We are holding an online auction to rais funds for our Shadows Ignited Creative Expression programs.  It includes the Healing Narrative and Awakened Verse projects. Healing Narrative provides classes for survivors of sexual assault who would like to learn the art of storytelling and script or play writing. Awaken Verse provides classes for survivors who are interested in learning poetry and creative writing.

There is decades of research that proves how artistic expression – regardless of whether it is visual art, written word, music or dance – has both physical and mental health benefits. The United States Military uses art to help combat soldier process their trauma and begin the mental and emotional healing process. Because creative express helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, it can not only help reduce high blood pressure, it also boosts our immune system and cognitive skills.

Providing survivors of sexual assault the opportunity to craft and share their stories in creative ways also give them a sense of empowerment. All too often survivors attempt to keep their assault a secret, fearful they will be blamed. Survivors often blame themselves anyway, and the thought having others blame them as well can feel crushing. The opportunity to process all the feeling and emotions survivors experience in a safe, understanding and trauma informed environment, combined with the opportunity to explore their creativity and set free their secrets is incredibly powerful. It can also be very powerful for communities as well. Sharing their stories through visual art, in a song or a poem can educate people about the facts of sexual violence - how it impacts the health and wellness of individuals and the community, how people of color may not have the same access to, or receive the same quality of healthcare or other services. It shed lights on the fact that sexual assault is not only a public health concern due to the physical damage it causes to the victim, but also the emotional and mental health issues is causes - for the victim and their loved ones as well. It explains and helps people understand sexual assault is also a public safety concern. Victims of sexual assault are thirteen times more like to commit suicide than someone who hasn't been a victim. That’s not only a burden on victims and our their loved ones, it’s also a burden on our community health systems, and on the availability of first responders - who are often the first ones called when someone is having a mental health crisis. This is why we are so determined to raise the funds needed to continue and expand these programs, not only for our clients, but also for our communities.

Companies donating will be listed on our event pages, on social media, the auction site and all promotions.