Window's participants
Native Americans have a saying, “What you say or do effects seven generations.”
Almost 19 years ago a shy young school teacher decided to take a vacation and traveled across the United States. As a result of a casual conversation with a friend, she decided to stay at domestic violence shelters in exchange for offering art programs to shelter staff.
Staying in shelters changed that young woman forever. She was so moved by that trip that she founded A Window Between Worlds (awbw.org) She didn’t know how to proceed, she just knew she had to do something.
Fast forward 19 years….As a result of that one decision and a heartfelt desire to help others heal the hurt caused by domestic violence, Cathy Salser, founded what shelters, donors, participants, and foundations now call Windows Programs. We’ve reached over 60,309 women and children in Southern California and in 27 states….with those participants attending over 283,450 workshops. Currently we are the only national organization that provides free art leader training and art supplies to domestic violence programs. How’s that for a visionary that didn’t know how to begin and did it anyway!
In the words of one shelter director, “AWBW supports the internal healing process more than any other resource. Because art is a non-verbal means of expression it bypasses cognitive barriers and enables women and children to make emotional breakthroughs that simply wouldn’t be possible without AWBW.”
Just one workshop can change a life forever and support a breakthrough to brilliance. In my 11 years as a board member, I continue to be amazed at the simplicity of the creative process that allows these breakthroughs to occur.
If a single individual can say yes to their inner call, take action, and live from the desire to serve, imagine what two, four, eight or more of us can do together. I invite you to help us shine a light for those courageous women and children building a new future. I’ve started my very own online campaign to Adopt a Shelter - and we have an anonymous donor who will match us dollar for dollar up to $12,000!
Won’t you join me in helping Cathy’s dream to end the cycle of domestic violence come true?
You could have heard a pin drop as the women shared their stories and their hearts.
Over 100 powerful women gathered last night to hear Marianne Williamson speak about her upcoming workshop in LA. What impressed me most is the commitment of the the group to whom Marianne was speaking, the Los Angeles Chapter of First Tuesday. Spearheaded by Marcy Cole, Ph.D, First Tuesday USA has an intention to create and expand a vibrant and diverse community for extraordinary women. Inspired by an Oprah challenge, Marcy, a Los Angeles based psychotherapist, also founded The First Tuesday Circle of Giving. Coming together monthly for dinner and speakers, the women of First Tuesday unite networking with heartfelt service to those less fortunate.
Women-power was palpable as several members rose to share their goals for helping others. Tasia, a young mother of three, is committed to adopting 100 orphaned children. To date she has adopted 22, as a result of her connection to SOS Children’s Villages. Thirty dollars a month is all it takes to help a child find a mother, siblings a home, and a village. To learn more or to adopt a child, go to: www.sos-usa.org/inspired
SOS was founded in 1949, and they now have almost 500 villages in 132 countries, including the United States. More than 73,000 children are being raised in their villages. Through their programs of education, family strengthening, medical care and outreach programs, the lives of over 1 million people are being impacted each year. What impresses me the most about SOS is their commitment to the family structure. The orphans get a mother, all siblings stay together, so that family ties are sustained and strengthened.
Once a year the First Tuesday Circle of Giving selects a financially challenged or homeless family as part of a service project. To see videos of their projects, go to http://snipurl.com/u9z9n. In addition, First Tuesday also donated to A Window Between Worlds (www.awbw.or) an organization dedicated to using the creative arts to help battered women and children end the cycle of domestic violence. Last year their generous donation benefited a domestic violence shelter in Tulare County.
I’m especially grateful to First Tuesday for their gift, as I’m currently board president for AWBW. During the last 10 years as a volunteer for AWBW, I have experienced first hand the power of art to end the cycle of domestic violence. What a joy to be in connection with those who choose to give back and help make this world a better place for us all. Regardless of who or how you choose to serve, just do it. Your life will never be the same.
Never underestimate a group of determined women to help others!
Why not take the service challenge? It has been said that service is the highest form of loving. The way to open up to more abundance is to expand and give your gifts away. They can only return to sender.
