Friends of Yates celebrated 108 years of service by holding its “Holiday at The Apollo” Annual Meeting and Benefit Gala on Dec. 18.
The 2020 Holiday at the Apollo Gala was canceled for safety reasons because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the event was held virtually, yielding an exciting yet a safe time. This jubilant event showcased the outstanding work the organization has done in the community throughout the last 108 years as well as 2021, in spite of COVID-19 and its variants.
The mistress of ceremony for the afternoon was Carolynn Washington, Friends of Yates, Shelter-client services manager. She sang original festive songs that made the audience burst with laughter and cheer in excitement.
The Rev. Desmond Lamb, pastor of Forest Grove Baptist Church, delivered an invocation.
Robert (Bob) Milan Sr., Board of Directors, president, extended a welcome to the viewing audience and the staff and board members in attendance and thanked them for their continued support of Friends of Yates during these challenging times.
The audience listened to Friends of Yates special events coordinator and retired executive director – CEO, LaDora Lattimore, as she provided attendees with the reason for this occasion. As always, she captivated guests with her wisdom and unequivocal passion for Friends of Yates and its mission.
Lattimore spoke about her returning to Yates as the special events coordinator which allows her to maintain her commitment to community through event planning. She expressed accolades about the staff and all the many community members, organizations and government officials who have contributed to Friends of Yates’ success.
Arica Roland, Friends of Yates executive director, addressed the audience by giving the 2021 program overview of Friends of Yates program – The Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Domestic Violence Center for Survivors of Domestic Violence and their dependent children.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect victims and survivors, The Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Domestic Violence Center continued to provide services which included shelter and supportive housing services to over 180 adult and 81 child survivors of domestic violence, answered over 9,749 calls which included not only crisis calls and safety planning, but information and referrals and provided over 10,000 hours of supportive services to residential and non-residential survivors and their children in the areas of personal advocacy, court-legal advocacy, safety planning, translation services, economic advocacy, housing advocacy, transportation, domestic violence education and support groups, substance abuse counseling, individual mental health and trauma support, emergency financial assistance and child advocacy.
Della Gill – Joyce H. Williams center provided virtual and in person community outreach and awareness to over 3,600 individuals and groups. It also assisted 71 individuals with either obtaining or maintaining permanent housing by providing rent, deposit, and utility assistance. Friends of Yates is a 24-hour, 7 days a week operation, when everyone else stops, it keeps going to accommodate those in need. On behalf of Friends of Yates, Roland wished everyone a wonderful holiday season and to continue to be a blessing in all they do.
A courageous survivor participating in the Della Gill – Joyce H. Williams Center program shared her personal story of victimization, her journey, and how she has found strength and gained her freedom back since coming to the shelter for services. She praised the center’s advocates for their dedication, compassion and care, contributing to her growth and breakthroughs.
The gala ended a triumphant year for Friends of Yates. The “Stranded in the City Band” performed in concert and got people on their feet to dance. To close out the gala, the benediction was delivered by the Rev. Robert Milan Jr., pastor of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church.
Throughout Friends of Yates’ 108-year tenure, it has been diligent in its commitment to innovative and holistic community programming.
Some of its programs include emergency-supportive housing provided through the Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center for survivors of domestic and sexual violence; Pathway to Advocacy for Violence Free Living and Economic Empowerment (P.A.V.E.), Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM); Bridge S.P.A.N. Healthcare, which provides advocacy as a link between hospitals, clinics and community resources; and Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort (C.A.C.E), which brings crime focus groups together to address the issue of crime in the community and solutions to eradicate it. Friends of Yates Inc. continues to maintain excellence without sacrificing quality by continuing to analyze its program outcomes and testimonials of those served.
A Friends of Yates spokesman thanked all who participated, attended and donated toward this event, for it enables the organization to continue and enhance the services of Friends of Yates.
In February the 41st Annual Black Men and Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony will be held in commemoration of Black History Month. This event will celebrate the accomplishments of trailblazers along with the other honorary Black Men and Women of Distinction.
For further information about Friends of Yates and upcoming events, contact the office of Carlen Davis at 913-321-1566, ext. 255 or via email cdavis@friendsofyates.org.
- Story and photos from Carlen Davis, Friends of Yates
