| . |
. Current Issue
|
. | . | . |
Stephanie EdwardsArtist of Crosses and the HeartPhotos and text by the publisher
Stephanie asked me if I would cover a few mayoral events and publicize her cause in my magazine. Having met with and been impressed with her and her loyal circle of friends, I agreed. Today I continue to see her as filling a need in the community, providing a voice for women whose voices are often not heard. Her ambitions and accomplishment may take her beyond the region. Stephanie is assisted by her good friends, Sabra Noland, and Benny Morein and his wife Deena. Sabra is writing a letter to Oprah Winfrey to ask for her assistance with the creation of The Doris Edwards Memorial Foundation's Chateau for battered women, described below. Sabra is hoping that Oprah will see the immediate and lasting value of such an innovative shelter and how it may become a model for advancing long-term independence for battered women across the country. The result can be saved lives. Sabra's heartfelt letter to Oprah will be printed in its entirety on the Baton Rouge Business Profiles website, www.brprofiles.com. Sabra says she feels privileged to contact Oprah. The Stats:
In seeking to use her harsh experiences to help others, Stephanie has devoted herself to the creation of a new kind of battered woman's shelter, one that seeks long-term solutions and helps turn dependent women into independent ones, ready to re-establish themselves in the world. With the right support, Stephanie may make her vision a reality.
DEMF's mission is to provide women survivors (and their children) of domestic violence in the Greater Baton Rouge Area with supportive services over an adequate length of time, allowing women to re-gain their independence, instead of being forced into the same abusive environment or similarly degraded situation. Although there are local services available to battered women such as a 24-Hour Crisis Line, emergency shelter for up to 45 days, counseling, various information services, referrals, advocacy, transportation, financial assistance, and childcare, there is a shortage of housing/shelter space and no long-term assistance programs for housing and economic independence development. Thus, the mission of the Chateau is to provide a refuge for all women and children escaping domestic violence for up to 1 year. Women and children should receive:
 Stephanie is a gifted local artist who creates remarkable crucifixes made from elegant donated marble and glass collected along the Mississippi River. Her crosses are currently featured in Amazon Imports and Circa 1857, as well as STARZ Hair and Art Gallery in Woodlawn Center on Jones Creek. A portion of the proceeds will go towards construction of the Foundation.
HOW YOU CAN HELP (besides buying one of Stephanie's crosses) You can make a donation to The Doris-Edwards Memorial Foundation at the following address: 6010 Jones Creek Road, Suite C, Baton Rouge LA 70816.
If you want to find out more about Stephanie's crosses, the Doris-Edwards Memorial Foundation, or how to volunteer call (225) 978-9885 or (225) 266-8055. Ask for Benny Morein.
Back to the previous issues listing Back to the Current Issue
Contact Us!
|
. | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | . |
One of the perks of my job is getting to meet really interesting people, and this issue of the magazine certainly has its share of them. Stephanie Edwards (formerly Stephanie Greco) is a woman who inspires by the courage of her example and determination. She is the owner of Starz Salon, as well as a gifted artist who creates stunning, sought-after crucifixes of marble and glass.
Many will remember Stephanie as the mayoral candidate who last summer entered the race with three weeks left, running on a platform of domestic violence. Introducing herself as a battered woman of 13 years, she boldly took on the competition, taking her message to the media and the public. Stephanie garnered 706 votes, no threat to win the race, but with her trademark hats and unwavering confidence, she got a good bit of attention. "My goal was to raise awareness of how bad the domestic abuse situation is in Baton Rouge and in Louisiana as a whole. I think we got our point across." She did, but the battle is ongoing.
The Doris Edwards Memorial Foundation (DEMF) was founded August, 2004 and is operating under CustomerComments, Inc., a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt non-profit organization) at present. DEMF is Stephanie's brainchild, and she will serve as Director as she hopes to use her experiences and knowledge to help other woman escape the potentially deadly cycle of domestic violence.
STARZ Hair and Art Gallery is located in the Woodlawn Center on Jones Creek. Stephanie is a master stylist and color specialist. In addition, Joan Louis is teaching new techniques in hair extensions right there at the shop. Plus, there are numerous stunning Stephanie Edwards' crosses on display. Call (225) 753-5225 for an appointment for hair or art; or just stop by.
Stephanie's friend Dixie (foreground) is an attorney and a blues singer whose friends compare her to Janis Joplin. Here she waits to perform at the All-American Day event organized by Stephanie to help Mary Smothers, the mother of a boy needlessly shot and disabled by a constable last year. In the background of photo, Stephanie gets a little smooch of support from daughter Jill.
