Joyous transformations

What do you see when you look at this drawing?An animal? Dancing stars or the brilliance of the day? The lone flower or its resolve to grow?We see JOY.Drawn by one of the 100+ children who called our domestic violence shelters home this past year, this art celebrated the opening of our renovated Montgomery County shelter – transformed for the first time since it opened in 1977.We all move through them – transformations.It has taken more than 15 years of dedication, perseverance, and – most importantly – belief to fulfill our physical transformation; but, also to manifest: that all people deserve spaces which allow joy.Every day, we work to break down the barriers women face. We break down walls – literally – that are not beautiful or are not forgiving. As we approach a new year and close another, we will continue to shelter, house, and empower women – and boys and girls – to ensure all of us, every single one of us, know, believe, and feel Dayton Strong.From all of us at YW, thank you for your financial support and generosity. By making a year-end gift today, you're ensuring the women and girls of tomorrow are supported through whatever transformations may come. (You can give any time at www.ywcadayton.org/donate.) May your holiday season be filled with abundant peace and overflowing JOY.P.S. It’s a zebra. :)