ARMS Banquet

Stacey Womack, Founder of ARMS.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Ophelia Araujo-Islas, Director at ARMS in Spokane.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Nancy McLaughlin, Spokane City Council,
Master of Ceremonies at ARMS Banquet.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My wife and I attended a benefit banquet for ARMS, Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues of domestic violence and abuse from a Christian perspective. It primarily serves women, but it also offers services for men who become perpetrators of violence against women and children. It helps everyone affected by abuse to stop the cycle of violence.

Rhonda's longtime friend Ophelia Araujo-Islas is the director for the Northeast Washington region of the organization.

The banquet featured testimonials from women who survived abusive relationships and found inspiration and strength from the organization. It also featured music and a video presentation. I was very moved by the power of the message and the power of Ophelia's faith in God. ARMS is growing and will one day reach many thousands of women and men nationwide.