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Feature TYLA Project

TYLA PRESENTS LADIES NIGHT OUT!
By: Lacy Durham

“Oh yes it's ladies night
And the feeling's right
Oh yes it's ladies night
Oh what a night (oh what a night)
This is your night
Tonight, everything is gonna be alright!” 

     You wouldn’t have known it at first glance, but among the usual Monday night crowd at the Alamo Drafthouse in San Antonio on October 24th, there was a group of TYLA directors gearing up for a party.  That evening, 35 women, most of them shy and reserved, disembarked a charter bus and strolled up the escalators into a theater where they were greeted with a genuine smile and a ticket… and just like that, Ladies Night Out was off to a great start.

     TYLA teamed with the Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. (FVPS), which operates the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, along with 12 transitional single-family dwellings across San Antonio, to help victims of domestic violence make a new start.   There had been a buzz at the shelter for weeks as to what would happen on that Monday evening, but no one really had any idea.  Fortunately, TYLA aimed to have a good time and would not disappoint. 

     Once inside the theater, you could see that the women were all on the edge of their seats gleaming with anticipation; they were in for a real treat.  The night began with brief introductions and a heartfelt welcome. The first part of the night was dedicated to empowering the women.  TYLA presented Healing the Wounds: Navigating the Legal System After Surviving Domestic Abuse, a 20 minute video that portrays the story of “Medina”, a domestic violence survivor, and her journey through the legal system.  The video details what victims of domestic violence can expect when utilizing the courts to obtain a protective order, temporary restraining order, or divorce.  After viewing the video, there was not a dry eye in the theater.  Naturally, the subject was personal to every woman who was there. Some women shared their stories, many had questions that TYLA President Natalie Cobb Koehler and other TYLA Directors readily answered, and others simply wanted to express their appreciation for the new knowledge they had just received.

     After the video, it was easy to see that the women felt more empowered and equipped than they did before they entered the theater.  This newfound charge in the atmosphere was a perfect transition into the next segment of the night: self-esteem building. There was a special emphasis on beauty and repairing self-image, with hair demonstrations and easy make-up-tutorials. Several local vendors came out to support the Ladies Night Out.  Hair stylist Pablo Rosalez of Renee’s of Castle Hills and make-up artist Sarita Garza of Heavenly Unique selected volunteers and styled several women.  Each vendor showed the women easy techniques for a night out, work, and everyday looks.  To add even more excitement to the night, tickets were drawn for door prizes which included handmade matching necklace and earing sets designed by TYLA Chair-Elect Alyssa Long and spa gift certificates.  To say this portion of the program was a huge success would be an understatement.  One woman who had her hair styled said. “I felt like a queen for a day, I haven’t gotten my hair done in over 5 years. I feel so special. I wish this feeling would last forever!” 

     Once the hair and make-up demonstrations wrapped up, it was time to really let loose - Footloose to be exact! The women dined on pizza and sodas while enjoying the recently remade classic, Footloose. The theater was humming with the women singing along to the music and dancing in their seats. As the final credits begin to roll, you could tell the women were not ready to leave and the truth is, TYLA wasn’t ready for them to leave either.  Alas, we all know that all good things must come to an end; however, not without one last surprise for the night.  No party would be complete without a parting gift.  As the Ladies Night Out adventures came to an end, each woman was treated to a gift bag complete with Mary Kay cosmetics, various discounts for hair and make-up, and other legal literature regarding domestic violence.

     “Tonight these ladies got to see a different side of what life is all about,” a staff member said. “We are so thankful for your generosity. This is definitely something the women will be talking about for months to come.” The sentiment was unquestionably mutual; TYLA will certainly be talking about the event for months to come too.  TYLA will always remember that on a Monday night during National Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness month, we succeeded in empowering and restoring self-esteem to 35 women while having some fun.  The women did not leave the same way they came in; they left literally skipping out of the theater with their gift bags in tow and holding the answers to their future.  Ladies Night Out was a success!

     If you know or suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the proper authorities.  For more information, please view Healing the Wounds or for more information about FVPS visit their website.