To be honored with Volunteer Leadership Award
As part of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Unity House’s Domestic Violence Services program will be honoring two very special awardees at October 19th’s Domestic Violence Awareness Event and Art Show.
The event will showcase art from survivors of domestic violence and serves as an opportunity to highlight the many community partners who help address this serious issue. Held at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in downtown Troy on Thursday, October 19th, this free event offers an opportunity to showcase artwork by survivors of domestic violence and to recognize valuable community partners.
Hair and Body Essentials will receive the Volunteer Leadership Award and Barbara Devore of the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley will receive the Coordinated Community Response Award. Both groups are exemplary community members who illustrate that together and with commitment, we can work to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence.
About Hair and Body Essentials
Located in Clifton Park, this salon and day spa have been active volunteers in Unity House’s DV Services program for years. During that time, the salon and staff members have donated personal care products for residents of Sojourner Place, the Unity House shelter for victims of domestic violence. Perhaps the group’s biggest impact is in the Fall. The holidays can be a challenging time for many, both financially and mentally. By shopping for specific needs and wants, the group is able to put the sparkle in the holidays for many children, as well as provide for some parents who need some extra compassion at a difficult time.
Unity House’s Tabitha Dunn helps coordinate the Children’s Holiday Program for those in the Unity House Domestic Violence Services program: “The Unity House Children’s Holiday program helps families to have gifts for their children during the holidays. For over a decade Hair and Body Essentials has been a pillar in program, always helping us to serve many children and going the extra mile to provide gifts for parents as well. It’s donors like Hair and Body Essentials that make the Children’s Holiday Program possible.”
About the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley
The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley (ILCHV) works to empower individuals living with disabilities. Located in downtown Troy, the Center is part of a network of Centers for Independent Living across New York State and works on a peer-based model where each Center is run and supported by individuals with disabilities. The ILCHV works to ensure access to the services needed to improve quality of life in the community.
Barbara Devore has served as Director of Development of the ILCHV for many years. She and the ILCHV are being recognized by Unity House with the Coordinated Community Response Award for October’s DV Awareness Month. Barbara’s strong leadership skills and advocacy have been invaluable in helping victims of domestic violence access needed services. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to furthering accessibility and safety for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who are living with a disability. As David Warren, Service Director for Unity House’s Domestic Violence Services program has said, “Barbara’s steadfast dedication to this population has enhanced the network and comprehensiveness of services available to victims and survivors, and we are grateful for her contributions to our community.”
About the DV Awareness and Art Show
When: October 19
Event Start: 5:00 pm, podium speakers at 6:00 pm
Where: The Arts Center of the Greater Capital Region in downtown Troy
What: Awards Ceremony, Awareness and Art Show
Please join Unity House at this free event where we’ll honor community collaborators, showcase artwork and poetry from survivors, and act as a beacon of hope for those who need safety.
A reminder that help is always available at the 24 hour Unity House Domestic Violence Hotline: (518) 272-2370