Today we’d like to introduce you to Whit Devereaux.
Whit, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At the age of 5 years old, I was sexually violated by someone I know. That set the foundation for the abuse that I would later accept by intimate partners. At age 17, I became involved with a physically abusive partner and later became a teen mom. I thought that I had overcome that struggle, but would later find myself in another abusive relationship, this time emotionally abusive. It was not until I sought out therapy for depression where I’d later discover that what happened to me all those years ago made me more susceptible to the abuse I endured. The good news was that I didn’t have to remain a victim. I had the power to become a survivor and now thriver over domestic violence. After going through therapy and attending my church’s domestic violence support group, I finally felt strong enough to tell my story. I promised God that if He delivered me from the abuse, then I would tell everyone I knew about Him. He kept his promise, and so did I. From there, I published my award-winning novel, “Not By My Own” in June 2017. My book would later become an online mentorship program, called Not By My Own Community in 2018. In April 2019, we became a 501 c 3 nonprofit, which allows us the opportunity to serve women who have been impacted by abuse through our hybrid program. This includes a secure online membership portal, monthly masterclasses and book chats, and bi-annual networking events to continue to provide survivors of domestic violence the opportunity to heal. The hybrid program allows us to help survivors of domestic violence, no matter where they reside. We have multiple partnerships in Atlanta, Chicago, and more. We believe that partnership takes the vision further.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing about this journey has been smooth. In the words of Ms. Sophia from the Color Purple, “All my life I had to fight.” No seriously. Along this journey I have had to deal with co-parenting with an abusive ex having me to go back and forth to court to advocate for myself for a five year time frame. In the midst of that I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my job of four years to pursue my business full time. I now get to teach my mentees how to rebuild financial independence, co-parent with an abusive ex, quit serial dating, and ultimately love themselves. As with most entrepreneurs, this journey changes day to day. It’s never predictable, and some days you will make enough to cover all of your bills, and while others, you are just barely getting by. Thank God He is my provider. I rarely worry because He always comes through and even with my nonprofit, He sends regular donors and supporters that help fund the mission.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
I am an Award Winning and Bestselling Author of “Not By My Own,” “Unraveling the Layers: Memoirs of a Wounded Soul,” and “There’s a Jewel in You, Volume 2.” I am a Domestic Violence Survivor Advocate, Mentor, and Motivational Speaker. I’m also the Founder and Executive Director of the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization Not By My Own Community, helping survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their lives by giving them a safe place to experience a life of wholeness through Jesus Christ.
The specific objectives and purpose of this organization are:
a) To provide a mentorship program to women survivors of domestic violence
1. Group and/or 1:1 coaching is available to all mentees to support and counsel them to wholeness.
2. Through monthly challenges, masterclasses, book chats, courses with materials included etc. are offered to empower survivors to obtain their personal goals of healing.
b) To host bi-annual and/or annual events where women survivors can network and receive helpful resources to help with rebuilding their lives post abuse e.g., mental health, legal, substance abuse resources, and more. We are the only nonprofit agency serving domestic violence survivors in this capacity. I am grateful for the opportunity not to be bound by geographical location in who and how I serve my mentees.
I hold an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences, where I studied human behavior and have over a decade of experience working in social services settings. Through my company, Whit Devereaux Enterprises, I assist Entrepreneurs with obtaining sponsorships and gaining the attention of their target audience through media exposure and local partnerships. I have been featured on the cover story of the Chicago Defender, AC Green Show, Warriors Talk Radio on Urban Broadcast Media, The Kendall Moore Show on WVON, and am an active member of the Chicago Police Department District 006 Domestic Violence Subcommittee.
I am proud of the progress we have made from book, to virtual support group, to an official 501c3 nonprofit making a difference worldwide. Because of our belief in partnerships, we can impact the lives of individuals every month in a different state via our partnership with the Purpose and Passion Tour and Healing is a Journey Conference just to name a couple.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Atlanta is a hub for resources and is the entrepreneur’s dream realized. Yearly I attend conferences and participate in vending and speaking opportunities in Atlanta that have led to some amazing opportunities. In 2020 alone, I will have three different events in Atlanta helping survivors of trauma and abuse to increase their faith and walk in their healing. Atlanta has always been a good experience for me to witness history and become part of it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1507 E 53rd Street
Suite 508 Chicago, IL 60615 - Website: whitdevereaux.com
- Phone: 872-221-0397
- Email: info@whitdevereaux.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/whitdevereaux
- Facebook: Facebook.com/whitdevereaux
- Twitter: Twitter.com/Whit_Devereaux
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
