Purse and Passion YWCA 2016 Event

In the past seven years, over 6,000 victims have found shelter and safety in Pell City’s Out Place shelter. The shelter is the YWCA Central Alabama emergency shelter that provides supportive services to victims of domestic violence throughout St. Clair and Blount counties.

More than 400 people gathered in support of the shelter and the cause at the Aug. 18 Purse & Passion luncheon. This is the eighth year of the annual event, and it raised $80,257 and counting, for the cause.

The theme of the Eighth Annual Purse & Passion St. Clair County Luncheon was “Planting Seeds of Hope” and the 425 guests that were in attendance sent a strong message letting domestic violence victims know that they are not alone.

The event, which was chaired by Blair and Cindy Goodgame and held at The Beacon at Pell City First United Methodist Church, raises money that will all go to the Our Place shelter. Since opening in 2009, the shelter has helped thousands of victims with legal assistance, court advocacy and more.

“When domestic violence victims arrive at Our Place, they may feel alone, broken, scared and hopeless,” Blair Goodgame said. “The YWCA’s staff nurtures these women in a safe and loving environment and encourages them along their journey from victim to survivor.”

At the event, a video was shown that featured two women who have rebuilt their lives with the help of the TWCA. Jordan and Tami shared how they found courage, strength and hope at Our Place.

“My setback was a setup for me to start over again, and the YW was there for me when I needed it,” Tami said. Tami has recently moved into her own apartment and showed gratitude for the support she got from the YWCA.

“They have shown me that I can stand on my own two feet,” Jordan said, having experienced the support from Our Place that she needed to reclaim her life.

These two women are just a couple of examples of the people that Our Place has helped. The shelter has changed lives, and this event will allow it to change even more. For more information on Our Place, or to see what you can do to help, visit YWCA.org.