On Friday, Oct. 30, Friends of Yates Inc. will hold its 15th annual Awards and Faith Luncheon Ceremony in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Friends of Yates Center at 1418 Garfield Ave, Kansas City, Kan.
According to a spokesman for Friends of Yates, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. At least one-third of all female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by male intimate partners.
There is no particular “look” nor is there a particular group exempt from domestic violence, the Friends of Yates spokesman said. It is an epidemic that affects communities nationwide. Friends of Yates hopes the community will join together and take a stand against domestic violence.
Special guests will include representatives from the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, the Kansas Attorney General’s office, the Kansas Governor’s Grant program, along with many other notable officials and advocates who work daily to eradicate domestic violence.
The program will also feature Myrna Irons and Durriyyah Anderson presenting an interpretive dance and monologue depicting a woman’s bravery and strength to put her plan into action and walk away from her abuser.
In recognition of extraordinary community efforts to end violence; Friends of Yates Inc. will honor the valuable contributions of individuals, agencies, churches and volunteers that have made a positive impact within the Greater Kansas City community. These community activists, pioneers and advocates will receive the Lucile V. Jackson-Charlestine Scroggins Distinguished Service Award.
The Greater Kansas City Area is cordially invited to join Friends of Yates Inc. on Oct. 30 for its 15th Annual Awards and Faith Luncheon as they recognize the tremendous work being done to end the threat of violence and provide a safety net for victims of domestic violence.
Friends of Yates Inc. works to bring together extraordinary people from various professions and backgrounds that are committed to the eradication of domestic violence in our communities.
To make a reservation for the free event, contact the administrative office at 913-321-1566 by Monday, Oct. 26.
– Story from Durriyyah Anderson, Friends of Yates Inc., community outreach educator