Last night, more than 800 people gathered at The Center for Women and Families Celebration of Service & Survival at The Marriott to celebrate five amazing women in the Louisville community and bid farewell to Center for Women and Families CEO Denise Troutman.
She is joining her husband, Dr. Adewale Troutman, in Florida, and will be missed, not only for the work she has done for women, but for her fanatical love of the U of L Lady Cards.
The highlight of the evening was Dawn, a previous CWF client, who sang an emotional a capella rendition of her journey. She was choked unconscious by her abuser and survived to tell her story. It reduced everyone to tears and was a beautiful reminder of the important mission of The Center.
The five women honored each spoke of how much the award meant to them and were introduced by Congressman John Yarmuth, Mayor Greg Fischer, Women 4 Women Executive Director Ann Coffey, LMPD Chief Robert White, and others. Governor Steve Beshear and his wife Jane recorded a video honoring the recipients and talked about continuing the fight against domestic violence.
Jane Godchaux Emke, Eleanor Jordan, Alice Miles, Andree Mondor and Shelley Santry (in full disclosure, my BFF), are incredible examples of women dedicated to helping women succeed. All five of them have the passion and commitment needed to ensure that women in the region achieve self-sufficiency.
There is still so much work to be done, but in the words of CWF client, Dawn, “I’m on my way, and I call it a lesson learned.”
For more information on how you can help end domestic partner abuse, please visit the website.
