According to the First Ladies’ Bruncheon Chair Effie Dennison,
“Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support is thrilled to reignite this celebratory, faith-based event to recognize the courageous members of the faith community who are joining in one voice to declare that violence is never okay. The in-person First Ladies’ Bruncheon will be held on Saturday, September 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the Belo Mansion.
“Since opening its doors in 1985, Genesis has provided safety, shelter and support to women and children who have experienced domestic violence. In order to better meet the needs of survivors across the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Genesis recently announced the opening of a new non-residential facility. Located at 5020 South Lancaster Road, the new location will offer advocacy, individual and group counseling, access to childcare while mom is receiving services, and referral to both legal services and emergency shelter. In addition, adjacent to the Lancaster counseling office will be a new thrift store, which will allow Genesis clients to shop for free. The new thrift store location will also sell gently-used items to the community as a whole at a discounted price. The new location is expected to open in the fall of 2021. All funds raised from the First Ladies’ Bruncheon will underwrite the opening and operating costs of the new Lancaster Genesis Outreach location to better serve the community of Southern Dallas.
“Genesis Women’s Shelter believes that everyone deserves a life free from violence, regardless of ethnicity. However, systematic racism is unfortunately very much a reality in America. People of color often have more challenges to overcome in terms of education, the legal system and employment, and we know the same to be true of abuse. While domestic violence is prevalent across all races, African American females experience intimate partner violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white females. And, Black women are less likely to call the police for fear of police brutality against their partners or themselves, and more likely to be arrested after calling the police than women of other racial and ethnic groups.
“The 75216 ZIP code, where the new Lancaster office will be located, is ranked in the top five of Dallas ZIP codes of population percentage that identifies as African American (78%). By expanding into this corridor, Genesis is hoping to make its services more accessible to Black women. By joining us at the First Ladies’ Bruncheon on September 25, you will be an active part in better meeting the needs of underserved survivors – and specifically Black women – in the DFW Metroplex. We hope to see you there!”
* Graphic/photo provided by Genesis Women's Shelter And Support
