Empowering Women through “Empowering Hearts”
By: Jessica Walker
I had a wonderful opportunity on November 12th to participate in the first annual “Empowering Hearts” event dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence and abuse. This event was extremely informative and opened my eyes to the amount of women exposed to this type of violence. In fact, I was very surprised to learn that one in four women will be a victim of abuse during her lifetime, according to The Mary Kay Foundation.
The “Empowering Hearts” team comprised of SaferDates.com, Victoria Peasley, Mary Kay Independent Senior Sales Director, and Transitions. The event featured a domestic violence victim with an inspiring story of how she broke free from her abuser. Victoria Peasley spoke on behalf of The Mary Kay Foundation and covered the resources and programs available to woman through their website. Among those resources is a guide specifically for single woman called Healthy Relationships: A Guide to Dating Violence. I was so impressed with the level of dedication that Mary Kay puts forth annually to create awareness and with the amount of women’s shelters that benefit from their grants. In 2009, The Mary Kay Foundation awarded $3 million in total grants to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states.
Following Victoria’s presentation, Transitions offered tips on how healthy eating can benefit your mind and body. Safer Dates with yours truly joining Rick DeAguila, our self defense expert, proceeded to demonstrate how everyday items like a water bottle and a rolled up magazine can help keep you safe. Be on the lookout for a video coming soon that will demonstrate these very techniques. Concluding the presentations was Barb Kyes, with Action Coach Pinellas, who told an empowering story about how she broke free from her abuser.
Now The Mary Kay Foundation will continue to collect donations on behalf of this event through the end of the year. If you are interested in donating to help women in need, please submit your contribution through the Mary Kay Foundation link and make sure to reference the “Empowering Hearts” Event.
I would like to thank all of our sponsors and all those who attended our first annual “Empowering Hearts” event. Relationships grow and strengthen when we join together to give back to our community.
Until next time, here’s to keeping you Safer in the City!
- Jessica
