Painted Palette and Church of the Nativity Youth Group partnered with Hearts & Homes for Youth to paint beautiful and inspiring canvasses for the youth in Hearts & Homes’ programs!

The children spent time speaking with Hearts & Homes’ Director of Community Relations about the type of challenges faced by youth in the agency’s care. The kids were very engaged and were eager to help.

After painting a solid background on a canvas, each child painted a picture  that they thought would make the kids at Hearts & Homes for Youth feel comforted and cared about.

The ladies in Hearts & Homes’ Damamli (Young Mother) Independent Living Program (ILP) knew that there were some very special guests coming to see them on the evening of September 21st but had no idea the impact that these guests would have on them.

This was the first night of an ILP group series focused on Domestic Violence and our presenter Sergeant Stephanie Wall entered the room wearing her police uniform with her colleague Officer Bonita Linkins, who was dressed in plain clothes.  The ladies were attempting to figure out why the police were at group tonight and didn’t say much.

Sergeant Wall and Officer Linkins began by greeting the ladies, asking them to share their names, and talk about their children. Then both women shared their stories of their personal experience with domestic violence and that they are both survivors.  The young mothers were touched, inspired, and most of all shocked.  Many of them expressed that they would have NEVER guessed based on how these beautifully poised women looked that they were domestic violence survivors.

Our young mothers learned a lot from the strong women who spent time with them that night. They learned that you can grow beyond what is now and make a beautiful ending, no matter where you started from. They were reminded of the importance of being aware of the decisions you make and how they will affect your children. They discussed the importance of positive self talk, and to not only pay attention to the way people talk to you and treat you, but also pay attention to the way you talk to yourself and treat yourself. The officers also told the young mothers about resources available to help survivors of domestic violence feel safe and heal.

Sergeant Wall left the ladies with this thought: “Look beyond what you can see, and focus on what you can imagine”.

“We are grateful for the time Sergeant Wall and Officer Linkins shared with us and cannot thank them enough,” said Damamli Chief Administrator Jessica McKinnie.  “We plan to continue to work together with the officers to positively  impact the lives of our young ladies”

Hearts & Homes youth love giving back to the community. On a regular basis, the youth volunteer at soup kitchens, convalescent homes, community parks, bake sales, and in their neighborhoods.

Write to us at info@heartsandhomes.org if you know of volunteer opportunities for our youth.