'I-Purse Project' to benefit survivors of domestic violence

"The purse is a universal symbol of womanhood and Integrity is too." This is the motto of a community of local women who work to ensure domestic violence survivors have both in a holiday give-a-way known as the "I-Purse Project." This is the third year that Zenell Brown has coordinated the project along with friends and co-coordinators Deborah Nelson, Jalona Colvard, Jeannette Heacox, Jan Hiller, and Alanda Moss, the owner of Me2U Boutique in Berkley. Brown and most of the women work at the Wayne County Circuit Court and are very familiar with the plight of women in domestic violence situations. "The holiday season can be especially trying when women, many who are mothers, are leaving volatile relationships and seeking shelter. The purse is our gift to remind them that they are thought of during this trying time," Brown said. The donated new and gently used purses are filled with new toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and cosmetics. This year The Purse Project for Carol donated books at the collection and stuffing party held at Marge's Bar in Grosse Pointe and the women in Bags to Butterflies Project donated a signature purple purse to the effort. Brown has gifted the purple purse to Karen Lewis of the Angel House and purses for the Angel House's holiday celebration. The I-Purse project donor list has expanded and includes judges, attorneys, high school students, and community groups and organizations. The I-Purse team plans to deliver more than 400 purses to shelters such as First Step, COTS, Interim House, and Haven by Jan. 1, 2019. Donations can be dropped off at Me2U Boutique, 3223 W. 12 Mile Road, in Berkley; 248-268-3459. Published: Thu, Dec 20, 2018