challenge of acting executive director during our search.”
