Women’s Services advocates to speak at USAO

Representatives from the Women’s Services and Family Resources Center in Chickasha are scheduled to speak on the impact of volunteerism beginning at 7 p.m. on Nov. 28 in the USAO Ballroom.

Melinda Treadaway, director of the center, and Cary Burton, a court advocate, will provide attendees with information about the organization and opportunities for volunteers.

The event, organized by Jasmin Hampton, a senior political science major from Frederick, and Senior Business major Elizabeth Stevens, of Manitou, is being offered to raise awareness about female empowerment.

The pair created the event as part of a collaborative Senior Seminar project.

Senior Seminar is the culmination of USAO’s unique Interdisciplinary Core and requires both a paper and a presentation demonstrating the research that went into the project.

Hampton says that this project is about more than just academics.

“We wanted to let people know that there are at-risk women and families right here in our own community that can benefit from local volunteer efforts,” Hampton said. “By reaching out to help just one person or one family, we can positively affect outcomes for the entire community.”

Stevens sees the issue of empowerment as being more than just a social aspiration.

“By empowering women to take ownership of their lives and their families,” Stevens says, “we stimulate economic empowerment as well. Family issues affect women on every level, including their ability to participate and contribute to the local economy.”

More information about the event can be obtained by calling 222-1818.