 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Click here to view our current wish list "Who Am I?"
The 6th Annual Teen Program summit was held on May 10, 2008 with representation from many area high schools. Planned by the teens in the Haven Hills Teen Program, Workshops offered included: The Spoken Word workshop, HIP HOP workshop, Visual Arts Workshop and The Media Madness - Short film/ Editing workshop One student wrote "I did not know how media really dictated my life. I thought it was more of an urban legend thing!" The Haven Hills Teen Program is an art-based prevention education program that encourages healthy teen relationships through education intervention and empowerment. It is a program that focuses on preventing violence and teen dating violence, while at the same time promote critical thinking, problem solving skills, and self esteem among teenagers. Additionally, the program encourages teenagers to be advocates, and leaders in their communities. Maria's Story I have lived many pains, many hurts, many cries, many laughter’s, much hunger, much need, so cold, so much pain, physical pain, mental pain, all types of abuse, physical abuse, any abuse. I was there and back again, I fell not once but several times. Being a victim of domestic violence, led to live a life of lies, led me to alcohol, led me to drugs and led me to the streets. I cried, I bled, I was hurt, and I was in so much agonizing pain. No one other than those that have live a life much similar to mine, will never understand the why’s and how come’s. So my answer as of date is you will never understand why and how come, because I don’t either. You get sucked into life of abuse and before you know it, you are in too deep and think, “how did this happen, what did I do, how stupid could I have been.” You start to believe what your abuser says about you. Dum, stupid, slut, worthless, nobody, etc…. the list never ends…. So now depression hits. Fear grows. Well my name is Maria and I have lived more than half of my life being abused. Many years using drugs; hurting the ones I loved; my family, my children; but no more. I have broken the cycle of violence that has haunted my life for so many years. I am free. No longer am I a scared child afraid of the unknown. I look forward to learning and living my new life. All I ever knew was abuse, so I lived abuse. Now I have had a taste of hard work and self worth. I am stronger and with so much pride. I am somebody; I am Maria a woman a mother of four a sister and a daughter. I am no longer afraid of my abuser. I have cemented in me a life without fear. I figure I dealt with him for so many years I can do anything. I am super woman. It took time for me to believe in myself. It doesn’t happen over night. At times it felt like forever. But here I am a year without pain. I have so much more than I ever had in my life. I have me back. And I am continuing to grow each day that passes. I have people that love me and I love them back. I appreciate everything in my life, right down to the penny in my pocket. I am happy. I will continue my journey as well as my growth. Where ever it leads me, I am ready to take it on. The skies the limit and the stars are within my reach….. My name is Maria and I am a survivor of Domestic Violence. October 10, 2007
|
|
Copyright ©2004 Haven Hills, Inc.Crisis Line: (818) 887-6589 - 24 hours a day/7 days a week safe@havenhills.org | Phone (818) 887-7481 | Fax (818) 887-4796 |
