YWCA to hold ‘Hear My Voice’ to honor domestic violence victims, survivors
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph YWCA is inviting the community to attend its "Hear My Voice" event to support and honor domestic violence victims and survivors.
The event is free and open to the public, and will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1 in the YWCA's Terrace Room.
"Hear My Voice" is held in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which takes place every October. The evening will allow participants to remember victims, honor survivors and stand beside those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence.
The evening will also feature a community art contest centered on the theme "Give Your Pain a Voice." The contest is open to the public and invites people to use creativity to express their experiences and begin healing.
Submissions may include paintings, drawings, poetry, music, photography, three-dimensional pieces, mixed media and more.
Art submissions will be accepted from Aug. 10 through Sept. 25.
For more information and to submit an art entry, contact Kristina Nicholson at 816-232-4481 or ycares@ywcasj.org.
The Mary Jolly Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Victims and Survivors of Violence will also be awarded.
The award was created in 2010 in memory of Mary Jolly, a YWCA employee, friend and advocate for women.
For 10 years, Jolly supported individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Residents lovingly called her "Grandma Mary" because she made people feel cared for, safe and "less alone."
"She worked hard, brought laughter wherever she went and never hesitated to help someone in need," the organization said in a news release.
Jolly passed away on March 7, 2010, but the YWCA said the love she gave still continues to be felt throughout its organization.
Nominations for the 2026 Mary Jolly Award will open on Sept. 1. Community members are encouraged to nominate someone who leads with compassion, stands beside survivors and makes a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Anyone wanting more information on the award, wanting to request a nomination application or RSVP for the event can contact Jade at 816-232-4481 or at ycares@ywcasj.org.
