1. Girlfriends!, the women’s ministry of Seeds of Greatness Bible Church, hosts it’s annual Domestic
Violence Awareness Breakfast with founder Lisa P. Lewis (R) and a special appearance by Grammy
Award winning artist, CeCe Winans (L).

2. “Each Year It Gets Better and Better”
was the frequent comment heard from guest. Plans for this event had been underway for many
months inviting over 850 guests to Wilmington’s Chase Center on the Riverfront. This represented
almost twice as many attendees over last year’s event.

3. “Remembering the Victims…”
Guests file past “the silent witnesses”, “on loan” from the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic
Violence. These silhouettes represent the experiences of men, women and children
in various circumstances.

4. A perennial favorite, Mable Ford begins the morning with
the Girlfriends! tradition of singing Helen Baylor’s “Can You Reach My Friend.”

5. Delaware Senator Chris Coons graced the crowd remarking on the importance of the
issue of domestic violence and encouraging everyone to become advocates.

6. Thanksgiving and praise was offered to God by SOGBC’s
Reverend Shirlet Edwards
as she opened the breakfast in prayer.

7. Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, potatoes and more coordinated by
the Chase Center and Debbie Santos (purple dress, left of center.)

8. Get The Facts...…
Dr. Sheryl Hickman shared stirring facts about domestic violence in keeping with
the event’s goal of education and community awareness.

9. “Frames” – (Darreisha Bates)
Through the dramatization, “Frames,” actors portray the realism of domestic violence in every day
situations, putting a face to the issue in a personal and gripping way. The depictions were so
realistic, attendees thought the actors were relaying their own story.

10. “Frames” – (Jo Melson)
Through the dramatization, “Frames” actors portray the realism of domestic violence in every day
situations, putting a face to the issue in a personal and gripping way. The depictions were so
realistic, attendees thought the actors were relaying their own story.

11. “Frames” – (Stacey Brown)
Through the dramatization, “Frames” actors portray the realism of domestic violence in every day
situations, putting a face to the issue in a personal and gripping way. The depictions were so
realistic, attendees thought the actors were relaying their own story.

12. Celebrating the Survivors...
The Delaware Dance Company Youth Ensemble graced the stage yet again, this year
dancing to the powerful song “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato.

13. “Intervention”,
an original skit by Stephanie Montgomery, was brought to life by the anointed craftsmanship of actors
Shanta Gross-Brown (l), Lori Hayes (r), Ronald Jones Jr. and Andre Valines (not pictured.) Attendees
were called to action with this story of despair turned to hope and then to action.

14. “Living Proof,”
a Mary J. Blige ballad of power, strength and survival,
was so expertly rendered by Mary Clay that there was hardly a dry eye in the house
or person left sitting in their seats.

15. Lisa P. Lewis,
founder of Girlfriends!, shares how the ministry began eight years ago as her response to
the passing of friend and co-worker, Stacey Wilson. Her family members, are honored
each year during this event.

16. Practical outpourings,
such as mattresses & box springs, (r) and living room furniture (far l)are presented to local
organizations on the front lines of supporting domestic violence victims. Additionally, attendees donate
table after table full of personal items and toys to stock the shelves of local shelters.

17. A gesture of appreciation comes from Child, Inc., one of the organizations Girlfriends! has
been privileged to support for many years.

18. Ending on a High Note!
The grand finale came in the beautiful graciousness of Grammy award winning gospel artist
CeCe Winans who graced the audience with three selections including Pray, He’s Concerned
and For Love Alone.