A celebration of service and survival

March 21, 2008 03:59 pm

— HELP AVAILABLE
If you are a victim of domestic violence, or know someone who is, or if you would like to volunteer your services or resources to The Center For Women and Families, call 502-581-7200 or go online to www.thecenteronline.org for more information.
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While I was playing with my dolls, hosting tea parties, dreaming of fairies, experiencing childhood, someone whom I have come to care for was being abused. Just a few miles from my home this child was physically and verbally abused and forced to work as an adult. He was so damaged in his view of himself that even now as an adult he can’t accept that someone could care for him, that he is worthy of love, that he deserves to be happy. Intelligent and compassionate, the love and potential of this man is withering behind the walls that he built to protect his inner child that should have been loved and protected.
Recently, at the Center for Women and Families’ 21st Anniversary Celebration of Service and Survival honoring the 2008 Women of Distinction, one speaker after another reiterated that it is not just women and children that suffer the effects of domestic violence, but it is the whole community that suffers.
This truth is found in the life of this man and so many like him. The community feels the effects economically.
An estimated $5.8 billion in annual healthcare cost is associated with domestic violence, but also on a personal level, because of the effects of domestic violence, people such as this man may not be able to fulfill their true potential. These are people who could contribute so much to their community, through earned income and participation, but can’t or have difficulty doing so because of the results of their history of abuse.
Using the image of the traditional art of quilt making, the Center’s program guide explained the theme of the celebration in its introduction. “Just as the unique pieces of a quilt come together to provide warmth and comfort, the diverse contributions of this year’s Women of Distinction work together to improve opportunity, education and quality of life for women and children in our communities.”
When one piece of fabric, which by itself provides little coverage, is joined with thread to another and yet another, it becomes a beautiful and powerful deterrent to the elements. It is by coming together as a community, each member reaching out to those in need, joined together by the thread of compassion, hope and resources, that we strengthen one another and construct a brighter future. It is not just the immediate health of the community that is at stake. Domestic violence is a legacy that is passed down from one generation to the next.
Honored for her contribution to the community was president and co-founder of Butler Books, Carol Butler, who also directed the 2000 study of the status of Louisville Metro’s girls and women. Also honored were Julie Hermann, senior associate athletic director, University of Louisville; Denise Spratt, retired lieutenant of the Louisville Metro Police Department, who was involved in helping victims of domestic violence; the late Lillian Yeager, former dean of nursing at Indiana University Southeast and Cathy Zion, owner and president of Zion Publication, whose monthly magazine Today’s Woman covers women’s issues.
Laughing, Carol Butler said she was honored to be honored.
“The most exciting thing was seeing all of these people who have gathered here tonight to support the Center. That is the most gratifying,” Butler said.
The estimated attendance was a thousand for this year’s event, held at the Galt House in Louisville. Last year more than $200,000 was raised to support those seeking healing and self-sufficiency at The Center, and it is expected that this year’s raffle, silent auction and dinner will match or exceed that amount.
What can’t be measured monetarily is the hope and inspiration the stories of these women gave to, not only the audience, but to those whose lives they touched by their passion for assisting and empowering others.
Whether in the classroom or through working with local charities, Lillian Yeager, who passed away in 2006 of ovarian cancer, was very much involved in making a difference in the lives of others, said colleague and friend Bernardo J. Carducci, Indiana University Southeast professor of psychology and director of the Shyness Research Institute.
“My strongest memory of Lillian was when I was in Floyd Memorial Hospital having a shunt put in. Lillian visited me, and what was remarkable was when it was known I was associated with her, the number of people who came in to talk to her to tell her how much she did for them.”
Carducci said Yeager, even ravaged by cancer, was out and about in the community.
“She did not let her illness slow her down. She showed people you could be strong in a time when she was weak.”
The common tread woven through each woman’s account was the willingness to devote her time and talent to help those in need, to give to the community.
And the community turned out to pay tribute to these remarkable women and to support the goal of the Center, to end violence in the home, schools and the community.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, or know someone who is, or if you would like to volunteer your services or resources to The Center For Women and Families, call 502-581-7200 or go online to www.thecenteronline.org for more information.
— Contributed by freelance writer Nancy Salings