Reflecting on 2018

As 2018 comes to a close I find myself reflecting over the past year. Much has changed in my personal life as well as with my organization, EmpowerSurvivors.
For me, 2018 represented a season of change, a lot of ups and downs, self reflection, and growth. A lot of tears, laughter, loss, but also new beginnings.
I started out 2018 with nothing but yet something, if that makes sense.
I Ended a 25 year relationship with someone I loved and chose to leave with basically nothing and no paying job. No beds, no furniture, no money.
I lost my dad to cancer which I never knew could hurt as much as it did and still does.
I spent nights wondering how I was going to meet financial needs, wondering if I could sustain the organization I built, and wondering how the hell I was going to make it and support my three children through all of this.
There were nights I cried myself to sleep, contemplated life, felt overwhelmed, and wondered if I would make it.
Luckily for me there were also blessings.
The blessings of three great kids.
Great friends and family who listened, gave sound advice, corrected me when I needed it, and were there for me.
Great supporters of EmpowerSurvivors that helped to sustain the work of EmpowerSurvivors and aid survivors of childhood sexual abuse on their healing journeys.
There was pain that turned to growth and new understanding.
Rise in self worth, determination, and perseverance.
As the end of the year draws to a close I want to say thank you to all of you that helped me through out 2018.
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for supporting my work.
Thank you for donating to EmpowerSurvivors.
Thank you for being visionaries in this journey.
Thank you also to all the brave men and women who shared their stories of childhood sexual abuse and trauma with me, who continued to stay on the healing path, endure, grow, and continue this journey of healing .
I look forward to a new year with all of you and hope that 2019 brings you everything you deserve and need. May you all have a very Happy New Year and many, many, blessings in 2019!!!
Much love,
Elizabeth Sullivan
Founder/CEO of EmpowerSurvivors
www.EmpowerSurvivors.net
#EmpowerSurvivors





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Writing Your Way Out Of Trauma- Writing Workshop

        Writing Your Way Out Of Trauma- Writing Workshop

If you are a trauma survivor, chances are you have struggled to find the words to describe the pain, anger, shame, and sadness you feel about what happened to you. You are not alone........

Join authors, Alexis Acker-Halbur, Meg Blaine Corrigan, and other trauma survivors, for an enlightening workshop designed to help you find just the right words to express how you are feeling.

Writing Workshop : Saturday, March 24, 2018

Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Place: Christ Lutheran Church - The Fireside Room 11194 36th Street North, Lake Elmo, MN. 55042

Cost : $15.00 includes rolls and coffee and a light lunch (pre-registration required due to limited seating before March 20, 2018)

Contact : Meg Corrigan at MegCorrigan@comcast.net

Mail check to: Meg Corrigan, 8655 27th Street North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, or pay at door ( cash, check, or credit)

This event is being sponsored by EmpowerSurvivors. For more information about this 501c3 charitable nonprofit please visit website at http://www.empowersurvivors.net/

A Year In Review- Happy Holidays From Elizabeth Sullivan And The EmpowerSurvivors Organization!

Happy Holidays From All Of Us At EmpowerSurvivors!
www.EmpowerSurvivors.net

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas

to our EmpowerSurvivors family,

donors and supporters!

As the 2017 year comes to a close I want to thank all of you that have dared to give voice to the abuse

done to you as children. This has been an incredible year for voices coming together. The tides are

slowly changing and we can do so much more when we unite and support one another on our

healing journey's.

Teddy Bear Park- Stillwater,MN

I also want to thank all of our wonderful donors that help keep the EmpowerSurvivors mission going

and have aided in so much healing.We surely wouldn't be able to survive as an organization without

the donations of awesome individuals like you, so thank you so very much. Thank you for being in

partnership with EmpowerSurvivors as we work towards a day when children can grow up without

molestation and abuse.

My hope for survivors is that they embrace their authentic selves and are able to break the bonds of

shame and blame that were never theirs to hold on to. As we enter into 2018 know that

EmpowerSurvivors is dedicated to uniting survivors, giving voice to the epidemic of childhood sexual

abuse and prevention and protecting future generations from this soul killing crime. If you are a

survivor we walk with you. You are not alone and know that our doors are always open to you to join

our survivor family and mission.

Over the last year I have been honored to meet with fellow survivors and share in their stories and
healing journeys. It is such an unbelievable honor to sit with a fellow survivor as they put words to their
experience. Even more exciting is seeing these survivors evolve from victim, to survivor to thriver.
To date we are pleased to say that our survivor family has grown to over 1200 members.
Between the online groups and offline groups we are empowering and supporting those who suffered
childhood sexual abuse at the hands of people they trusted.

As we look to 2017 coming to a close and entering 2018 I can’t help but look at our successes, learn
from any failings and look to the future with hope. In the last year we have secured an office space in Stillwater,MN., held our first “open house”, taken part in the “Take Back The Night” Event in Riverfalls, WI., enjoyed a “Cheers and Beers” EmpowerSurvivors fundraising event at our local Lift Bridge Brewery, attended sexual assault training with the MNCASA organization, spoke with the Lake Elmo Auxiliary at their monthly meeting to share the story of our founder, Elizabeth Sullivan, and the EmpowerSurvivors organization, discussed with community members the epidemic of childhood sexual abuse and prevention, spoke before the Minnesota senate and house committees, met with the Washington County Sex Trafficking Unit and assistant prosecuting attorney, met with officials from the Washington County Jail, spoke with survivors nationwide, held our 2nd annual “Giving Voice” conference , worked with local advocates and nonprofit agencies that focus on child abuse and prevention, took part in the Washington County “Connect” groups that work to find ways to improve mental health for our school aged kids and community members, connected with local business owners, continued our radio presence as a weekly host and panelist for the NAASCA radio programs “Stop Child Abuse Now” and “ Community Matters”, attended the “UnChained” celebration dinner for survivors completing the "In The Wildflowers" program in Wyoming,MN, expanded our online and media presence, spoke with local therapists to help them better understand the mind of a survivor, reached out to area churches to educate members of the epidemic of childhood sexual abuse and much, much, more!

Giving Voice - EmpowerSurvivors 2017 At The Grand Banquet Hall

Join Us In 2018

In 2018 we will continue our mission to support male and female survivors of
childhood sexual abuse , educate communities, reduce the rape and molestation of children,
and break the silence that allows childhood sexual abuse to go on for generations.

New in 2018 !

This February 2018 we look forward to launching “ The Way”, a new EmpowerSurvivors pilot program that will take survivors through a 13 week DVD/workbook series developed by Julie Woodley and The Restoring The Heart Ministries "In The Wildflowers program".

This class , co-facilitated by a licensed therapist and survivor will be held Saturdays beginning in February and is limited to 8 survivors. Due to this being a pilot program the price to this 13 week class is reduced to $65.00 per participant. Price includes workbook.

*It is highly recommended all participants attend individual therapy with a licensed professional while attending this program as material can be triggering.

* Must register*

UpcomingEvents

Thursdays -

EmpowerSurvivors peer group for male and female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

 Please contact Elizabeth at 651-300-9180 before attending first meeting.

 Cost : Suggested Donation of $5.00

Saturday, February 3, 2018 -

Launching of “The Way” A 13 week DVD /workbook program

for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Please contact Elizabeth at 651-300-9180  to register.

Cost : Pilot Program $65.00

Thursday, April 26, 2018 -
Take Back The Night!  Details coming soon!


November 2018 -
3rd Annual Giving Voice Event. Details coming soon!

More To Come!!

Keep Updated On All EmpowerSurvivors News And Events By Following This Blog, Viewing Our Website, and joining us on Facebook!

Want to help us continue our mission? Please consider a tax deductible donation today!

Support Elizabeth with a monthly donation for as little as a price of coffee! https://www.patreon.com/Empower

Donations can be sent to:

EmpowerSurvivors

1940 South Greeley

Suite 210

Stillwater,MN 55082

Happy Thanksgiving from EmpowerSurvivors!

Conference opens the door on talking about childhood sexual abuse

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER EDITOR

STILLWATER — It can be hard to talk about childhood sexual abuse, but when this topic is broached in earnest, it can lead to healing and real community change.

That's the perspective of EmpowerSurvivors, a Stillwater nonprofit that will hold a conference Nov. 11 to tackle the topic head-on in an attempt to remove the stigma and promote healing for survivors of childhood sexual assault.

The conference, which is entitled “Giving Voice: EmpowerSurvivors 2017” will take place Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Grand Banquet Hall in downtown Stillwater.

The nonprofit's mission is to provide resources and support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse by reducing isolation, mitigating feelings of shame, rebuilding trust and providing empowerment through peer support groups.

“I'm just really excited it's something that can bring everybody together,” said EmpowerSurvivors founder Elizabeth Sullivan. “It doesn't have to be something that's horrible to discuss. We can discuss it in ways that we can do something about it as a society. Once you know just how serious a problem this is, I really believe people would want to do more for our kids.”

Sullivan began the organization in 2014 when she realized how important it is for survivors of childhood sexual assault to have a support system. As a survivor herself, Sullivan began educating herself about the psychological trauma and other long-suppressed effects that adult survivors endure. She said it's common for adults to reach middle age before the negative effects of psychological damage even begin to show. This was the case for Sullivan, who began experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder such as flashbacks and intrusive thoughts in her 40s. She began her own healing journey, but in the process discovered how prevalent childhood sexual abuse really was. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, one in five girls and one in 20 boys is a victim of sexual abuse.

“And most survivors stay quiet,” she said. “So that's why I named this conference Giving Voice. In order to find healing, to have prevention and intervention, you have to give voice to the epidemic.”

This year's conference features three notable speakers. Matthew Sandusky will return for the second year in a row: “Same guy, different subject,” Sullivan said. Matthew is the adopted son of Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, who was sentenced for sexual abuse of underage students in 2012.

Jane Straub of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center will also speak about resiliency in the wake of adverse childhood experiences.

Finally, Tara Walker Lyons of the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana will tell her story of abuse, and Tara's Law, legislation she pushed through that requires K-12 and adult education on childhood sexual abuse prevention.

The event isn't just for survivors of abuse—Sullivan encourages everyone in the community to get involved in the conversation.

“Whether we know it or not, everyone we know does know a survivor or a child that is being sexually abused,” Sullivan said. “Until we start to recognize that, our kids are at risk. There are bullying projects in schools, but far more kids are being sexually abused, and we're not talking about it. Most of those will have (multiple) abusers, and the majority never say a thing, and they end up in prisons, on welfare and they will have medical issues. It really has an effect not only on survivors but generations that come after that, and also on the community. I really want to involve the community into this conversation.”

Sullivan hopes the conference will offer something unique to therapists and counselors who might work to help survivors but don't understand their trauma because they have not experienced it firsthand.

In addition to addressing challenges and successes, the conference will include many vendors from the community, such as Canvas Health, counseling care services, and holistic health clinics that offer yoga and acupuncture.

General admission to the conference is $55 plus tax. Learn more about EmpowerSurvivors or register for the conference at http://www.empowersurvivors.net/

EmpowerSurvivors also recently established a permanent office in downtown Stillwater at 1940 Greeley St. S., Suite 210.

“That's exciting because now we have better space for survivors to come for our meeting, and we can offer classes,” Sullivan said. An open house of the office location will take place 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28.

Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Lowdown, and can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com

Ticket and Conference info. for this year’s Giving Voice- EmpowerSurvivors 2017

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/giving-voice-empowersurvivors-2017-conference-tickets-29293808570?aff=eac2

Want To Support Elizabeth and EmpowerSurvivors? Please consider a monthly donation!

https://www.patreon.com/Empower

Or

https://www.gofundme.com/EmpowerSurvivorsMN

When #MeToo Isn't Enough...........................

Is Saying #MeToo Enough?

There have been many articles, as of late, written on childhood sexual abuse and rape among the Hollywood Elite. Something that has been going on for a very long time. Children used as playthings, people knowing or suspecting but never coming to the defense of the children being abused behind closed doors or in ‘private parties”.

Childhood sexual abuse is widespread. It is in every culture, every town, every neighborhood yet we still do not know how to speak about childhood sexual abuse. We do not want to have the much needed conversations. Whether a survivor or community member childhood sexual abuse is silenced, hidden, swept under the rug.

At first I was almost excited about the whole #MeToo campaign. I thought finally people are coming forward and breaking their silences but is writing a #MeToo on your facebook profile wall enough to curb childhood sexual abuse? Is this one more “campaign” that will just be piled away with all the other clever campaigns?

As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse that stayed silent till midlife I know all too well the shame and silence that goes along with this epidemic that affects so many children. How the silence keeps you imprisoned, held down, in pain. Luckily I have also felt and seen the healing that comes by giving voice to the molestation and rape . The greatness that develops when survivors are supported, kids are empowered, and communities become trauma informed and taught prevention.

My heart goes out to all of those girls and boys ( yes boys are raped too) who have experienced the cruelty of child abuse, sexual assault and rape and harassment. At the same time I know that #MeToo campaign will die off like every other campaign..

We need more.  

We need to do more if we want to create healthier communities, end childhood sexual abuse and rape. We need to do more then carry a sign, blame men,or write #MeToo on our posts.

These are all great things I know but much more is needed and it begins with you and me.

Do you want a safer community for our children? A supportive society for survivors? Do you want to become more trauma informed and aid in prevention? Do you want to find healing. We must act and the sooner the better.

I invite you to join the EmpowerSurvivors movement, join one of our support groups for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse , learn prevention, attend our annual November conferences. Mostly come together as one united force that really wants to put the words #MeToo into action. We can do this folks but it takes talking about a hard subject. It takes working together. No one looks forward to a conversation about child rape but we need these conversations, we need the silence and darkness broken, we need trauma informed communities.

We need you.

We cannot fix what we do not acknowledge and our kids need our protection.

Visit our website at www.EmpowerSurvivors.net to learn more about our mission, the work we are doing, to donate to the cause, or attend this year’s Giving Voice Event being held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 in Stillwater,MN .

Elizabeth Sullivan

Founder, CEO and Thriver of EmpowerSurvivors

1940 South Greeley Street

Suite 210

Stillwater,MN 55082

A Call To Action

A Call To Action

I’m just going to throw this out there……...childhood sexual abuse and rape sucks.

For a lot of survivors of childhood trauma and sexual abuse we spend a lifetime trying to push away the memories, trying to  forget, trying  to be “normal” even though we may have spent a lifetime feeling like we are living in a world peering from the outside in. Living our lives the way we think we “have to” rather than living our lives authentically the way we choose.. Some of us  may move through life believing we are nobody’s , that we are  damaged goods, and may keep the suicide card ready to be played at a moment's notice. We may have grown up feeling worthless, never believing we were smart enough, pretty enough, good enough.

I am one of the lucky ones.

I am a survivor that stayed silent till the age of 42. I was never going to tell my secret. I believed in those early years that my worth was at a lower level than most, that I would probably die at a young age or that if people really knew my story of abuse they would blame me, find me disgusting and hate me as much as I hated myself.. I held my secret of childhood sexual abuse back in the recesses of my mind , not allowing myself to get close to the pain, checking out , always remembering the words of what was whispered in my ear , the whisper telling me to “ move my hand”, “lay still” . “ be quiet” and more …….

I say I’m one of the lucky ones because in my midlife I have found hope. Yes, I still struggle at times but I have a light in my soul that grows stronger every day. I have found my voice, and now take what was done to me so long ago by terrible people and have turned it around and have broken free from the chains they wrapped so tight around me so long ago.

I am one of the lucky ones because at a certain point in my recovery I realized that there is power in my words, in breaking my silence, in breaking down the lies of abuse.

I am one of the lucky ones because the cycle of sexual abuse stops with me. I’ve chosen to develop strength in my voice, use my experience to help others, and live out the mission I believe that was given to me to help protect others.bring light to the epidemic of childhood abuse, and use my experience to give hope to another.

No matter who you are ,if you were sexually abused as a child you have worth. The things that happened to you in those rooms, in the baths, in the spaces you lived, are not your fault. You did not cause these bad things to happen. Bad people caused these things to happen, they caused the negative voices in your head, the lies, the low self worth , nightmares, flashbacks, disgusting feelings and more.

There was nothing you could have done. You were a child, an innocent, and do not have to hold this blame anymore.

If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse I ask you today to join me in giving voice, help yourself to find healing, shed the shame and shed the blame.

Our voices are our super strength and the more we use it the more we rise up.

Like the ever rising phoenix we can rise in truth knowing that today is the day we can change our lives. This day forward learn truth , find healing and more.

Join me on my mission of breaking the silence of childhood sexual abuse, educating communities, supporting survivors and helping reduce this terrible crime from affecting our youth.

The world needs a healthy you, there is no one else like you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Come Join Us In This Call Of Action

Elizabeth Sullivan

Founder and CEO of EmpowerSurvivors

Support, Educate, Prevent

www.EmpowerSurvivors.net

Join us this November for our second annual Giving Voice conference being held in Stillwater,MN!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/giving-voice-empowersurvivors-2017-conference-tickets-29293808570?aff=eac2

Help Support this important mission!

https://www.patreon.com/Empower