ywca of greater memphis

For the past four years or so, I've been driving the same routes around the University of Memphis. Down Highland and back for classes, local bars, coffee shops, and the dreaded trips to the gas pump. What I always cruised right by and never thought twice about until recently was this little building between the. It is the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association).

"The Young Women’s Christian Association is a women’s membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many beliefs and values.

Strengthened by diversity, the association draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.

The association will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary." 

                                                                            from www.memphisywca.com

I want to help. 

So, I wanted to post their wish list. Reading over this list, as simply an act as it is, can be incredibly humbling as a woman. Items I walk to my bathroom or make a short trip to the store for are things that many women in MY community don't have access to. 

Take a second to look at this list. If you're in Memphis, consider making a donation and let us know about it! If you're not local, I hope you'll do some research on shelters in your community and give them a call to see what items they need. Or, if you want to help me contribute to the women in Memphis, take a look at some of my paintings under the "art" tab above!

 

ABUSED WOMEN’S SERVICES

Emergency Shelter

Shelter Wish List

Thank you for your interest in donating items to the women and children residing in our shelter program.  Below is a list of items that the shelter and residents could benefit from.  When families enter the shelter, they generally come with very little.  We would like to ensure that every child receives a toy as they enter the shelter.  Additionally, our shelter is a violence-free environment; therefore, we request that no toy guns or toys of a violent nature are donated.  Currently, we so not have a need for clothing items other than those listed below as our clothes closet is full.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!

Please deliver donations to 766 S. Highland or call Kathy at 323-2211 for directions.

Items for shelter:

Umbrellas

Batteries (All sizes)

Flashlights

Pots and pans

Cooking/eating utensils

Tool set

Towels (bath and face)

Twin sheet sets

Pillows

Blankets

Twin mattress covers

Standard pillow covers

Dish towels

Dining room chairs

Microwave

Refrigerator

Chest freezer

Living room set (sofa,

love seat and chair)

Toilet tissue

Paper towels

Facial tissue

Dish washing liquid

Cleaning supplies

Bleach

Light bulbs

Laundry detergent

Irons

Items for women:

Handbags

Wallets

Jewelry

Watches

Perfume

Gowns/pajamas

Slippers

Robes

Hosiery

Socks

New panties (all sizes

especially plus sizes)

New bras (all sizes especially

plus sizes)

Perm kits (African-American

hair texture)

Hair coloring

Feminine hygiene products

Journals

Day planners

Disposable cameras

Phone cards

Movies (VHS) for adults

(Non-violent content)

Tooth paste

Bubble bath

*Subscription to Commercial

Appeal

Items for children:

Toys (for all ages)

Books (for all ages) (English &

Spanish Languages)

Dolls

Cars and trucks

“Dress up” jewelry/clothing

Video games

Children’s videos (English &

Spanish Languages)

Footballs/basketballs

Portable cassette/compact disc players

Child seats (for the car)

School uniforms

Backpacks

Diapers (all sizes)

Baby wipes

New sippy cups/pacifiers/bottles

New children’s underwear (all sizes)

New socks (all sizes)

Slippers

Robes

Pajamas

Strollers

Potty Seats

Food Items:

Canned meat (tuna, salmon, etc.)

Canned vegetables (corn, peas, etc.)

Dry goods (beans, etc.)

Sugar

Juice boxes

School Supplies

Notebooks

Pencils

Crayons

Folders

Pencil Sharpeners

Pencil Box

Backpacks

White Loose leaf paper

Rulers

Dictionaries

Calculators

Lunchboxes

Small assignment notebooks

logo

After quite some time of nit-picking every little aspect of my creation, I have finally created THE PERFECT logo for Arbour Beauty and I am so stinking excited! I am so thankful that I'm familiar with the ends and outs of Adobe InDesign and was able to create my very own logo exactly how I want it.

It  shows everything that Arbour Beauty stands for and I couldn't be more satisfied with the way it turned out!



What do y'all think?

LOOKY HERE!

Well, well, well...

Arbour Beauty is spreading awareness across the University of Memphis campus now!

I am just about done with my last full semester of undergrad seeking a Bachelor's of Arts in Journalism. One of my last classes has been Feature Writing where we write feature stories about different people, places, or interesting things around Memphis. One of my classmates, Crystal, is on staff with The Daily Helmsman, our campus newspaper and recently asked me if she could write a story on Arbour Beauty for the paper! Of course I said YES! I am so thankful for the opportunity that came along giving all University of Memphis students the chance to read about my vision. I hope it builds more awareness of the project and that people will start following my project and hop on board.

So here is the article, enjoy!

Student paints for poverty

AB on Etsy & Domestic Violence Grows

As of today, I have FOUR of the paintings listed on my etsy shop online! 

If you're not familiar with etsy, you should definitely check it out. It is an online source that allows folks to sell handmade creations such as paintings, jewelry, purses, etc. I could spend all day on there just looking at all the amazing things people have made! 

I wanted to create an Arbour Beauty store on etsy so that even people who may not be familiar with my blog could still hear about it. Also, etsy ensures a secure purchase so y'all don't need to worry about any of that!

I hope you all look through the paintings I've got going so far, but, I'd also like you to take the time and read this article from The Commercial Appeal. Violence among partners in Memphis is a growing problem.

Commercial Appeal: Crimes drop from 2010-2011 in Tenn. | Domestic violence cases continue to rise

Below is the excerpt that reassured me that I am doing something good for my city.

The Memphis murder numbers meant a 29 percent increase in homicides from 2010, and Shelby County Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich said part of the increase is due to the city's high number of domestic violence cases. Some of the categories overlap, but Weirich said, "Seventeen percent of homicides in 2011 stemmed from domestic violence cases. Forty-two percent stemmed from an argument or physical altercation, and 68 percent were individuals related or acquainted with each other."

And, while other crimes go down, the number of domestic violence cases goes up. From about 4,000 cases in 2008, the number has steadily climbed to 7,770 cases last year, said Karen Cook, chief domestic violence prosecutor in Weirich's office.

by: Michael Lollar

I really hope that 2012 is different, what can you do to help?

Blooming

My vision is finally coming together!
I am working on uploading my paintings and getting everything set up on my etsy.com account. Currently in my Gender and Women's Studies class, we are discussing partner abuse and its emotional affect. The topic has really become something I am passionate about so I absolutely cannot wait to start helping these women and their children. 
Please take the time to view this video about Arbour Beauty and share! I will upload another video once I've sold enough to make a contribution and visit the shelter to deliver the make-up and beauty products.

Some Trees and a Dream

Whelp, I guess you have realized that I love trees. A tree hugger? Not so much, but maybe a little. In my blog, I hope to inspire other young people who may also be passionate about something, but not sure what to do with it. If that sounds like you, then why not consider using your talents and interests for good? I am all for helping the human race and reaching out to others. I am not, however, going to go search the world for hopelessness and grieve when it exists here in my very own city: Memphis, Tennessee. I want to help women here. Now. 

With that being said, I am no photographer or professional artist by any means, but if you like the paintings, buy one, and the proceeds will be used to provide new make-up to the women of Memphis Family Shelter and surrounding safe-havens for women who have fallen victim to domestic violence. If you have no interest in the paintings (suite yourself), I hope you'll still consider donating and enjoy browsing my photos. I've come across some pretty neat trees here in Memphis and even in other places I visit. So, I capture some photos of them and will be posting them on here along with my paintings, thought the photos are just for viewing.

I hope you all enjoy my journey in kicking off this project that, I'm not going to lie, might be a bigger dream than I can handle. Dream big, right?