Philanthropy

Charleston, WV, Area Alumnae Chapter

Our chapter members have decided to sponsor Resolve Family Abuse Program's local women's shelter.  The shelter services Kanawha, Clay and Boone Counties.  They offer the full range of domestic violence services including a short term shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, support groups, counseling, court advocacy, free lawyers, and complete case management--which can be anything from providing clothing to helping a woman find a job or complete her education.  All of their services for the women and children are free.

Mary Jo Butler, the Program's Director, is looking forward to working with us as we help the women, the children and the shelter for many years to come.  We plan to collect many items that they need at each of our monthly meetings.  In January, we collected mittens, scarves, hats, gloves and the like.  At the February and March meetings, everyone brought along toiletries that every woman needs.  For the April meeting, most everyone was doing their spring cleaning so it was a good time to collect some clothing.  The shelter is often in need of business attire to help the women get back on their feet in the work place.  Our contributions may help them feel me at ease in the professional settings.

On May 13, 2000, Tammy St.Clair, Mia Ferguson, Amy Hendershot, Amy K Griffith, Hope Fout, and Kristi Legg spent the morning building two flower beds at the Women's Shelter.  Mary Jo had suggested that they would get quite a bit of enjoyment out of having flowers and vegetables grown on the lot of the shelter but was concerned that if the beds were not raised or enclosed that the mowers would destroy them.  So the six alumnae sisters set out to give them a nice space for them to enjoy the gardening away from home.  Two boxes were constructed, tilled, filled with dirt, and plants and seeds were planted.  The whole project only took about 3 hours, but it was well worth it.  Take a look at how great they turned out!