In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, Friends of Yates will hold its 3rd annual Night of Praise, “Friends Embracing Lives through Praise.”
The benefit event will be held at Forest Grove Baptist Church, 1417 N. 9th St., Kansas City, Kansas.
The annual event benefits the Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center for victims of domestic violence, a program of Friends of Yates.
At this event, talented Kansas City area performers will come together and share their extraordinary gifts with family, friends and community members to raise awareness of domestic violence and the impact it has had, and continues to have on the community, a spokesman for the event said.
Those who attend will hear the powerful testimony of a domestic survivor, hear the angelic melodies from vocalists, see graceful liturgical dancing, and hear heart-felt poetry.
The evening’s featured artists will include Erin Jones, Chris Kelly and Heritage Dance Ministry, the M.B.C. Praise Team, Metropolitan Angels 5-7-8, and Brent Rice.
This is a free event, however, donations are welcomed to help support the vital programs and services for survivors of domestic violence. This Night of Praise is sure to touch everyone who attends in a very special way. Be it laughter, tears, smiles or cheers, you will definitely be glad you came.
Although the Night of Praise will be the kickoff event Friends of Yates will hold in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it will not be the last.
The 17th Annual Awards and Faith Luncheon will be held on Friday, Oct. 27, at Friends of Yates, 1418 Garfield Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.
Future events include the Holiday at the Apollo Gala annual meeting and benefit, Dec. 9, and the 38th Annual Black Men and Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony to be held in February of 2018, recognizing contributions and achievements made by African Americans within the community.
Yates was organized and became a branch of the YWCA, Kansas City, Kansas, in 1913. One hundred four years later, Friends of Yates continues its mission to provide services and help to develop a sense of identity to children, youth, adults and senior adults that facilitate safe and productive lives through their many programs.
Current programs, services and events of Friends of Yates include Black Men and Women of Distinction event; Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort (CACE) event, and the Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center for Survivors of Domestic Violence and their dependent children. Some of the many programs offered through DG-JHWC include Keep a Clear Mind; Pathway to Advocacy and Violence free living and Economic empowerment (PAVE) program, which is a collaborative program between Friends of Yates and the Division of Child and Family Services (DCF), to provide domestic violence and sexual assault services to TANF recipients. Healthcare Advocacy Program (BridgeSpan); Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Court Advocacy; Mental Health Services; Substance Abuse Counseling; Child Care; Translation Services; Community Outreach and Education; Strength-based Case Management; 24-hour Crisis Hotline, Job Coaching and Economic Empowerment.
For more information about Friends of Yates’ “Friends Embracing Lives through Praise” benefit event or any other event, contact Durriyyah Anderson, community outreach educator at 913-321-1566, ext. 226, or via email [email protected].
A spokesman said it’s the hope of Friends of Yates that the public will attend this event, fill their Sunday with artistic enjoyment and help support the many programs and services provided by Friends of Yates.
– Information from Durriyyah Anderson, Friends of Yates