MY STORY:

We all have a story, and I am finally ready to share mine. It is painful, but I know that I can help others by speaking out, starting now.

 

My name is Susan Jacobi and I am a survivor of child abuse. From the ages of 3-18, I was emotionally, physically, and sexually abused by several family members. For many years, I had no childhood memories. My brain had locked all the memories away so that I could survive in my day to day life. It has taken me the last 14 years of my adult life to heal the trauma from my childhood and to reclaim myself and my life. I am blessed because I have made it out alive - many people do not.  I want to change that, and I need your help.

I am establishing a non-profit organization called Healing Hearts from Child Abuse to educate and support survivors of child abuse. My goals with Healing Hearts are to materially and emotionally support and encourage victims with their healing, to educate the public, and to put a face to child abuse.

Healing Hearts is a foundation that will provide resources for survivors who are ready to break free of the deafening isolation and pain. The foundation will provide scholarships to those seeking care, but who are unable to pay for it themselves.  I believe anyone and everyone should have access to top quality treatment, no matter their economic status.

Now is the time. Will you join me? 

THE IMPACT:

The impact of Healing Hearts from Child Abuse will be far-reaching and very profound.

I believe that by beginning to talk about the effects of the trauma, we, as a society, can heal the broken hearts of child abuse and remove the shame that keeps all survivors silent about what they have endured. I believe it is time to talk about how child abuse impacts our lives as adults.

We need to get this in the open so we can help people. Alcoholics can now get help because society has faced and recognized alcoholism, which removes the shame. Many alcoholics are sober today because of AA, and so many more people know to avoid getting addicted. Similarly, we need to help the adult survivors of child abuse; this is the only way to stop the cycle.

 

WHAT I NEED AND WHAT YOU GET:

To establish the foundation, I am raising $25,000 by Valentine's Day, 2012. These funds will be used in several ways:

* To create a robust, resource rich web site for survivors, educators and 

supporters,

* To create and implement an outreach plan for Healing Hearts and its services,

* To set up the foundation administratively, covering 501c3 application costs, etc., and

* To begin setting up the scholarship fund for those seeking treatment.

 

Please consider giving generously. Your gift has an impact greater than you could ever know. Your dollars create a ripple effect of healing throughout a person's life which in turn strengthens their community. I know, I've been there. I can tell you that because of my healing, I am a better mother, a better friend, and a better community member. I'm ready to give back.

One way I've begun to give back already is with the book I've written, "Let's Talk About Child Abuse". It's a way to get the difficult but much needed conversation started. If you contribute at the $100 level, I'll send you a signed copy!

    

YOU CAN HELP IN MANY WAYS:

Please share this campaign.  We never know who in our circle may suffer from the effects of Child Abuse. Most of the time it is kept a secret. By reaching out, you have the power to change the course of life for someone who has been a victim. In fact, your action may even save a life. 

 

Please use the Share Tools above (under the video window) to share this campaign as much and as often as you can.  Post on Facebook, tweet, or send an email with a widget.  

Thank you from my heart. Your help in the healing is vital and immeasurable.