WS Chronicle

CHRONICLE STAFF REPORT

Beautiful Countenance is a nonprofit domestic violence advocacy group.  The group is not federally funded and counts on the donations from the generosity of others.  On Saturday, May 1, they will hold a survivors brunch to celebrate those who have survived domestic violence in the past.

The purpose of the fundraiser is to fund a community center set to open up on June 1.  The money raised will go to leasing of the building, the purchasing of office equipment and helping to pay for staff.  The luncheon will take place at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 450 Metropolitan Dr, and will begin  noon.

“We are a proactive agency where we like to focus on prevention rather than intervention, said Gwendolyn Johnson, President of Beautiful Countenance.  “We have support groups, resources and informational counseling for men and women of all ages.”

The organization has been around for five years and this is the third annual luncheon.  They are hoping for young adults from the local colleges and universities to come out and attend.  They are also wishing for the religious community to come out as well.

The center will be a hub for transportation, assistance for filing restraining orders and helping victims find housing or emergency shelter.  Johnson says she hopes to have the means to help as many people in the Forsyth County area as possible.

“The greatest satisfaction for me is seeing youth and young adults who grew up in abusive homes but were able to overcome that in their own lives, Johnson continued.

For more information about the luncheon please call 336-891-0564 or by email at beautifulcountenace@yahoo.com.