Women's Health and Empowerment Network hosts annual banquet

SPOKANE VALLEY – With an evening filled with masquerade masks and auction items, the Women's Health and Empowerment Network had itsr annual Purple Ribbon Banquet at Centerplace Event Center raising thousands of dollars Oct. 10.

The annual event falls during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the money raised helps to fund programs that are operated by the group.

After a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of domestic violence, 6th Legislative District Rep. Jenny Graham, a Republican, took the floor as the event keynote speaker, describing her drive as a victim's advocate and her own personal experiences living through childhood abuse.

"Programs like this didn't exist back then," Graham said, "We did the best we could, but we had to endure an abusive childhood."

Graham described how although she was able to survive that childhood, her sister and brother did not.

She explained how her sister was only 15 years old when killed by the Green River Killer, and that her brother committed suicide because of the abuse her family endured.

Graham said having to live through times like that gave her incredible strength, although it also drove her apart from her mother for 10 years.

Graham said instances of domestic violence are increasing, and it is not a gender issue but a family issue.

"We have an opportunity to really work hard to support programs just like this for the educational aspect," she said.

Programs like the ones supported by the women's network are extremely important because they teach affected people how to reach out for help before the situation can get out of hand, she said. These programs can also help to educate the community about how to support affected individuals and victims of domestic violence.

Information was also on hand from the Maasai Development Project, a group that helps to rescue children at risk of becoming victims of abuse or human trafficking.

These programs include Cleone's Closet in Airway Heights which is being renovated, and the pantry provides healthy food options for low-income families.

Frieda's Healing Center is a facility for abused women with children and all of the furnishings and supplies come from donations as the group doesn't receive state or federal funding.

Men of Compassion is another program funded by donations to the women's network, and the program works to educate men about domestic violence.

Matthew O. Stephens can be reached at [email protected]