A few months ago, my editor at San Antonio Woman, Pam, said she had an opportunity for me. Fantastic, I thought, it’s a killer interview with someone fabulous, or a new beauty service I just have to try out myself. You know, for investigative reporting purposes…

What I found in my Inbox, however, was not at all what I was expecting. It was an invitation to model in an upcoming fashion show for the Bexar County Family Justice Center, a fantastic organization that I have since learned so much about! This non-profit organization provides services and resources necessary to assist victims of domestic violence and their families in one centralized location. As they say, they take these women and their families from “survivors” to “thrivers.” It is a program funded in part by the District Attorney’s office, but also in conjunction with public donations. The goals of the organization include:

  • Greater access to legal and social services
  • Effective apprehension and prosecution of domestic violence cases
  • Increased reporting of undocumented domestic violence
  • Empowerment and education of victims of domestic violence leading to the termination of abusive relationships, thus breaking the cycle of domestic violence – one family at a time.

Their annual fashion show takes place in the month of October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and is hosted at The St. Anthony Hotel. Makeup was provided by the Institute of Makeup Artistry, hair was provided by the local Paul Mitchell school. My entire wardrobe head to toe was provided by Dillard’s and it. was. fabulous! When the stylists at North Star Mall pulled the fur coat I initially thought it wasn’t quite my style, but just slipping it on I immediately felt AMAZING. My fellow bloggers Adriana of The Toasty Life and Marnie of MsGoldGirl also joined me on the runway, along with a terrific sampling of San Antonio’s news and business personalities.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at my very non-typical Friday lunch, and please support the BCFJC if you feel so inclined. I think the very recent #MeToo initiative has domestic violence and sexual assault at the forefront of all our minds, and it is true that this tragedy does not discriminate. Any woman can fall victim to an abusive situation, so it’s up to all of us to raise awareness for the resources available to those in need.

  Bexar County Family Justice Center  

Photography provided by Mercy Hernandez of MB Expressions.

XO,

A