Making Positive Connections at Freya Fair

For Shakira Collins, YWCA advocate in Columbia County, Freya Fair was about more than sharing information—it was about building community. 

Shakira set up her House of Grace Apothecary booth beside the YWCA outreach table, where Finance Manager Demetria Edge, Senior Director of Finance and Operations Holly Busch, and former YWCA advocate Melissa Doty were introducing festivalgoers to YWCA services and programs. 

One interaction stood out. 

A young girl stopped to admire Shakira's display. At first she seemed a little shy, but as she watched the YWCA team laughing and enjoying the day together, she quickly relaxed. 

"She told me the festival felt so welcoming that she already felt like she belonged," Shakira recalled. "We had a wonderful conversation about herbs and holistic medicine, and then I discovered she was a talented artist when she asked if she could draw my portrait!" 

For Shakira, meeting the young artist became one of the highlights of the day. Moments like these remind us that community outreach isn't just about handing out brochures—it's about creating welcoming spaces where genuine connections can happen.