This Week's Feature: The Great Escape Event Hosted by the Women's Shelter of Central Arkansas

Beth Goodrich speaking on domestic violence.
Photo by Bobby Haws Photography.

I recently met Beth Goodrich, executive director of The Women's Shelter of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas.  She came to The Compassion Fashion Project's event, Divas Dressing Darlings, and was one of our keynote speakers.  She did an amazing job explaining the prevalence of domestic violence and gave factual statistics that many of us did not know.  For instance, I did not know that it takes a domestic violence victim around eight times to leave their abusive partners before they actually leave for good.  Even with such a shocking statistic, Goodrich has a great attitude about what she does.  She explained that when a woman escapes her partner and stays at The Women's Shelter of Central Arkansas, even if it is only for one night, she considers it a success, because at least they kept her safe that night. 

The Great Escape fashion show.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

The Women's Shelter of Central Arkansas has provided emergency assistance to domestic violence victims since November of 1995.  In an effort to generate community support, and ensure services in the future, the Women’s Shelter created the annual event known as “The Great Escape”.  The Great Escape is to be held on August 6, 2011 from 9:00 a.m-3:00 p.m. at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Conway, Arkansas.


The Great Escape provides a day for women to be pampered by massage therapists, skin professionals and manicurists. Spa services are $10 and proceeds are donated to the Women's Shelter of Central Arkansas.  

Attendees last year at The Great Escape.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

Beth Goodrich explains, "Anyone can go get a manicure or haircut, but not usually at such a great price and when you spend money to pamper yourself at The Great Escape, you also support victims and survivors of domestic violence."

Booth rentals available at The Great Escape.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

Last year Avon was in the house providing vendor services.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

Jewelry made by the residents of the shelter have a booth, too.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

Your support will enable the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas to provide the following services:

• A safe haven to women and children escaping domestic abuse in their homes

• Legal advocacy for victims of violence

• Education programs to public schools, churches, civic organizations, and law enforcement personnel aimed at preventing and reducing violence in our community.

• Support Groups

• Rape Crisis services

Many may not be aware of the unique jewelry line that has been created by this shelter.  

"Broken China" jewelry line designs by the residents of the Women's Shelter of Central Arkansas.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

"Broken China" jewelry, only $10.00.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

The jewelry design program is based around raising funds through the sale of their hand-made and often customizable broken china jewelry.  Many times our special china will become broken and we don't quite know what to do with the pieces...glue it back together, get it fixed professionally, throw it out?  A broken piece of china can be fashioned into an heirloom piece of one-of-a-kind jewelry made especially for you or someone you love.  The items are created by victims of domestic abuse and volunteers, who sand the edges of the broken bits to create pendants, charms or other items.  In its new form, these broken pieces are beautiful and have a new purpose, just like the women The Women's Shelter of Central Arkansas serve.  Each piece of jewelry is an affordable $10.00!

Gorgeous cake at The Great Escape.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

Now all of you here who are avid fans of The Compassion Fashion Project know that I am a HUGE supporter of artists, so I must share this story that Goodrich told me about at our recent event.  This story should show that this shelter is not just committed to providing basic everyday needs, but also in nurturing each and every survivors' needs spiritually.  

A resident came to The Women's Shelter of Central Arkansas seeking a safe place to live and heal after her violent relationship she had just left.  This particular survivor was an artist.  One of the preposterous actions against her by her abuser was that he took away all her art supplies and threw them away.  He would not allow her to possess any art materials while they were living together.  So, what do you think was one of the first things that the staff at the shelter did for her?  They bought her a whole new art set and she began to create again.  Now, if that's not love, I don't know what is.  This shelter goes above and beyond the call of duty and without your support, they would not be equipped to help their residents heal properly.  This is an event that you do not want to miss. 

Happy guest having fun at The Great Escape.
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich.

Regarding vendor availability, Goodrich says,"There is still booth space available and we’d love to have anyone who wants a booth.  Call me at 501-730-9864!" 

Get a booth at this event and promote your business and the well-being of your community!
Photo provided by Beth Goodrich. 

Visit this link to purchase a piece of "Broken China" jewelry online!

  

Thanks for attending our event, Beth!  Beth Goodrich seen here wearing a piece of "Broken China" jewelry.
Photo by Bobby Haws Photography.