On October 25th, 2024, in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Friends of Yates in Wyandotte County held the 26th Annual Community Awards Luncheon — commemorating the outstanding service performed for domestic violence survivors by public servants in the Kansas City, Kansas Community. Far and wide, public servants and social services officials in Kansas City work diligently to address the domestic violence crisis that plagues the city. Together, Friends of Yates recognizes the collateral impact that cross agency collaboration and service provision has on the effort to promote violence free living for Kansas City families. Formally recognizing those who lead this good battle provides much needed acknowledgment and affirmation for domestic violence service workers across the metro–an essential component in combatting social services compassion fatigue. Mayor Tyrone Garner of Kansas, City Kansas and LaDora Lattimore, Retired Chief Executive Officer of Friends of Yates made remarks at the awards commemoration.
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On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. For one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. One in three women and one in four men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. At least one-third of all female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by male intimate partners. Domestic violence crosses all demographics, socioeconomic statues that affects children, women and men globally and throughout the KC Metropolitan area. Now is the time for us to join as a community and boldly stand against domestic violence
On Friday, October 25, 2024, Friends of Yates held its 26th Annual Domestic Violence Community Awards Luncheon Ceremony in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event took place at Forest Grove Baptist Church, located at 1417 N 9th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The program commenced with Ms. Christal Watson, Executive Director of the Kansas City Kansas School Foundation for Excellence, who served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Watson brought elegance and professionalism to the event, setting an informative and uplifting tone for the occasion.
Rev. DeLano J. Sheffield, Sr., Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, offered a heartfelt invocation. Mrs. Claudean Horton, President of Friends of Yates, warmly welcomed attendees, highlighting the importance of community support in driving the organization’s mission forward.
A musical selection by Maryanne Korte, LAP Coordinator and Victim Advocate at Friends of Yates, provided a moving prelude, followed by the Occasion by Ms. LaDora Lattimore, retired CEO of Friends of Yates, who reflected on the organization’s history and impact.
Ms. Carolynn Washington, Interim Program Director at Friends of Yates, presented highlights of the organization’s programs and services, sharing recent successes and future plans. A series of warm greetings from prominent community leaders added their voices of support, including Mayor Tyrone Garner of Kansas City, Kansas, Honorable Judge Timothy Dupree of Wyandotte
County, Kansas State House Representatives Pam Curtis (District 32) and Lynn Melton (District 36), and Sheriff Daniel Sopic of Wyandotte County.
A significant feature of the program was a video presentation dedicated to the Friends of Yates Respite Playground Park in memory of Erin Langhofer. Friends of Yates received a grant from the “Do Good for Erin Foundation” for the Respite Playground Park, in Erin’s memory. Erin lost her life as a Social Worker, serving victims/survivors of domestic Violence. This heartfelt dedication served as a touching reminder of the impact of community support in creating safe spaces for healing and remembrance.
Following the video, a survivor from the Della Gill/Joyce H. Williams Center shared her story, describing how the center helped her regain confidence, believe in herself, and obtain essential documents to rebuild her life. Gayle Williams then spoke courageously on behalf of her daughters, Rachel and Annalisha Williams, honoring their memory and highlighting the profound impact Friends of Yates has on the lives of survivors.
Emma Williams, she/her, Client Advocacy Specialist at Friends of Yates, delivered another selection, setting the stage for the presentation of the “Mayor Tyrone Garner/District Attorney Mark Dupree Dedicated Service Award.” This prestigious award was presented by Mayor Garner and Representative Lynn Melton, celebrating individuals who have shown exemplary commitment to serving the community.
The honorees were: Ms. Ramat Abanishe, Lethality Assessment Coordinator, Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Victim Services Unit; Mrs. Ora Alexander, Board Vice President, Friends of Yates, Inc.; Ms. La Tresha Ayala, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn; Ms. Jessica Barnett, Analyst, Kansas Governor’s Grants Program; Mr. Jason Bennet, Owner, JJ’s Auto Sales; Mr. Harry Colon, Risk Assessment Management Consultant; Sister Bridget Dickason, OBS Director, Keeler Women’s Center;. Kelli Doyle, she/her/hers, Impact Strategist, Health Forward Foundation; Mrs. Carla Gibson, Vice President of Programs, Reach Healthcare Foundation; Dr. Carla Whiteside-Hicks, PhD., Economic and Employment Services Director, Kansas Department for Children and Families; Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Julie Hoefer; Mrs. Shelia Hollis, TANF Initiatives Program Specialist, Economic & Employment Services, Kansas Department for Children & Families; Mrs. Claudean Horton, Board President, Friends of Yates, Inc.; Mrs. Karen E. Jones, Manager Workforce Relations, Labor & Employee Relations, Federal Aviation Administration; Mr. Paul C. Jones Jr., Board Treasurer, Friends of Yates; Ms. Monica Kennedy, Protection Order Advocate, Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Victim Services; Mrs. Carol Knight, on behalf of Wyandotte County Christian Piecemakers; Rev. Dr. Desmond C. Lamb Sr., Interim Executive Director, Friends of Yates, Inc.; Pastor and Mrs. Tom and Marcy Langhofer, Do Good for Erin Foundation; Pastor and Mrs. Robert Jr. and Minnie Milan, Greater Faith Ministry Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kansas; Deputy District Attorney Njeri Mwangi, Wyandotte County, Kansas; Ms. Colette Norton, Director of Clinic Operations, Optum Midwest Region; Trevor Parker, he/him. DV/SA Training Coordinator, Friends of Yates, Inc.; Ms. Randi
Rankin, Sales Coordinator, Hilton Garden Inn; Ms. Beverly Russell, Director of Sales, Hilton Garden Inn; Mr. Daniel Soptic, Sheriff, Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas; Ms. Angela Stinson, TANF Program Specialist, Kansas Department for Children and Families; Ms. Angie Swart, she/her, Director of Advocacy, Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence; Ms. Jennifer Vega, BPM, PI, and Training Deputy Director, Kansas Department for Children and Families; Shelby Watson, she/her Attorney, PAVE Trainer/Legal Advocacy Coordinator, Friends of Yates, Inc.; Mr. and Mrs. James and Phyllis White, retired KCK Public School Administrator and Educator; Ms. Gayle Williams, CEO/Founder, RAM Foundation; and Captain Katie Yarsulik, Special Investigation, Kansas City Kansas Police Department.
The program concluded with a final selection by Carolynn Washington. Outstanding Closing remarks from Rev. Dr. Desmond Lamb, Sr., Interim Director of Friends of Yates, and Ms. LaDora Lattimore, commenting on the quality of the program, the honorees, program participants, Ms. Crystal Wilburn, and the forward direction of Friends of Yates. Rev. Sheffield provided the benediction, bringing the event to a meaningful close.
Friends of Yates strive to bring together extraordinary individuals from diverse professions and backgrounds who are committed to preventing and eradicating domestic violence. Through collaboration and shared purpose, they aim to create a safer, more supportive community for all.
This luncheon was a testament to the power of unity and collective action, highlighting the resilience of survivors and the strength of a community that stands in support of them.