We would like to congratulate Elizabeth for moving to the next step. She will be starting a full-time CNA job tomorrow with Homestead Health Center. We are so proud of her.
Come to our Platinum 20th b-day bash, Oct. 13
Wichita WIN’s Platinum 20th Anniversary Celebration, celebrating 20 years of service to women survivors of domestic violence, will be from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, at the Wichita Boathouse, 515 S. Wichita. This casual but elegant fundraiser will include food stations and an open bar, a silent auction of many fine gift baskets, a wine pull, and music by popular local band, Annie Up.
Tickets are $75 each; reserved tables are $750. Order tickets online at wichitawin.org/win-20th-event.
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Wichita WIN program, a sponsored work of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.
For more information, call Amber or Judy at 316-262-3960.
WIN to hold open house, Oct. 13
The public is invited to a ribbon cutting, open house and tour of the newly refurbished Wichita WIN facility, 510 E. Third, Wichita, from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 13. Speakers at the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting are expected to include Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and representatives of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The event also will include the unveiling of a new indoor mural, created by a local artist and domestic violence survivor, and incorporating design elements suggested by current WIN program participants.
Light refreshments will be served and a prize drawing will be held. No registration is required.
Parking is available in the rear of the WIN building and along Third Street.
For more information, call Amber or Judy at 316-262-3960.
Louisa: Finding a hopeful future
By age 36, Louisa had endured an abusive childhood and two failed, abusive marriages before finding help and hope for a better life through Wichita Women’s Initiative Network.
“I had no idea there was support out there for women like me,” she said.
But after four months in the WIN program, she says. “Now I know there are people who care and resources to help. WIN is a good program!”
The youngest of six children, Louisa was born and raised in Germany to immigrant parents from north Africa. She left home at 16 and married her first husband, an American Army soldier, at 20.
While he was often “a great guy,” he also was possessive and abusive. She stayed with him through two children and a transfer to Kansas because she was afraid she couldn’t support herself and her children alone.
Later, she sought refuge in a brief second marriage that turned out to be just as abusive, and she had another child.
Then she heard about the WIN program, which helps women survivors of domestic abuse become emotionally whole and financially independent through part-time employment, emotional support and counseling and job-readiness training.
After just a few months in the program, Louisa is learning to deal with the trust issues and trauma she endured, and has hope for the future.
“I’m much happier now,” says Louisa, “Here, I can talk about things and not keep everything inside.”
And here, she’s finding caring support from people who want nothing more than to help her meet her goals in life: to support herself and her children.
“I want to be at peace with myself, to get a good job, a house, and to enjoy life with my kids.”
You can help Louisa and women like her to a hopeful future through your financial support of the Wichita WIN program. Please donate now.
