The Northwest Louisiana YWCA is honoring women with its 24th Annual Celebration of Women Week.

"We feel like we owe it to our community and to the women that serve our community, it's an honor to have this week," said Amy O'Pry, YWCA executive director.

The week kicked off with the Celebrating Women Week Luncheon today featuring speaker Schuyler Marvin, Bossier district attorney.

They have a full slate of activities scheduled. These include:
Thursday, March 11

Celebrating Women of Courage and Integrity at 5:30 p.m. at the YWCA, 710 Travis St., Shreveport
Survivors of HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Breast Cancer will participate in an informal panel Discussion.

"There will be women here who are survivors of breast cancer, domestic violence, sexual assault and I think it's good to recognize this is a reality and there are places like the YWCA that assist women and can bridge the gap between suffering and a hopeful reality," said O'Pry.

Celebration of Women Week Leadership Luncheon Friday, March 12 at 12 p.m. at the YWCA, 710 Travis St., Shreveport
Come celebrate your favorite woman of Courage and Integrity by inviting her to this wonderful experience of sharing and empowerment. This is a free event and donations are welcomed and encouraged.  

Celebration of Women Helping Women

Area church and ssocial groups share in a week long women’s hair care product ddrive. These items with be presented to the women in the Family Violence Program Shelter.

Celebrating Women Through Music Saturday, March 13, 8-10 p.m. at the Naked Bean Cafe, 3307 Line Ave, Shreveport
Local Musician, Chuck Keiselman will celebrate women through a special concert and fundraiser for the YWCA

The YWCA offer free services to Bossier, Caddo, Webster and Red River Parishes.

The organization helped over 1,300 women and children in 2009. They provide a 24-hour domestic violence and transitional housing that allows women to stay from six to 24 months

The organization has seen a 22 percent increase in women needing their help last year, leaving them searching for donations.
"Our budget is $60,000 per month and because all of our services are free, if we could get the community to recognize what we do is very necessary for our community and get behind it," said O'Pry.

One of those fundraisers is the Women of Honor program — a donation that goes to victims of domestic violence in their honor.
"Instead of giving a gift, you give hope and new beginnings to domestic violence victims," said O'Pry.

Anyone wanting to donate can send their donation to the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana, 710 Travis St. Shreveport, LA 71101.

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