In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, on Sunday, Oct. 4, Friends of Yates Inc. will hold a fundraising benefit, “Friends Embracing Lives through Praise.”.
This event will be held at Forest Grove Baptist Church, located at 1417 N. 9th St., Kansas City Kan.
This event will begin at 4 p.m. and will include a powerful survivor’s testimony, singing, praise dancing, and poetry.
The evening’s featured artist will include Metropolitan Angels 5-7-8, Divine Praise of Metropolitan Baptist Church , the Praise team of Canaan Worship Center, Chris Kelly and Heritage Dance Ministry, Ed Rollins Jr., founder of 4Hiswill, Megan Smith, Melina Bradley, Crystal McIntosh, Teianna Cooper, Tammy Jordan, Wanda Adams, and Paul Burnett.
The Friends Embracing Lives through Praise fundraising benefit is just one of many events Friends of Yates Inc. has planned in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Other events include Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Workshop, Oct. 10, at the library, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan.; and the 15th Annual Awards and Faith Luncheon Oct. 30 at Friends of Yates Inc., 1418 Garfield Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
The Friends of Yates Inc. will also be the host of its Holiday at the Apollo Gala annual meeting and benefit Dec. 12 at the Jack Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan., and the 36th Annual Black Men and Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony recognizing contributions and achievements made by African Americans within our community in February 2016.
Yates was organized and became a branch of the YWCA, Kansas City, Kan., in 1913. One hundred two years later, Friends of Yates Inc. continues its mission to provide services and a sense of identity to children, youth, adults and senior adults that facilitate safe and productive lives through their many programs.
Current programs of Friends of Yates Inc. include; Project LIVE; Black Men and Women of Distinction Program; Nursing Home Support Group; Keep a Clear Mind; (CACE) program, Crime Awareness Coordinating Effort, and the Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center for Survivors of Domestic Violence and their dependent children.
Some of the many programs offered through Della Gill-Joyce H. Williams Center include the (PAVE) program, Pathway to Advocacy and Violence free living and Economic empowerment, which is a collaborative program between Friends of Yates and the Division of Child and Family Services, to provide domestic violence and sexual assault services to TANF recipients; BridgeSpan Healthcare Advocacy Program; Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Court Advocacy; Mental Health Services; Child Care; Translation Services; Community Outreach and Education; Strength-based Case Management; 24-hour crisis hotline, job coaching and economic empowerment.
To gain further information about Friends of Yates Inc.’s “Friends Embracing Lives through Praise” fundraising benefit or any other event, contact the office at 913-321-1566.
– Story from Durriyyah Anderson, Friends of Yates Inc.