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All That Bad Is Going To Mean Something - Survivor-Led Care (chatelaine.com)

 

It’s an understatement to say that from the day she was born Jill Wilson’s life has been extremely tough. Her mother, who had her at age 20, used drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of family sexual abuse and sought protection from gang-affiliated men, who continued the cycle of violence. Abuse and neglect defined Wilson’s childhood. By the time she was 13, she had lived in no fewer than 23 foster homes.

At 13, determined to be independent, she ran away. She met some girls who were flush with cash from having sex for money and living in hotels. She joined them and before long, her life became intertwined with gangs and violence,

It felt like her lot in life was set — but Wilson’s history as a survivor of sexual exploitation would turn out to be the key to rebuilding her life. In June, the 38-year-old stood at the front of a gymnasium decorated with black, red, yellow and white balloons, beaming in her cap and gown as a newly minted graduate of the Ndinawe child- and youth- care certificate program, accredited by Red River College in Winnipeg.

The social work program is different in one key way: “lived history” is a prerequisite for admission. The students get an educational foundation in year one, along with life skills and personal healing work. 

 
 
Read more of Sarah Boesveld's article:
Image: Jill Wilson. (Photo, Janine Kropla)

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Cheryl Miranda posted:

Ruth, your story has been a huge inspiration to me. That we can overcome and thrive despite the odds. 

Its the same with me about your story Cheryl. It's a ripple effect. Now we carry the torch and march on to free more victims. Onward we go to fight the good fight! hugs

"Where were the everyday women talking about childhood trauma and more importantly, life after? I couldn’t find her.

Where were all the others? How can there be so many survivors of childhood trauma and so much silence? How can there be so much pain and complexity and so little support or instruction on how to people, parent and partner better."

Apologies Cissy, but couldn't help but take inspiration from your blog Heal Write Now. I really hope we become the women we needed. So, the next generation doesn't struggle with the shame, isolation, and lack of support as we did.

Last edited by Former Member
Cheryl!!! I love this article and was just going to share it here!! It’s awesome!!! Thanks for posting. We had three survivor/led folks talking about leading orgs and programs at a power with panel at the conference. My guess is that one day this will be best practice and common. We are not there yet! But we’re making progress. Cis

As survivors, it feels empowering to know that we can be that beacon of hope to someone struggling.  Reading survivor stories have helped me gain perspective into my childhood trauma and overcome the shame of being abused.

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