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Birmingham, AL– The YWCA Central Alabama hosted its 20^th Annual Purse and Passion Luncheon.  The event was titled the Power of 20, in honor of the event’s 20^th year.   Maggie Brooke, President of the YWCA Central Alabama Board of Directors, reflected on the many lives impacted by the organization’s programs over the 20 years of Purse and Passion. Nearly 1,500 guests opened their purses and wallets to support the YW’s mission. The luncheon was held on April 18, 2019 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.  

YWCA Central Alabama recently named Sunny Tillman of Sun Video as its 2018 Jeana P. Hosch Woman of Valor recipient at its Annual Meeting. This award is presented each year to an extraordinary woman who has worked tirelessly on the behalf of the YW and our community.

The YW selected Tillman for both her dedication to the organization in producing approximately 100 videos telling the stories of YW clients, but also for being a strong business leader who for more than 40 years has embodied the YW mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.

Serving with YWCA Central Alabama’s “Building Communities, Bettering Lives” (BCBL) AmeriCorps program comes with many benefits–educational awards, career opportunities, job skills training and more. However, most members don’t consider the possibility of finding love. This was the case for former BCBL AmeriCorps members Alicia Calloway and Walter Nolen-Schmidt who began their year of service at the YW in 2016 with no idea that 2-years later they would be married and starting a life together.

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church (VHUMC) recently visited YWCA Central Alabama’s housing program for its annual game night. VHUMC facilitated an exciting game of bingo and provided a taco buffet for dinner, dessert and prizes for the YWCA’s resident adults and children who participated.

“It was a wonderful night of fun and fellowship, and we are very lucky to have Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church’s support,” said Parrish Knorr, senior director of Housing for YWCA Central Alabama. “They have adopted this event each year and they make it special every time.”