'We feel very broken': Daughters of Ellipsis worker killed in assault call for change
Kathleen Galloway-Menke died after an assault on May 8 at Ellipsis. She worked at the group home for a year.
Kathleen Galloway-Menke died after an assault on May 8 at Ellipsis. She worked at the group home for a year.
Kathleen Galloway-Menke died after an assault on May 8 at Ellipsis. She worked at the group home for a year.
The daughters of a group home worker who died after an assault at Ellipsis last month say they are lost without their mother.
"Our mom sacrificed her entire life for us. She raised us on her own," said Chloe Williamson. "We feel very broken. We are lost. We are missing the most important piece."
Kathleen Galloway-Menke was assaulted on May 8. She died days later after being taken off life support. Johnston Police say Jovahn Mathis, 15, shoved Galloway-Menke to the ground causing brain damage. He faces second-degree murder charges.
"I want people to be aware of this situation, and I want people to be aware of the child welfare system and everything that goes on in there. Really take a look at it. Not just Ellipsis, but all the other facilities," said Williamson.
Williamson and her younger sister, Camille Menke, say they hope change comes from their mom's death. Their attorney, Trever Hook, is in the process of interviewing witnesses and plans to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
"Her whole life was about helping people," said Camille Menke.
Galloway-Menke's daughters say she had a passion for helping troubled youth who had nowhere to turn. They say she often used her free time and money to help them by making crafts and cooking food.
Galloway-Menke donated her organs in one final selfless act.
"Even though she is gone, she is still helping people," said Williamson.
The sisters say they are struggling emotionally and financially since their mom's death. Galloway-Menke often worked multiple jobs to support her family.
"A lot of times she wasn't eating dinner because she needed to provide us dinner, or she would give up buying herself new clothing items so we could have new clothes," said Williamson.
A has been set up to support the sisters.
"It is a very vulnerable position and point in our life right now, but we do need help," said Williamson.
Williamson says she was the first in her family to go to college because of the support from her mom. She now works as a mental health counselor and hopes to make a difference like her mom did for others.
"I don't think there is enough time to describe our mom or how much we are going to miss her," said Williamson.