Book Lovers Study Club learns about advocacy for children
GFWC Book Lovers Study Club’s January meeting took place at the Russellville First Methodist Church Ministry Center.
Cindy Bailey, program chairman, introduced guest speaker Chelsea Lawson, business development director of the Cramer Children’s Center’s Florence office. Kim Bevis serves as executive director of Cramer Children’s Center.
According to its website, this nonprofit center serves children under the age of 19 who “may have experienced abuse or witnessed a crime of other violent act.” The center provides many services, including forensic interview, medical, mental health, and family and victim advocate services.
In Franklin County, Andrea’s Arbor is a satellite branch of the Cramer’s Children Center in Florence. This branch located in Russellville was facilitated by grant funding. Other support and funding provides 4,925 services to 445 child victims in northwest Alabama. Local organizations have also made contributions in different ways, like the Book Lover’s Study Club and the Cultura Garden Club.
Donita Abston gave the institute, and this month’s theme was about human trafficking and stalking awareness. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Abston highlighted some facts on how to educate people about human trafficking, including learning the indicators of human trafficking and reporting suspicions to the National Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888); studying the culture and reasons for this activity; and partnering with advocacy groups to bring education to school-age children.
Cheri McCain, who serves as the Signature Program: Domestic & Sexual Violence Awareness chairman for the GFWC Alabama Board, shared information on Hope for Justice — a new campaign to bring freedom “For The 50.” There are almost 50 million men, women and children trapped in modern slavery around the world today. That’s one in every 150 people.
Ways to join in the campaign include signing up to receive emails to be a part of the anti-trafficking movement; sharing the symbol on social media “For The 50,” and fundraising “For The 50.”
Secretary Sheila Upchurch presented the December minutes. Book Lovers members donated 35 pairs of pajamas to the Franklin County Department of Human Resources. In addition, several toys were collected and donated to the toy drive sponsored by the Russellville Fire Department.
Because of the recent death of Shelia Tucker, a former member of Book Lovers, members approved the donation of a tree to be planted in her memory at the new Russellville Public Library.
Members approved two fundraisers. On Feb. 21, a white bean dinner will be held at the Russellville Methodist Church Ministry Center. Tickets are $10 per plate (white beans, slaw, cornbread, dessert and tea). Attendees may dine in or pickup from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members are currently selling tickets.
The second annual art crawl will be held in downtown Russellville starting March 15 and lasting until April 11. This project will feature artists in our community displaying their artwork in businesses in downtown Russellville on each side of North Jackson Avenue. This project is meant to draw attention to the need for the visual arts in our community and to bring the community to the downtown area.
