A table of eight women sit at the 10^th Annual Purse & Passion luncheon in a room full of people, including business, community, and city leaders.

Statistically, two women at that table could be victims of domestic abuse. Studies show that one in four women will become a victim of domestic violence during their lifetime and the YWCA of Central Alabama are raising funds to help women and children in those situations to find a way out.

The group raised over $70,260 at the Aug. 2 event, which was chaired by Blair and Cindy Goodgame and held at The Beacon at Pell City First United Methodist Church.

All of the funds raised will be used to support Our Place, the YWCA Central Alabama’s emergency shelter in Pell City, and to provide supportive services to victims in St. Clair and Blount counties.

The theme of this year’s event was “Transforming Lives,” a mission that could be readily seen from the volunteers to the catering. 

The event this year was catered by Tessie, a survivor of domestic abuse who received support and shelter through the YWCA program. She was able to fulfill her dreams and rebuild her life, serving 432 people who attended the luncheon.

“Thank you is simplifying it, so what I try to do is give back,” Tessie shared in her story. “Any way that I can participate, contribute and any way that I can be effective, that I can use my voice and share my experience. I want people to know that if you do the work, it works. If you want to get better, you can come to this place (Our Place) and get better.”

Tessie and her children were at the YWCA shelter for 12 months and one day. Tessie was a chef who had served in the Armed Forces. How could she admit it happened to her, she asked. 

“Today I’m stronger. Today I’m wiser and today I’m not bitter,” Tessie said. “I am grateful that I am able to move on. I survived and I’m ready to thrive.”

Some women leave an abusive home with nothing but their children. Physically, emotionally, and verbally abused they need more than just a roof over their heads and food. Our Place offers legal assistance, counseling, resources for job training, and safe place for them to recover and rebuild their lives.

“We want to show them that they do matter, their life is worth living, and they can do it,” said Vernetta Bowman, Director of Our Place. “We want to foster caring and independence, redemption and renewal.”

Since Our Place opened in 2009, approximately 7,435 victims have received legal assistance, court advocacy, shelter and support.

“Many women will not leave their community to seek help,” Bowman said. “It takes courage to seek help and it is a relief that women and children are in a safe, stable place (at Our Place.)”

During their 10^th year, the Purse & Passion event had a record number of community sponsors, including title sponsor Alabama Power, presenting sponsors Honda and Red Diamond and many local supporters including Pell City First United Methodist Church, Goodgame Company, Lakeside Landing, Lake and Home Magazine, Landmark Credit Union, Metro Bank, Pell City Internal and Family Medicine, Talladega Superspeedway, Webb Concrete and Southland Golf Carts.

Many other sponsors have contributed over the past ten years. Some have been sponsors every year and received special recognition for their contributions.

For more information contact the YWCA at 205-338-8808. If you are in a crisis situation and need help, call the YWCA Crisis Hotline at 205-322-4878 or 1-800-650-6522.