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By Anne Mendenhall
Brad and Joan Vaux, the co-owners of Vaux Shoes in Westpark Shopping Center, sponsored the donation of nearly 150 pairs of women’s shoes. “I really think that this is the best way we can give back to the community,” said Brad Vaux. On Monday morning, he and his wife spent three hours at the YWCA helping more than 40 women select and fit up to two pairs of shoes each. The collection of foot-friendly sandals, ankle-length boots, and classic career slides was provided by Naot Footwear and its distributor, Yaleet Inc., to provide women in need of “quality, comfort brand shoes.” For the YWCA, the charitable donation comes as a blessing. Many of its clients have been served by the group’s 24-hour domestic violence shelter. “Imagine these women having nothing, and then wearing a free pair of shoes,” said Elizabeth Farley, the YWCA executive director. As a nonprofit organization, the YWCA strives to promote a safe environment for women and children who have escaped domestic violence and abuse. The 24-hour domestic violence shelter serves as a temporary haven that aims to improve the lives of these women and children so they can become self-sufficient. With the help of the community, Farley believes women and children in need will be able to rebuild their lives. Brad Vaux says this is exactly why he contacted the YWCA in the first place. All of these women who received new shoes Monday have been assisted
by the transitional housing program, or the shelter. “Hopefully, these shoes will give these women a way to get back
into the mainstream, everyday life,” he said. “I’m just
glad that we could help.” This article was published by the Yakima Herald-Republic on June
26, 2007.
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Thanks
to the generous donation of two companies and Vaux Shoes in Yakima, several
women served by the YWCA and its programs slipped on $15,000 worth of
new shoes to help them get back on their feet. 
