Ywca Provides Help For Victims Of Domestic Violence

Love shouldn’t hurt. Love shouldn’t kill.

These statements are written in the literature of YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence program, the goal of which is to call attention to the rising problem of domestic violence. And to offer help.

Last year in Spokane County, more than 6,400 incidents of domestic violence were reported to law enforcement agencies. Nearly a quarter of homicides in the city of Spokane (38 percent countywide) were related to domestic violence.

If you are a domestic violence victim, there is help. The YWCA offers confidential support groups and individual counseling at no cost. A teen support group is available to reduce teen dating violence - one form of domestic violence that’s on the rise in Spokane County.

An informational brochure on domestic violence is available as well as a listing of local resources and phone numbers. Also available is a speaker’s bureau, for meetings and engagements, to address the situation.

For resource information and support, call the YWCA’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis hotline, 326-CALL.

Fund-raisers

From pancakes to household goods, Corbin Senior Center has plenty for all at its spring fund-raiser on Saturday.

Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast served from 9 a.m. to noon at the center, 827 W. Cleveland. A yard sale will continue until 4.

Corbin Senior Center is part of a statewide association of senior centers serving the needs of older adults. It’s a gathering place for activities and a clearinghouse for resources providing information on a variety of topics. It strives to enhance the dignity of seniors, support their independence and encourage their involvement in the community.

For more information, call the Corbin Senior Center at 327-1584.

Jeans and loafers at the office? Employees of businesses throughout Spokane are invited to Dress Down for Kids, June 9-13, to support Spokane-area young people.

The Chase Youth Foundation, event organizer, is seeking businesses to participate. Proceeds will help support such projects as KidsWeek, the Chase Youth Awards, and scholarships for summer activities.

Businesses may select any day to participate during Dress Down Week. Employees wear casual dress to work for a $3 contribution to the Chase Youth Commission.

A badge will be provided to indicate the informal attire supports Spokane youth.

“This is a very simple way for people to show they care about youth in our community,” says Nancy Fike, vice president of the Chase Youth Foundation. “We hope boards, groups, committees and organizations of all kinds will take advantage of this opportunity.”

To participate in Dress Down For Kids, call the Chase Youth Commission, 625-6440.

Community events

Saturday is Community Day at NorthTown Mall, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Sears/Emporium Court.

Representatives of several non-profit organizations will be on hand to answer questions about the services they provide. Participants will include health-care organizations, support services, summer recreation groups and hobby clubs.

The Inland Northwest Blood Center will host a blood drive until 3 p.m. on the main level, next to Weisfield Jewelers.

Kudos

Congratulations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for successfully raising $5,000 at its inaugural Spring Festival Wine and Beer Tasting event on April 25.

More than 500 people filled the Crescent Court Ballroom to sample selections of wine and beer from the Northwest and beyond. Individuals bid on silent auction items while enjoying a variety of appetizers provided by the Bayou Brewing Co., Europa Pizzaria, Cucina Cucina! and Niko’s restaurants.

Proceeds from the fund-raiser will remain in this region to help the MDA fight neuromuscular diseases through research, education, patient services and summer camps.

“We look forward to this event next year, continuing to raise funds for our local MDA,” says Kristi Gotzian, who served on the event’s planning committee.

Correction

“Swing With the Maestro,” a fund-raising golf tournament for the Spokane Symphony is Monday, not today as reported last week in Community Update. It begins at 1 p.m. at the Manito Golf and Country Club.

Here is your opportunity to putt with symphony masters who are also golf enthusiasts. Music director Fabio Mechetti and concertmaster Kelly Farris are eager to meet and join tournament players on a course where each hole is musically named.

The $100 entry fee includes green fees, prizes, practice balls, refreshments and a post-tournament social hour and dinner. For dinner only, the cost is $20.

Merrill Lynch & Co. has underwritten the Spokane Symphony Associates’ fund-raising event.

For information and reservations, call Mary Jane Broom at 448-0992.

, DataTimes