Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremiah Woods. Them and their team share their story with us below:
A self-described bowtie enthusiast, Jeremiah M. Woods, also known as Bow-Tie, is the founder of The Hands Off Foundation Inc. He is someone who is committed to advocating for those who have had their voice and their power stripped away from them.
The journey begin three years ago in a Cobb County courtroom. Mr.Woods though he adamantly fought it was selected for jury duty. The case involved two teenage girls, one age 12 and one age 15 at the time of the alleged assault.
Over the next seven days, he listened to testimony, saw graphic images and read horrifying testimony that all implicated that the 12 and 15 years old teenage girls stepfather had sexually assaulted them.
For four out of the five days of deliberation, it was all but stated that this was an open and shut case that would end with a guilty verdict. We would put this monster in jail and after a two years struggle some justice would come to this family. Unfortunately, on the final day of the trial, the speaker for the jury announced six guilty and six not guilty. A hung jury. A shocked courtroom. A disappointed, disgusted, and deflated family let the courtroom. It was then that Jeremiah Woods knew something new, different and fearless must be done to radically change how we support survivors.
He has spent the last three years learning and developing his skillset as a sexual assault advocate and is currently most passionate about the work he is doing through his non-profit to create a community that will not stand for 28 million women a year being affected by sexual assault.
Alright, 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?
Ha-Ha, is anything world-changing every smooth?
The reality is nonprofit/advocacy work has a number of challenges such as funding, consistent or otherwise, community support, and most importantly a permanent home for us to build the state of the art facility that will house, in house therapists, employment services, and safe living quarters.
It can also take a toll on your mental health if you aren’t careful. Everyday, there’s a new sexual assault case or story that comes to light. It can be daunting, but the work must continue.
Now, I would be remised if I didn’t also say that we have had wonderful support from community advocates, other organizations, family, friends and of course our #TealNation Family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Hands Off Foundation Inc is a 501c3, guidestar verified, nonprofit organization that focuses on helping women and children that have been affected by sexual assault.
Our mission is to build a community that will not stand for 28 million women a year being affected by sexual assault.
Our long-term initiative is a three-pronged approach to a community, a campus if you will. It will sit on several acres of land, have administrative offices, bedrooms designed with self-care in mind and recreation center.
One of the creative ways we are making this happen is without inaugural Teal Gala. March 16th, it’ll be magical.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love music ! I’ve been a musician for 17+ years. I play the drums, keyboard, played around with songwriting, artist management, and you’d never believe it, but show/party promotion, hahaha.
Music gives me life, it adds a soundtrack to the various emotions that come with advocacy work.
I grow up playing music in church. You know, the sunshine band, youth choir and all that good stuff, haha. It’s not something I speak about that much, but it’s a foundational cornerstone keeps me grounded.
Contact Info:
- Email: Contact@handsofffoundation.org
- Website: www.handsofffoundation.org
- Instagram: @thehandsofffoundationinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHandsOffFoundationInc/
