SPOKANE VALLEY – The Women’s Healing and Empowerment Network, or WHEN, Purple Ribbon Banquet unfolded Sunday, March 10, at the Center Place Regional Event Center, highlighted by a keynote speaker from Airway Heights.
The gala event focused on helping lift Spokane County residents out of abusive and addictive lifestyles.
Despite facing health challenges, Jacob Powers’ message resonated through his wife Kim Powers, who delivered a poignant speech on his behalf. Drawing parallels between brokenness and resilience, she urged attendees to acknowledge pain but strive to soar beyond their past traumas.
Terri Cooper, the mayor of Medical Lake, reflected on her own experiences with abuse and the transformative power of compassion. “Abuse was something in my childhood. It’s not the exception, it’s the rule,” Cooper remarked, underscoring the importance of empathy and action in combating societal wounds.
Among the other speakers was Lorenda Rae, host of an afternoon radio show. She shared her journey through life-altering challenges, including an assault that shifted her trajectory, and overcoming 25 years of abuse, including religious abuse.
“The team we have, with the food pantry, through Amazon’s program, just pitching in and helping out will heal you,” Rae said.
She emphasized the network’s mission to bring healing not only to women but to men, children and survivors of abuse, providing essential items and support to help them rebuild their lives.
Among the array of programs and initiatives discussed at the event, Charles Stephenson, who moved to Spokane to escape an abusive upbringing, recounted his struggles with addiction and finding redemption.
“If it wasn’t for the WHEN network, I don’t know where I’d be today,” Stephenson admitted, expressing gratitude for the support that guided him towards sobriety and a renewed sense of purpose.
Tricia Theophile also shared her journey of overcoming abuse, illustrating how she emerged from the depths of despair to pursue education and self-assertion with the help of WHEN programs.
“God has never left my side, I left him for a bit,” Theophile reflected, acknowledging her spiritual and personal growth.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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