The Women's Shelter has always depended heavily on local support for its mission. Now, with many sources of federal and state funding dwindling, this program is putting on a birthday bash to celebrate its story and build for the future. It's been 30 years since the Shelter settled into its permanent location on North Main Street, and a party is in the making.

Kathy Riley is head of the Women's Shelter, and Prentiss Hallman helps with social work and programs. Scott Close is director of development. They are grateful for funding and assistance from the City of Columbia, which has made many positive things possible.

"And without our volunteers, and the help of small groups and individuals, we would never have been able to accomplish what we have," says Riley. "We want everyone to come to our birthday party and to feel part of our mission."

The 30th Birthday Bash is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at the Women's Shelter, 3425 North Main Street. From 3 to 6 pm, music and entertainment, barbecue plates, and a silent auction will hold forth at the spacious house where struggling women have found nurture.

For the Birthday Bash, there is plenty of parking across the street in the lot of the old Stone Manufacturing Building, next to Family Dollar. A $10 ticket gets you into the party. The Mad Platter has donated decorated ceramic plates, some signed by celebrities such as Rascal Flatts, Sterling Sharpe, Bill Clinton, and Hootie and the Blowfish. Other items will be auctioned also with the winner to be announced at 5:30 p.m. Bids will be accepted in advance. Visit www.womenshelter. org for details.

The Shelter is offering three ways to take part:

First, a minimum donation of $100 will include your business and its logo in programs handed out that day.

Second, donation of products or services for auctioning will add to the fun. In- kind items are taxdeductible, and can be arranged in a basket.

And third, a business can buy one or more books of tickets to resell or give away to co- workers and others.

Women who want to rebuild shattered lives find help and nurture at this Shelter. Says Kathy Riley, "We help women in recovery from such things as drug addiction, from serving time in prison, or are homeless. This is not a haven for battered women or for families with children.

"We can accommodate 11 here, and we have been able to buy other properties such as apartments and houses where women working toward independence can live for a time.

"The City of Columbia has been a wonderful support for us, with grants and with distressed property we can renovate."

A woman in distress might stay at the Shelter for eight to 12 weeks. In a safe and comfortable environment, she gets help with job search, financial counseling, and regaining control of her life.

"We have rules," says Hallman. "A 5 pm curfew, requirements for cleanliness and an orderly life, regular attendance at meetings such as AA or NA. Our residents learn about planning healthy meals and showing dependability on a job, while they look forward to future independence."

To buy tickets, offer gifts or services, or ask to help, call Scott at (803)322- 0672, or email scott@womenshelter. org