Women who come into our housing program tell stories of not being wanted by their mothers; of being sexually assaulted by a relative or not knowing their parents. They talk in detail about the experiences they had growing up. They talk about their experiences as if it is no big deal. What they don't realize is that they are still dealing with the hurt and pain inside. The hurt and pain manifests into negative behaviors which leads into unhealthy relationships with others.
At Change To Come, we want to help women heal the hurt inside so that they can change the way they see themselves and the world.
Who is Change to Come?
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We are a transitional housing program that provides services to single women and mothers who are in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Currently our clients are working hard at maintaining their recovery while participating in outpatient programs, volunteering and creating a better life for themselves and their children. We have been operating for over seven years, providing clients with the support and direction to stay clean and sober. Our method of referring clients to outpatient support groups along with uniquely designing a routine that fits the clients need have been our key to success.
THE PROBLEM:
Since opening our doors in 2011 we have noticed more women coming into our organization with specific issues associated with unresolved trauma. Whether the trauma was physical, sexual, or emotional, the impact can show up in a host of ways. Survivors often believe deep down that they can't trust anyone, that love is only a physical act, and for them, being honest about who they really are is an impossible dream. Many tell themselves they are not good enough. Thoughts like these can wreak havoc when overcoming a traumatic experience.
Mothers dealing with these issues have a hard time developing a healthy relationship with their children, leaving their children to repeat a negative cultural behavior. Because mothers have a heavier load to carry, they almost never address their traumatic experience. For these reasons, we focus specifically on the needs of women.
More then 90% of women in our housing are dealing with unresolved trauma associated with Homelessness, Rape, Neglect, Molestation, and Mental/Physical Abuse. What's worst, our mothers never overcome their trauma, leaving their children scared.
Reasons why they don't seek help:
"I need to focus on finding permanent housing."
"In our culture we learn to ignore the feeling."
"I don't have the time to see anyone."
"I can't afford it."
"Who will watch my children."
OUR SOLUTION: Creating a Healing Center to support these women
We must deal with the experiences in order to heal the hurt within. Our goal is to create a trauma healing center, a space where women are getting professional help in the form of traditional therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a nontraditional form of holistic therapy. This will help women create a positive coping mechanisms along with the perception of changing thought process, not just medication.
Converting one of our units, in our triplex building, to a Woman's Healing Center will create a safe place for women to work on their unresolved trauma. A place where they can work on their anger, loss/grief, and parenting. In order to begin this process we need to obtain a license from the Department of Behavioral Health.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Donate to our crowdfunding campaign and share with your friends who want to make a positive change in the lives of women and children survivors. We have put together a variety of rewards to suit different tastes and budgets so we hope you will find something you like and will give generously. Thank you so much! We could not do this without you!