Society of Women Who Love Shoes to host fundraising event to help victims of domestic abuse
July 18, 2012 – Domestic abuse is the leading cause of injury to women and the most likely way a woman will be murdered. It is also the most likely way a police officer will die in the line of duty, while on a domestic abuse call.
Before I came to Texas, I had been involved in domestic abuse programs for many years, as a volunteer for a very long time and an Executive Director of agencies at other times. I considered going to Washington, DC to work with the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. (For facts about domestic abuse, visit their website: http://www.ncadv.org/files/NationalFacts.pdf
My master’s thesis project was creating a mentoring program for young women to help build empowerment and self-esteem as a prevention tool in domestic abuse and sexual assault.
The reason I was drawn to that work was because I had seen the impact that domestic abuse has on individuals and families and wanted to do first-hand work in creating solutions and helping those in need. I have a cousin whose step-daughter was murdered by a man that she knew. I have another cousin who was beaten within inches of her life by the father of her children. I have helped numerous women in my personal life escape an abusive situation and I wanted to help more people on a social justice and public policy level. The reason I left that work was because I felt that we were never making enough impact, never addressing people from a holistic level.
You cannot just put someone in shelter to help them break free from the cycle of domestic violence. I always felt that if we do not address the body, mind, and spirit- we are not addressing a human being’s wellness adequately. Not only does someone need to be physically safe, but their spirit needs to be healed, their mind and self-worth needs to be rebuilt (or built for the first time). Physical health needs to be addressed; people need mentors to help them find their path in life, to support them; they need teachers to have adequate job skills to be successful. There are so many levels of every person that need to be nurtured. I’ve taught yoga using guided imagery to victims of domestic violence as a way to help address healing on multiple levels. I believe that every person, whether a victim of abuse or not, needs to address their wellness on all levels, or they are never truly well.
That’s the reason I wanted to work for the YMCA and do the work that I do as the Membership and Wellness Director. I feel that this is the one place that I can really work for a mission, continue to do non-profit work, and be able to not only use my administrative and marketing skills, but my skills and a fitness and wellness expert and healer. The YMCA promotes healthy Spirit, Mind, and Body for all and I am very fortunate to be a part of an organization that helps people strive for wellness on so many planes.
If you are looking for a way to help victims of domestic abuse, next Thursday, July 19 there is a fundraiser for the Society of Women Who Love Shoes which raises money for victims of domestic abuse.
I will be there with my heels on!
Society of Women Who Love Shoes Fundraiser
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 19
Townhouse Kitchen and Bar, 13270 Dallas Parkway, Dallas Galleria 75240
$10 and a donation of new or gently used shoes or other items to benefit families of abuse.
There will be contests for the sexiest show, the highest heel, the most unique shoes – and, for men – the best tie.
Complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and cash bar by Townhouse Kitchen. Bring business cards for a raffle drawings and be sure to bid on silent auction items.
For more information, contact Dianne.Samoff@sbcglobal.net or visit their event page at facebook.com/events/331661390241772/.
Blue Ribbon News special contributor Liz Jones is the Membership & Wellness Director at Rockwall Family YMCA, located at 1210 N Goliad in Rockwall. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. She is trained in Reiki, Guided Imagery, and various healing methods. She has also trained in Shotokan karate and other forms of martial arts and self-defense. Her background includes non-profit management and working with various at-risk populations, women’s empowerment workshops, and mentoring programs.
Connect with Liz at ejones@ymcadallas.org or 972-772-9622.
Domestic abuse – a prevalent ‘wellness’ issue added by Editor on
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