In focus: AAUW provides funds for Hope Alliance of Lewis County

Lewis County American Association of University Women (AAUW) chair Jo Martens, right, and Hope Alliance’s Director Kris Camenzind hold a check for $4,300 given to the Lewis County Hope Alliance in Centralia on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The money will go toward client needs. “If somebody needs help with groceries, or perhaps we have a family where a little girl takes ballet and mom can’t afford ballet, we might pay for just to keep things normal and give the kids an outlet,” Camenzind said. Hope Alliance is the county’s only 24/7, free and confidential crisis program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Hope Alliance also provides legal aid for protection orders and divorces, along with services such as housing, medical advocacy, support during forensic interviews, support groups and prevention education. The money was raised by AAUW at its Evening With Authors event in the Rose Bowman Room in the TransAlta Commons last September.