On June 2, 2013, actress and award winning story performer, Dolores Hydock, brought her special style of storytelling to St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church in Pell City to benefit the YWCA’s Our Place domestic violence shelter – the only confidentially located shelter serving victims in St. Clair and Blount counties that is certified by the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Hydock entertained the audience with her funny, affectionate stories about mothers and fathers, family fireworks and the power of a parent’s love.
“The Vestry wanted to offer this program to the community in the knowledge that the arts speak from and to the human soul,” says Lucie Magnus, vestry member. “We also wanted to give back to the community, so when Jo King and Lisa Baggett suggested Our Place, we jumped on the idea!”
The proceeds from the performance were later presented to the YWCA in a special check presentation by members of the St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church vestry.
“We are so grateful that the members of the Vestry decided to host this performance to benefit the women and children that are served by our shelter,” says Carrie Leland, Rural DVS Coordinator. “It’s great that Dolores, who travels all over the world performing, would take the time to help raise money for the special women and children we serve.”
Our Place is an important resource for rural domestic violence victims because they are often in isolated locations. Women in the St. Clair County area are often hesitant to travel to Birmingham to seek shelter from an abuser. This could be due to lack of transportation, distance or fear of an unknown city.
In addition to emergency shelter, Our Place provides additional services for women and children who are escaping abusive situations such as, court advocacy, assistance with protection from abuse orders and community outreach.
Our Place also provides case management and financial assistance for re-housing victims displaced by domestic violence through the Special Assessment Intervention Liasion (SAIL) program in conjunction with DHR.
Hydock performs through the United States at concerts, festivals, churches, schools and various other venues. Her nine CDs of original stories have all received Resource Awards from Storytelling World Magazine.
The YW would like to send a special thank you to Dolores Hydock for her performance and St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church for their generous support of those we serve. To learn more about the YWCA domestic violence programs or if you are interested in donating please click here.
