Today we’d like to introduce you to Veda Brown.
Veda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I grew up in an abusive home. The emotional scars from my father’s abuse left an emotional imprint on my life that would ultimately lead me to become an agent for change to advocate for victim/survivors of domestic violence who are experiencing turbulent transitions in gaining or regaining control of their lives and the lives of their children after an abusive relationship…
Founded in 2003 and in 2006, SEN was incorporated with the Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit organization to address issues and concerns that affect women impacted by the devastating impact of domestic violence and its impact on destroying the cohesiveness in the family unit.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To help those affected by domestic violence, we must first understand it.
Our biggest challenges is finding shelter for women and children affected by domestic violence. There are only 46 shelters currently in GA. which is not enough to provide safety and security for women seeking refuge from their abuser. In 2016, 1,557 victims made a request for shelter, but the request was not met due to lack of space. (Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (2017) Personal Communication)
Another challenge is getting people involved to help those affected by domestic violence. The issues of domestic violence is often overlooked, despite the fact that the majority of Americans know someone who’s been a victim. Most people think the easiest solution is for women to just leave and problem solved, not understanding there is no easy escape due to the fact that financial abuse is one of the least known but one of the most powerful tactics to keep a victim from leaving a relationship.
Tell us about Sisters Empowerment Network – what should we know?
For 15 years, SEN has been committed to supporting victims of domestic violence and the community at large through information, resources, referrals and other tangible services which includes but not limited to: training’ in career services, financial management, support and parenting groups, in addition to transitional housing, counseling and legal services through our affiliate programs.
To date, our professional and caring staff, of volunteers provide services annually to women and children in the Clayton County and surrounding communities. Often times when victims place crisis calls, they are confused and afraid to speak out about the violence.
What set us apart from others is we treat each client like an old friend, someone they can confide in trust and feel safe. We hear over and over again from our clients that we made them feel special and that got a warm feeling that we truly care about their situation and want to help them navigate out of their abusive relationship.
We are extremely proud of the women who turn their lives around as a result of the services and resources we provide to help them regain control of their life and enter or return back into mainstream society free of violence.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Staying goal focused, optimistic and positive is my main priority for success. I have learned to be a good listener; I’ve learned to be persistent in the face of adversity to ensure I achieve my goals despite of difficulties.
I believe that I am a good leader. I understand and acknowledge my skills and weaknesses, I value myself and others. I’ve learned not to judge. I have the ability to control and restrain from conveying my personal viewpoints when it doesn’t align with my moral standards or if I don’t agree with a client on certain issues.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sistersempowerment.org
- Phone: 770-909-0376
- Email: info@sistersempowerment.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sistersempowermentnetwork/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/104301956297805/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SisterEmpowered
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