I attended the 97th Annual Meeting of the YWCA of South Hampton Roads Wednesday evening. This was a time to reflect on the successes of the past year and to honor those for their service to the organization and to the greater community.The highest honor bestowed is called the Mary Helen Thomas Racial Justice Award and the 2008 recipient was Sen. Yvonne Miller. Just who is Mary Helen Thomas? Ms. Thomas was with us Wednesday evening, making the viewing of this video all the more powerful. Sometimes, I think we forget just how much those who are still among us have experienced in their lifetimes. Ms. Thomas is definitely a living hero. And how appropriate that the recipient of the award was another such person.  Of Senator Miller, Executive Director Cheryl Marks had this to say:Her commitment to serve across all racial lines and to improve the quality of life for all people exemplifies the power that one individual can have on a community.Others recognized at the meeting: Cheryl Foster Johnson award Michael Banks Helen Pulongbarit Leila Robertson award Ann Dearsley-Vernon Volunteer of the Year 2008 Vivian PaigeThe YWCA-SHR has four major program areas in carrying out its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, two issues that are near and dear to my heart.  Some statistics on those served in the past year, from the Annual Report: women in crisis 12,216 room nights of sheltercrisis intervention 1757 hours24 hr. women’s helpline 1468 callssexual assault services 1631 female victimsbefore & after school child care 221 childrensummer camp 54 childrensexual assault services 324 male victimsresponse 24 hr. hotline 2302 callscommunity education, seminars& workshops 978 hoursracial justice initiatives 1057 hourssubsidized child care 306 working parentscourt accompaniment & advocacy 698 victims63 community & civic groupsdomestic violence shelter 276 women& 182 dependent childrenIf you have some free time, the YWCA-SHR is an excellent place to spend it.  ...