Zonta Club of Houston Dedicates Tree to Survivors of Domestic Violence

On December 5, 2019, as a part of the international campaign of “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence” the ZONTA Club of Houston dedicated a young oak tree along with a special plaque in the garden of The Women’s Home Macbee Whole Life Center to all of the survivors of domestic violence in Houston. 

The tree, donated by a woman who owns a local nursery, was given as a symbol of hope and new life to the women living at the residence. Many invitations were sent out to other organizations as well as to the local press. 

 At the dedication, Mary Quinn, President of the ZONTA Club of Houston, explained the enormous scope of the problem of domestic violence. She also discussed the “ZONTA Says No to Violence Against Women" campaign and the long-term relationship ZONTA has had with The Women’s Home in Houston.

Anne Coffey, the CEO of The Women’s Home, discussed the many types of support services offered at the various locations of The Women’s Home including emotional, financial, physical, social spiritual, and vocational help to survivors. Kathy Y., a ZONTA member, gave a first-hand account of how domestic violence affected her family when her sister was killed by her ex-husband.

Former Houston City Mayor Annise Parker also spoke briefly at the dedication. The lights of Houston’s City Hall, as well as several bridges, were lit in orange in honor of ZONTA and the 16 Day campaign. ZCH also publicized the event as well as the whole 16-day campaign on Facebook.