by Joyce Kyles | Sep 8, 2017 | Blog
Girls Night Out began six years ago at the Whitehaven Library. One of the directors, Donna Windham, reached out to me and asked if I’d be one of the facilitators. She felt domestic violence was a topic that needed to be addressed among young ladies, especially the teens. I agreed to participate. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned some great information from the attendees and the other agency presenter.
The following year, I was asked to come back. This time, I would be the sole presenter. Again, I agreed and again, I had a great time interacting with the attendees. I’m honored to say this year will mark six years of me serving in this capacity. It is extremely important that we continue to bring awareness about domestic violence, encourage our young people to make healthy and informed choices and guide their plans and purpose in a positive way. I do hope you’ll make plans to join us, share the information and bring as many young ladies with you as you can.
by Joyce Kyles | Aug 26, 2015 | Blog
A really good friend once told me that I should always have three routes in mind when planning to go anywhere. I always thought that at least two were sufficient. But, after a severe storm, extremely bad accident and two separate unsuccessful routes, I found myself sitting in my car on the side of the road, trying to figure out what to do and where to go next. I turned on my radio to get an update on the weather, and while listening to the reports, the announcer mentioned the extremely bad accident which had me going in circles trying to get to my destination. He mentioned some alternate routes. I looked up and realized that one of routes he mentioned happened to be two blocks from where I’d parked. I started my car, proceeded with caution and made it safely to my destination.
Never allow anyone to tell you or make you feel that there is one specific way to conquer domestic violence. There isn’t. Our experiences, levels of abuse and support system are just a few of the factors one should take into an account when deciding how to proceed with the transition from victim to victorious. One may find that the most common, traditional methods to recovery are not effective. Sometimes, the most successful road is the one less traveled. Choose alternate routes, various methods and combine your plans as necessary. Even an effective plan is subject to glitches and bumps along the way. Consult with trustworthy individuals who can help you create alternate routes and follow them as necessary. But, like GPS, people are not always 100% accurate, and therefore, it is imperative that you also rely on your own instincts and judgments and implement them when appropriate. This allows you to have some input and control of your destination, while realizing that help is appropriate and acceptable to insure that you’re staying on task. There are many effective roads available to reach the ultimate goal of survival, and no one route will ever prove to be the right one for everyone. Find the one(s) that work best for you (or someone you know), proceed with caution and make it to your destination.
by Joyce Kyles | Feb 9, 2013 | Pamper & Support Day, Speaking Appearances, Walking In to A New Life
WIANL, Inc., in collaboration with The Circle of Inspiration, celebrated it’s 1yr anniversary of Pamper and Support Day on Saturday, February 9, 2013. Victims, survivors and advocates all enjoyed an afternoon of open, honest discussion about domestic violence, where we are in our walk and goals for healing and positive transition. In addition to the normal support group session, attendees participated in a symbolic balloon release at the conclusion of the event, having written on the balloons all of the negative/hurting/things that we wanted to ‘release’ from our lives.
After the balloon release, participants were able to partake of various foods and beverages and given Mary Kay gift bags. They were led to a separate room where stations of clothes, shoes, accessories and toiletries were available for them to take home. Haircare products, diapers and baby wipes were also available.
Pamper and Support Day was established a year ago in an effort to give victims and survivors an opportunity to relax, share experiences and be catered to, and to receive tangible basic necessities so often needed when dealing with domestic violence. Many times, victims are encouraged to leave, but not given the tools needed to do so. Pamper and Support Day is our way of providing some relief to the emotional and financial struggles that victims and survivors often face when making decisions about their situation and their ability to transition from victim to victorious.
Girls Night Out began six years ago at the Whitehaven Library. One of the directors, Donna Windham, reached out to me and asked if I’d be one of the facilitators. She felt domestic violence was a topic that needed to be addressed among young ladies, especially the teens. I agreed to participate. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned some great information from the attendees and the other agency presenter.
