The YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County supports victims of domestic violence year-round but plans special events in October to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

One of the events that the YWCA participates in is the Clothesline Project held on Oct. 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Anne Arundel Community College. The event will feature a display of shirts made by victims of domestic violence and includes information on community resources.

“Most people are startled when they learn that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime,” said Molly Knipe, executive director of the local YWCA in a release. “It is imperative that victims hear there are options for leaving an abusive situation. Dedicated YWCA volunteers, employees and community partners bring hope to this vulnerable population in Anne Arundel County every day.” 

Volunteers are key to the YWCA's efforts to support the community. Last week, the YWCA presented its distinguished service and volunteer awards at a reception hosted by the Honorable Katie O’Malley at Government House in Annapolis.

2011 YWCA DeStefano Service Awards: Delegate Pam Beidle; Lt. Governor Anthony Brown; Catherine Purple Cherry, Purple Cherry Architects; Joseph Dittmar, Twin Towers 9/11 survivor; Kristen Mahoney, Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention; Judge John McKenna, District Court of Maryland; Judge Katie O’Malley; Gov. Martin O’Malley; Ken Upton, Ken’s Creative Kitchen; and Varuna Salonspa.

According to the YWCA, hair dressers like those at Varuna Salonspa in Annapolis are often the first to know about domestic violence and the salon has delivered services to the shelter and donated services to a young domestic violence victim for her prom.

2011 YWCA Paintbrush Award: John Lehmann, Community Volunteer   

2011 YWCA Esther Carpenter Leadership Award: Julie Natoli, the Brick Companies

2011 YWCA Maggie Boone Moss Award: Kristin Fleckenstein, Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office

New board members for the YWCA include Sandra Dillon Anderson, president, along with new board members Meagan Heffernan, Mary Frances Isakov, Evie Loftus Turner and Jan Weinberg Wood.