By Kathy Cronin Grant
Concentus was honored to participate in a fundraising luncheon event for Willow Domestic Violence Center, formerly known in our community as Alternatives for Battered Women. Supported by approximately 400 attendees, the Willow Center’s annual spring event serves as one of their major efforts to raise both awareness of the burden of domestic violence in our community and funding support for the Willow Center to provide relief and advocacy for those it serves. Willow Center believes that everyone has the right to be safe and recognizes that domestic violence is not just physical. Each year, Willow Center provides services to over 7,500 clients and reaches another 12,000 through prevention education in Monroe County.
Those long in the Concentus circle may recall several concerts where the proceeds were donated towards a special cause: Visiting Nurse Service Hospice, Wilmot Cancer Center, Memorial Art Gallery, White Haven Memorial Park, and others.
As a member of Concentus, these events always serve to make a connection between the music I create and an energy of hope, healing, comfort, and joy with the audience…however it is best served. As a prior volunteer for ABW, I know first-hand the value this wonderful agency’s services provide to the clients it serves, and how its outreach and education services positively contribute to understanding and prevention of domestic violence. I also understand that this new name is not a reflection of a new mission, but a celebration of survivorship and growth, what may serve as a more of the moment description of the relationship this organization has with our community. As I participated in this celebration and fundraising event, I felt the power of the new energy, excitement and hope a new name might embody for both the agency and our community. May the Willow Center continue to flourish as a beacon of hope and healing.
I, for myself and on behalf of Concentus, wish the Willow Domestic Violence Center every success in this direction. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this celebration of evolution. Somehow, we are also mindful of how a new perspective, and a new energy, can ignite a new sense of purpose and mission….however unchanged.
Concentus Women's Chorus 