After leaving an abusive marriage and turning to YWCA Central Alabama for help, Tessie found the support she needed to transform her situation “from gloom and doom to thriving.”

Tessie’s story was highlighted at the YWCA’s 19th Annual Purse & Passion Luncheon, held April 26 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. More than 1,400 supporters attended the event and opened their purses and wallets to raise critical funds to help the women, children and families served by the YWCA.