21 December 2009

2009 Banquet a Success

Attendees of A Friend’s House 2009 Banquet, “In His Hands”, were treated to a lovely dessert buffet, and helped donate and pledge more than $40,000 to help AFH. They also had the privilege of hearing Lacey, an AFH 2008 graduate, share her story about life before AFH and how her life was changed because of the therapy and training she received at AFH.

“Some of the hardest months of my life were spent at A Friend’s House. I faced the reasons why I hurt myself all those years. I discovered there was a cycle that described my pattern of self destruction,” said Lacey.

After Lacey graduated from AFH she re-enrolled into college and is finishing her undergraduate degree in psychology. “I facilitate a self-advocacy group for severely mentally ill clients, and am making plans to begin graduate school next fall to work toward a Masters in Social Work,” said Lacey. “While I’m not able to regain seven horrific years of my life back, maybe I can save someone else from facing the giant problems I faced.”

Pam Durdahl, executive director, and Jessica Dettmer, Director of Operations, both presented specific aspects of the program that helps women be more successful. At the conclusion of the event, attendees were asked to consider making a financial gift and/or annual pledge to help young women in need.

Photo: Pam Aeshliman, AFH volunteer, and Pam Durdahl, AFH executive director, enjoy catching up while selecting yummy desserts to sample.