April 19th is a special night at Tuacahn which begins at 6:30pm
as the band 7 Days Prior starts the night playing on the mini stage in the plaza at the Tuacahn Ampitheater. Then at 7:00pm singer/songwriter Sheri Peterson teams up with Greg Baker, new age concert pianist to perform on the main stage where they will debut their newly recorded single. At 8:00pm Tuacahn High School award winning drama department will perform the heart warming musical "GodSpell". Tickets are $8.00 available through the Tuacahn Box Office,652-3300.
7 Days Prior, a three piece band consisting of Jameson Barrick, Josh Parkinson and Chris Raybould, won the Regional Southern Utah High School Battle of the Bands, judged by local professional musicians and High School Music directors. They won for their originality, musicality, musicianship and stage presence performance. Their music is considered rock alternative with poetic lyrics and infectious melodies. They are a refreshing break from todays popular screaming emo types. You can check them out at www.7DaysPrior.com
Sheri Peterson is a singer, performer, songwriter and voice teacher that has been in love with music her entire life. She was born and raised in southern Utah and has performed numerous local shows as both a solo artist and with her hot country band, The Sheri Peterson Band. She considers herself mainly a country artist, but her music often crosses that boundary and people from all walks of life enjoy her crystalline voice and the feeling she puts into her performances. Some people have compared her voice to that of Sarah Brightman.
Greg Baker is St. George's own Neo-Classical/New Age Concert Pianist. Greg does not read music but creates and plays his unique piano compositions directly from the heart. His music is beautiful and tends to stop people in their tracks. A live performance must be experienced to be believed.
Sheri and Greg will be performing songs together and individually at their concert on April 19th @ Tuacahn as a benefit for the Victory Over Abuse Foundation.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
St. George UT "The Spectrum" Feaures VOA on 04-06-08
HEADLINE: Organization Seeks to Help Victims of Sexual Abuse
http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080406/LIFESTYLE/80406003
http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080406/LIFESTYLE/80406003
Friday, April 4, 2008
Our Story
www.VictoryOverAbuse.org
In October of 2007 our family became aware of a young mother hit by the tragedy of sexual abuse. Her husband had been arrested for molesting their children. She of course is in shock, devastated emotionally and suddenly left without income, saddled with debt she was unaware of and discovering other secrets he kept.
Our family, having been through similar circumstances decided to "adopt" this family for Christmas. As we got closer to the situation, it became clear that this family needed so much more than just presents under a tree.
We began investigating what programs or agencies might be available to help families in this type of crisis. We could not find any online. We were put in touch with the Director of the National Children's Alliance out of Washington DC. He was unaware of anything that went beyond what little Crimes Victim Reparations is able to do. He sent out an email for us to 600 different centers nationwide to see if perhaps they knew of something people were doing on a local basis to help such victims. We received back email after email stating only that we had certainly identified a huge need and asking for help.
Here is one such:
"What a timely email. We have been having the same problem, actually yesterday I took $$ to an LP gas guy for a client. It isn't cold enough here for energy assistance and the mom and two teens have been staying with an aunt. My case manager and I have been hitting up our friends for assistance for this family. Supposedly child protection will help families, but the mom had lost her job due to lack of transportation, didn't have the $$ to get car fixed, etc, etc. Child protection mandates parents have a job. All because the abuser is in jail, where he belongs. I can understand why parents take these losers back....
Please let me know about any models that we can possibly replicate."
As we read the many replies to our emails, all saying the same thing, my heart sank. We realized that there are so many gaps in the system that these victims fall through and then end up struggling through it alone. We cried, we prayed, and discussed it with our family and decided that we had to do more to help. That is when Victory Over Abuse was born.
Part of the huge tragedy is that the victims really suffer behind closed doors, in silence. They take on the shame and guilt, the embarrassment. They cannot talk about it and they certainly don't know where or who to ask for help or trust with such a sensitive issue.
Ten years ago, after many years of trying to make things work, my mother took her 5 children from their beds at 4:00am and drove away from an ever increasing abusive situation. I was 12 at the time. She left the state and everything we owned; furniture, pets, horses, clothes, keepsakes, because she feared for our lives. She had asked for a divorce and my dad became extremely volatile. It wasn't until after we left and were out of danger that my older syblings went to her and told her of the sexual abuse. Understandably it is common for children to keep abuse secret unless they feel safe in coming forward.
As a result, we know the devastating affects of not only losing a father, but grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles all of whom we were very closely connected with. We know what it feels like to hide behind those doors, much like our own prison, in shame hoping no one ever finds out.
That is part of the problem. There is not a face to this tragedy and so it is hard to know how to help. With my mom and sisters, we now feel like it is our time to help and put a face and a voice to this issue. To help raise awareness and help the public understand the great needs.
My mother was fortunate to have built a significant home-based business that brought residual income which gave her the option and the resources to leave and start a new life. Most of these women and families do not have any such resource of continued income once the husband is incarcerated and thus it creates enormous hardship. It became one of her passions to teach women how to create significant income from home, so they can be there with their children and always have the options and freedom that brings. However, most women in the depths of a crisis situation are not in an emotional state to even handle their family's immediate needs so we created Victory Over Abuse.
In October of 2007 our family became aware of a young mother hit by the tragedy of sexual abuse. Her husband had been arrested for molesting their children. She of course is in shock, devastated emotionally and suddenly left without income, saddled with debt she was unaware of and discovering other secrets he kept.
Our family, having been through similar circumstances decided to "adopt" this family for Christmas. As we got closer to the situation, it became clear that this family needed so much more than just presents under a tree.
We began investigating what programs or agencies might be available to help families in this type of crisis. We could not find any online. We were put in touch with the Director of the National Children's Alliance out of Washington DC. He was unaware of anything that went beyond what little Crimes Victim Reparations is able to do. He sent out an email for us to 600 different centers nationwide to see if perhaps they knew of something people were doing on a local basis to help such victims. We received back email after email stating only that we had certainly identified a huge need and asking for help.
Here is one such:
"What a timely email. We have been having the same problem, actually yesterday I took $$ to an LP gas guy for a client. It isn't cold enough here for energy assistance and the mom and two teens have been staying with an aunt. My case manager and I have been hitting up our friends for assistance for this family. Supposedly child protection will help families, but the mom had lost her job due to lack of transportation, didn't have the $$ to get car fixed, etc, etc. Child protection mandates parents have a job. All because the abuser is in jail, where he belongs. I can understand why parents take these losers back....
Please let me know about any models that we can possibly replicate."
As we read the many replies to our emails, all saying the same thing, my heart sank. We realized that there are so many gaps in the system that these victims fall through and then end up struggling through it alone. We cried, we prayed, and discussed it with our family and decided that we had to do more to help. That is when Victory Over Abuse was born.
Part of the huge tragedy is that the victims really suffer behind closed doors, in silence. They take on the shame and guilt, the embarrassment. They cannot talk about it and they certainly don't know where or who to ask for help or trust with such a sensitive issue.
Ten years ago, after many years of trying to make things work, my mother took her 5 children from their beds at 4:00am and drove away from an ever increasing abusive situation. I was 12 at the time. She left the state and everything we owned; furniture, pets, horses, clothes, keepsakes, because she feared for our lives. She had asked for a divorce and my dad became extremely volatile. It wasn't until after we left and were out of danger that my older syblings went to her and told her of the sexual abuse. Understandably it is common for children to keep abuse secret unless they feel safe in coming forward.
As a result, we know the devastating affects of not only losing a father, but grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles all of whom we were very closely connected with. We know what it feels like to hide behind those doors, much like our own prison, in shame hoping no one ever finds out.
That is part of the problem. There is not a face to this tragedy and so it is hard to know how to help. With my mom and sisters, we now feel like it is our time to help and put a face and a voice to this issue. To help raise awareness and help the public understand the great needs.
My mother was fortunate to have built a significant home-based business that brought residual income which gave her the option and the resources to leave and start a new life. Most of these women and families do not have any such resource of continued income once the husband is incarcerated and thus it creates enormous hardship. It became one of her passions to teach women how to create significant income from home, so they can be there with their children and always have the options and freedom that brings. However, most women in the depths of a crisis situation are not in an emotional state to even handle their family's immediate needs so we created Victory Over Abuse.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Victory Over Abuse Foundation is launched
www.VictoryOverAbuse.org
As humans, we have a natural desire to help those in need.
When your neighbors' house burns down, or a husband is killed in
an accident, you automatically ask what you can do to help
and the whole community rallies together.
Herein lies an equally great, but often hidden tragedy
…..a father who is the primary support of the family is jailed for molesting his children.
- From the outside we cheer, being relieved that something is being done to protect the children.
- From the inside, a woman has lost her husband, children have lost a father, (as well as the extended family), immediately there is a dramatic loss of income, the betrayal is beyond belief and a family is left in the wreckage wondering how on earth to continue on. The children are further traumatized by the mothers’ increased absence due to the need to make up for lost income.
Consider if your neighbor was suffering from the trauma of sexual abuse, would you even know? Victims of sexual abuse often do not get the assistance they need because they hide in shame and embarrassment, thus deepening the tragedy for all.
It is an enormous problem. The only known resource is Crime Victims Reparations, which is very limited and by their own admission falls far short of the demanding needs of the victims.
Victory Over Abuse is a charitable foundation, created by a Mother and her daughters, to assist families affected by sexual abuse. To help connect them with resources already available and fill in the many gaps where there is not help available. We hope to raise awareness of the needs of these families, to put a face to it, and offer the hope that they can overcome and be victorious rather than remain victims. It is meant to be a "hand up" rather than a "hand out".
We want to validate and show gratitude for the courage it took to come forward, to show support for that courage of coming forward, despite the awful burden it leaves on the victims.
The name "Victory Over Abuse" is meant to offer and signify that this crime does not define the victim and that with strength and courage and support they can rise above, leave behind, forgive and conquer, setting them free to a new and wonderful life full of hope and possibilities.
Our use of the "Right-Turning Conch Shell" is a beautiful symbol of victory and valor whose music is said to "banish evil spirits, scare away harmful creatures. It awakens those from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to accomplish their own welfare and the welfare of others."
The Victory Over Abuse Foundation was incorporated in November of 2007 and is currently in the process of securing a 501c(3) Non-Profit status. The dire immediate needs of the families we are currently working with make waiting for that to be completed not an option.
We welcome the assistance of anyone that feels in alignment with our intentions to join with us in making our intentions a reality for these families in need. We especially would welcome those with experience in operating a not for profit organization.
------------------------
Obviously this is more than one person can manage and we invite you now to join with us in creating the means to
provide the services needed below.
Cash donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and needed. If you see an area below in which you can donate any other resources, that is welcome as well.
-Be a resource to first connect victims with services already available to them in the community such as food banks, heat assistance etc.
-Cash, gifts and food for holiday needs, “Sub for Santa” type things or birthday gifts etc.
-Partner with services such as auto mechanics, heating and plumbing, handy man, etc.... willing to donate services or offer at discounted rates.
-Partner with businesses to provide greatly needed “escape” time such as a night out to dinner, a spa treatment, hair cuts, child care, massage, retreats, movies, dancing, concerts, vacation, etc.
-Partner with music / dance / self defense instructors and personal trainers to donate their time or offer at discounted rates.
-Provide funds for “work clothes” for moms returning to the work place.
-Help keep phone service and utilities on.
-Help with tutoring, educational, occupational, mental health and personal development needs.
-Help with Rent / House payments or with relocating if necessary.
As humans, we have a natural desire to help those in need.
When your neighbors' house burns down, or a husband is killed in
an accident, you automatically ask what you can do to help
and the whole community rallies together.
Herein lies an equally great, but often hidden tragedy
…..a father who is the primary support of the family is jailed for molesting his children.
- From the outside we cheer, being relieved that something is being done to protect the children.
- From the inside, a woman has lost her husband, children have lost a father, (as well as the extended family), immediately there is a dramatic loss of income, the betrayal is beyond belief and a family is left in the wreckage wondering how on earth to continue on. The children are further traumatized by the mothers’ increased absence due to the need to make up for lost income.
Consider if your neighbor was suffering from the trauma of sexual abuse, would you even know? Victims of sexual abuse often do not get the assistance they need because they hide in shame and embarrassment, thus deepening the tragedy for all.
It is an enormous problem. The only known resource is Crime Victims Reparations, which is very limited and by their own admission falls far short of the demanding needs of the victims.
Victory Over Abuse is a charitable foundation, created by a Mother and her daughters, to assist families affected by sexual abuse. To help connect them with resources already available and fill in the many gaps where there is not help available. We hope to raise awareness of the needs of these families, to put a face to it, and offer the hope that they can overcome and be victorious rather than remain victims. It is meant to be a "hand up" rather than a "hand out".
We want to validate and show gratitude for the courage it took to come forward, to show support for that courage of coming forward, despite the awful burden it leaves on the victims.
The name "Victory Over Abuse" is meant to offer and signify that this crime does not define the victim and that with strength and courage and support they can rise above, leave behind, forgive and conquer, setting them free to a new and wonderful life full of hope and possibilities.
Our use of the "Right-Turning Conch Shell" is a beautiful symbol of victory and valor whose music is said to "banish evil spirits, scare away harmful creatures. It awakens those from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to accomplish their own welfare and the welfare of others."
The Victory Over Abuse Foundation was incorporated in November of 2007 and is currently in the process of securing a 501c(3) Non-Profit status. The dire immediate needs of the families we are currently working with make waiting for that to be completed not an option.
We welcome the assistance of anyone that feels in alignment with our intentions to join with us in making our intentions a reality for these families in need. We especially would welcome those with experience in operating a not for profit organization.
------------------------
Obviously this is more than one person can manage and we invite you now to join with us in creating the means to
provide the services needed below.
Cash donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and needed. If you see an area below in which you can donate any other resources, that is welcome as well.
-Be a resource to first connect victims with services already available to them in the community such as food banks, heat assistance etc.
-Cash, gifts and food for holiday needs, “Sub for Santa” type things or birthday gifts etc.
-Partner with services such as auto mechanics, heating and plumbing, handy man, etc.... willing to donate services or offer at discounted rates.
-Partner with businesses to provide greatly needed “escape” time such as a night out to dinner, a spa treatment, hair cuts, child care, massage, retreats, movies, dancing, concerts, vacation, etc.
-Partner with music / dance / self defense instructors and personal trainers to donate their time or offer at discounted rates.
-Provide funds for “work clothes” for moms returning to the work place.
-Help keep phone service and utilities on.
-Help with tutoring, educational, occupational, mental health and personal development needs.
-Help with Rent / House payments or with relocating if necessary.
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