On Sunday October 11th we arrived in Memphis for my birthday. Wow, was it an amazing day!! I was able to tour Graceland with not only those who have become my extended family through this journey of the tour, but my sister flew in as well to spend the day with me. It could not have been any better.
I was in awe at the tour of Graceland and all the other events we attended around the tour of Elvis’s home. I never would have imagined a year prior due to the fact I was still in prison into my 26th year, that I would be in Memphis this year, and even be able to go to BB Kings Blues Club for dinner and listen to some wonderful music. Talk about a difference a year makes!!!
I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel with SIN BY SILENCE and get to know some awesome people. I know that I am part of making change and a difference. How could it get any better than that?
Thank you sis, Olivia, and Lois for making my birthday a day of memories to remember for a lifetime.
Wow! New Orleans been a blast. I was able to attend the National Health and Domestic Violence Conference sponsored by the Family Violence Prevention Fund. This was an experience of a lifetime, that allowed me to attend some amazing workshops and then of course be a part of our own screening. I was able to meet Eve Ensler which was great, as well as hear some other great speakers of the event.
We had an amazing crowd at our screening, and those who work in the field of Domestic violence I truly honor your efforts and work that means more than most truly realize.
Saw some awesome night life and ate some wonderful food, I was even able to see an old friend that moved to Louisiana several years ago. Over all had an awesome time. When we gather in a an arena to strive for change in the field of Domestic Violence we make more than a DIFFERENCE possible for both the victims and survivors.
Thanks New Orleans for this awesome opportunity to be a part of making change.
We arrived in New Mexico at the Lodge and - WOW - was it amazing. That evening we had a screening at the Ruidoso High School open for the Community. After watching the film I was honored by the questions and interaction of the community members. What can I say other than this Community truly gets it!! They completely support their local shelter, The Nest and all they offer to the victims of domestic violence.
I the next day I was able to return to the High School again and speak to the drama class. What an awesome group of young people. These young people are eager to know the warning signs of abuse and the cycle of violence in teen dating and relationships. It meant a lot to speak to a couple of the young ladies afterward that shared with me they are or have been in an abusive relationship already and what it makes them feel. It means a lot to me that these young people realize they don’t deserve this type of behavior and that are worthy of a life free from abuse in all aspects.
The same evening we were invited to The Nest shelter and it was amazing. The staff that run this shelter truly care and work hard to ensure these women and children know they are safe and worthy and are given the tools necessary to live a life abuse free on their own.
During this evening, a medicine woman was in attendance to smudge the shelter of ugly spirits from abusers that linger in these victims lives. What an awesome experience to share!!! I was then personally saged and presented with an honor I can not begin to express, the Medal of Peace from the Mescalero Apache Reservation. What an absolutely profound experience. I want to say Thank you to not only the Community of Ruidoso for recognizing the victims of abuse and stepping-up but all those who give their time, love, support and prayers to the victims now survivors. It was an honor beyond words to be there!!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and new “Stop the Violence” merchandise has just been released to help support the Sin by Silence movement. So, orders your today and help us make a difference!
Click here to order or go to http://www.cafepress.com/sinbysilence.
Saturday we packed our rental car and headed for Surprise, Arizona. We met and worked with N.O.W. there. This is certainly a group of ladies that are striving to make a difference in their community.
It was heartwarming to have the women share that many years ago many of them were victims of domestic violence and are now survivors themselves. It mattered to be there and have this chance to share SIN BY SILENCE with them.
They are on fire and started a safe place for women through their own church several years ago. How much better can it be than that.
Thank you Arizona for hosting us and giving us the chance to make a difference.
Friday evening we were given the amazing opportunity to be a part of a local shelter and show the women there SIN BY SILENCE. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to be able to speak to the direct survivors that are currently seeking safety.
This place and these women are so wonderful. I know what it takes to leave and the struggle to not return to your abusive situation. I honor and empower these women for their strength and courage. You truly ROCK ladies.
Thursday evening we did a screening at the ASU Polytechnic campus. This again was in conjunction CAAFAAZ. This small group that attended was great.
In attendance were several ladies from the shelter the aforementioned organization serves. I understood how difficult it was to be there for them and that most likely they really didn’t want to be there in the first place.
Prior to the evening beginning, one of the young ladies while we were outside waiting asked me if the woman who had been in prison was really going to be present. I told her that yes, the woman who had been in prison would be there to speak later.
After screening SIN BY SILENCE, I got up to speak and looked at the women I knew were from the shelter. I smiled as I passed the one woman who had asked me the question earlier.
I began to share my personal story of abuse and ultimate triumph and could see they were all sitting there with tears streaming down their faces.
It was important that I empower these women in knowing they made the right choice when they left their abusive situations and went to the shelter where they are currently. That I realize it is a daily struggle to not return to their abuser.
The most rewarding part of the evening was to have each one approach me separately and tell me that they now feel empowered that they made the choice to leave and they will not return. This is why I want to speak.
Being able to see the difference this week, in the events I have been able to be a part of and the lives I have no question have been touched by our being here, is what truly matters most to me.
On Tuesday we went to Estrella Mountain Community College. Again this was an absolutely amazing experience where I’ve no doubt we made a difference in the lives of those who attended.
Our Red Flag warning signs campaign truly makes a difference. These young people in particular are able to truly understand when there is something that is tangible in front of them like me being there in person, not just on the screen in the film.
I was able to physically see the change in the faces of these young people as they listened and began to ask how they can help and where they can possible make a difference.
The Professor Olga was so open and concerned about the emotional aspect of the young people attending and that they know there were immediate counselors on site to assist anyone needing help.
As I spoke, at a table somewhat in my direct line of sight was a young woman that kept placing her hands up to cover her face. I knew that she was crying and that some if not all that I was sharing was hitting too close to home as they say.
When talking to these young people I always make a point of stating that “if you are getting more than 10 texts a day from the personal that you are involved with then that is a red flag warning it could become abusive.
After speaking many people, young and old alike line-up to personally thank me and many times share their personal connections with abuse. When it came to the young woman who had been sitting in my line of sight, I knew the moment I placed my arms around her something was wrong. She began to sob and we sat while she shared her story with me regarding how abuse has touched her life and what she was currently facing with her father being held responsible for what he put not only her mother but her siblings through with his abusive behavior and threats.
It was a good feeling to know this young lady trusted me enough to share her silent tragedy and I immediately got her connected with the organization that was there in connection with us called The New Life Center. This amazing agency offers women and families the opportunity to seek a safe place, obtain support advocates and be able to begin their life again free from abuse.
What a sense of knowing that we are truly making a difference…..
Last night I received a text message from another young lady who attended the screening which she gave me her name and wrote “I don’t want to be a statistic anymore, but I don’t know how to stop it”. This was so profound for me to know that this young lady was able to see the consequence of abuse both through the film and my personal story and reached out for help.
I called her and we were able to discuss her current situation and tap her into local resources that can assist her in making the change she so desperately was needing. Sometimes all it takes is listening.
