Make A Difference Day 2013

Make A Difference Day 2013

Make A Difference Day, created by USA Today magazine and Points of Light corporate institute, took place on October 26^th .  This is not a day of merely wishing others well it is a day of action; a day of working to make others well. Millions of people volunteer on the 4^th Saturday of October finding different ways to make a difference in their communities. We at Altrusa International of Evansville participated by giving a dorm room at the YWCA a ‘makeover’.
 

 Feeling down is worse when your environment is drab. With that in mind, the community service committee chaired by Diana Kellogg decided to focus on a dorm room at the YWCA that houses six women all fleeing from domestic violence. 

Taping.

Painting the register covers.

Bringing up supplies.

YWCA building downtown Evansville, Indiana

                             

Painting the first coat.

Ironing the curtain valances.

Workers from Altrusa used paint donated from Porters Paints.  The teal green color gave the room a calming effect.  

  Rebecca Soskin states in her article from Mind and Body magazine (Mar 2012 issue) “Blue is a very soothing color that helps calm your mind and reduces tension. It’s often used in bedrooms because of its ability to help people sleep. When choosing the right blue you want to make sure that it’s soft, neutral, and restful.” 

Teal, the color chosen by Altrusan Diana Kellogg, is not a true blue there is a little green in it.  However, according to Rebecca Soskin, green is a good color too. “Because it symbolizes nature, green is very visually soothing and therefore allows us to stay calm and refreshed.” In general a fresh coat of paint can make the world seem brighter, change seem possible, and attitudes lift in the right direction.

 

Stenciling words of encouragement.

One side of the room finished.  Yellow gift bags were placed on the beds.

 “Domestic abuse often escalates from threats and verbal abuse to violence. And while physical injury may be the most obvious danger, the emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse are also severe. Emotionally abusive relationships can destroy your self-worth, lead to anxiety and depression, and make you feel helpless and alone. No one should have to endure this kind of pain—and your first step to breaking free is recognizing that your situation is abusive. Once you acknowledge the reality of the abusive situation, then you can get the help you need.” (Help guide. Org)

  These women at the YWCA, having run from violence, will now walk into a room with color, new bedding, pictures on the walls, curtains with valances, and a bag of goodies containing toiletries, cosmetics and an inspiring book. 
   

On Saturday October 26, 2013 Altrusa International of Evansville made a difference.