Wear One, Share One Luncheon Collects 367 Essential Undergarments for YWCA Safe House
United Way of Southwest Wyoming and YWCA of Sweetwater County joined forces to host the first-ever Wear One, Share One Women's Community Luncheon on October 23 at the Holiday Inn in Rock Springs. The event brought community members together to support women seeking safety and a fresh start while raising awareness of the vital services provided by the YWCA. Through the generosity of attendees and community supporters, the event collected 124 new bras and 243 pairs of underwear, totaling 367 essential undergarments for women entering the YWCA Safe House.
Guests were encouraged to bring one new bra and one new pair of underwear in the size they wear. The variety of sizes collected will help ensure women entering the Safe House have access to new, properly fitting undergarments during a difficult time.
"Wear One, Share One is something I've wanted to bring to our community for years," said Kelly Frink, Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Wyoming. "When I shared the idea with Kelly and Sasha at the YWCA, they immediately embraced it. Seeing our community come together for this first event was incredibly rewarding. Something as simple as a new bra and underwear can provide comfort and dignity to someone who may have had to leave everything behind."
In addition to collecting donations, the luncheon gave attendees an opportunity to learn more about the YWCA of Sweetwater County, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The organization provides critical services through its Victims Advocacy Center, including access to the Safe House, as well as a free Financial Empowerment program that helps individuals develop budgeting, credit management and other skills needed to build financial independence.
A highlight of the luncheon was a presentation by YWCA Executive Director Kelly Smith, who shared her personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence and the importance of having a safe place during a time of crisis.
Smith spoke about leaving an abusive relationship and spending one week at the YWCA Safe House with her children. She explained that the Safe House provided more than shelter. It gave her a neutral, supportive environment where she could take time to think about what she and her children needed, consider her options and make decisions about their future without the immediate pressures of her situation.
Drawing from both her personal experience and her work as Executive Director, Smith also emphasized why the undergarments collected through Wear One, Share One are such an important donation. Women fleeing domestic violence in the middle of the night often arrive without a bra or additional clothing. Similarly, survivors of sexual assault leaving the hospital may not want to take the undergarments they were wearing during the assault.
These circumstances highlight how something as basic as a new bra and pair of underwear can help restore a sense of comfort and dignity during an incredibly difficult time.
Smith's message reinforced the importance of having the Safe House available in Sweetwater County—not only as a place of physical safety, but also as a place where survivors can find the time, space and support to begin making decisions about their next steps
United Way of Southwest Wyoming supports both the YWCA's Victims Advocacy Center and Financial Empowerment program through its Community Impact Grants. Wear One, Share One provided an additional opportunity for the organizations to collaborate while engaging the community in supporting survivors.
"Hearing Kelly's story really brought home why this event matters," said Kelly Frink, Executive Director of United Way of Southwest Wyoming. "We don't always think about the things someone may have to leave behind when escaping an abusive situation. Something as simple as having a new bra and underwear available can provide a little comfort and dignity when someone is going through one of the most difficult times in their life. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who helped us collect 367 essential undergarments for the Safe House."
The event was made possible in part through the generous support of Empowerment Sponsors Amber Kramer State Farm and Enbridge, and Hope Sponsor First Western Trust. United Way of Southwest Wyoming and the YWCA extend their appreciation to the sponsors, attendees, donors and volunteers who helped make the inaugural event a success.