by Joyce Kyles | Oct 30, 2013 | Speaking Appearances, Walking In to A New Life
The 39th Annual NOVA Conference was recently held in Columbus, OH, with Joyce Parkinson, serving as a workshop presenter. Parkinson, who is a survivor of domestic abuse, is the Executive Director of Walking Into A New Life, Inc. She found herself dealing with a number of barriers during her transition which left her feeling helpless and hopeless at times. With the help of friends, a lot of research and perseverance, she created a marketing company, JP Connections and started sharing her story of transition from victim to victorious. With a background in criminal justice, years of experience in social work and her own personal accounts, she has developed a curriculum noteworthy of sharing nationally, and has caught the attention of organizations locally. The official outline/launch is forthcoming.
NOVA (National Organization for Victims Assistance), is the longest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States, having been founded in 1975. The conference is a four-day event, with hundreds of attendees from across the country who get together for a series of trainings and networking. This year’s conference was entitled “Implementing the Tools of Our Trade to Build a Comforting Justice”.
Parkinson’s workshop, entitled “Education, Microenterprise Development & Domestic Violence”, focused on best practices for educating advocates, businesses and organizations to better understand domestic violence and how to work with victims to become self-sufficient survivors. “It is easy to tell a person to leave. As advocates, we must also advise them on how to do it safely and equip them with some resources to help them with the transition. I want to help as many as possible to avoid many of the barriers that I encountered and walk into their new lives with confidence and hope.”
by Joyce Kyles | Mar 3, 2013 | Pamper & Support Day, Speaking Appearances, Walking In to A New Life
I was one of two speakers to present at Ashes2Beauty, Inc’s first Day of Pampering Event. Kelley Alsobrook, pictured, is the Founder of Ashes2Beauty, Inc and it was her vision to provide women who’ve suffered abuse in any form to experience a complete day of pampering. This included manicures, hair design, make up artistry, before and after photos, food and fellowship. Megan Mottley, Author of The Glamour Girl Movement, gave a wonderful presentation on embracing your inner and outer beauty. Yolanda Gates (Quiet Storm) delivered a very moving spoken word piece. Kudos to Tiffany Smith-Cook, her glamour team and to every person who volunteered their time and talents.
I shared my insights as a survivor and advocate, offering words of encouragement and support to the attendees. My goal was to share with them that no matter where they may be in their situation (still in it, thinking of leaving or already gone) there’s hope, safety and tangible resources available. The road to transition is not an easy one, but it is attainable. I do not measure my survival success in terms of dollars, but in my determination to take each day as it comes, knowing that every day will not be an easy day, but each day has hope and promise.
by Joyce Kyles | Mar 1, 2013 | Speaking Appearances, Walking In to A New Life
What an honor it was to serve as Mistress of Ceremony for A Belle That Cares Outreach’s Teen Dating Violence Prevention Brunch. The event had a two objective, and was held Saturday, February 23, 2013. One, the event was designed to educate young ladies about teen dating violence, what is it, Knowing the signs of abuse and how to protect yourself and others. Two, the event officially launched the outreach program’s extensive list of initiatives and community service opportunities for young ladies. The admission to the event was the donation of a youth or adult formal dress or suit.
Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear from dynamic speakers about domestic violence, inner and outer beauty and, for this event in particular, that there are organizations & programs available to help young ladies to attend special events for a minimal cost. I was able to share my experience of using a consignment boutique to find a dress for a college pageant (for which I won). I was a single mother of three & could not afford a new dress but still wanted to participate in the pageant. Shopping consignment was a great experience for me.
Kudos to Rashida Patterson, Owner of Belle Of The Ball Prom Dress Consignment & Founder of A Belle That Cares Outreach Program for having the vision to combine glamour, education, community involvement and self esteem builders all in one event. It was a lot of fun for everyone.
by Joyce Kyles | Feb 19, 2013 | Speaking Appearances, Walking In to A New Life
( Pictured from left to right: Brenda Alexander from Victims to Victory, Kristee Lane from 103.5 WRBO, Joyce Parkinson, keynote speaker & founder of Walking Into A New Life, Inc. and Rubbie King from Family Safety Center)
I had the privilege of serving as the keynote speaker at the 3rd Annual Taffi Crawford Memorial Luncheon. For those who may not be aware, Taffi’s life was senselessly lost at the hands of domestic violence February 12, 2010. Her abuser, Frank Graham, was convicted of First Degree murder in her shooting death in January, 2012. He is currently serving a life sentence.
The luncheon included a candlelight ceremony to honor those who’ve lost their lives in 2012 due to domestic violence (30 in all). Taffi’s son lit a memorial candle in her honor. Representatives from various organizations spoke about the services they provide for victims and survivors of domestic violence and their families. There was musical entertainment to go along with great food and fellowship.
In my keynote address, I talked about courage and what we could learn from Taffi’s life, as well as her death. I talked about the importance of getting involved, walking away and providing resources among other things.
I think one of the most important things to note about Taffi is that she recognized that she was in an unhealthy relationship and left. She was happy and moving on with her life. She had the support of family and friends, a career she found fulfilling and enjoyed life. Everyone spoke of how beautiful she was on inside, which definitely complimented her outer beauty. Her death is a reminder that even when an individual actually leaves their abusive situation, they may still fall victim to their abuser. No plan is 100% safe and not every abuser is willing to move on and allow their victims to do the same.
As we reflect on Taffi, Karen, Ashley and others who’ve lost their lives to domestic violence, let us remember to reach out to those who we suspect or know may be actively involved in unhealthy relationships, support them, help them transition out and follow up with them regarding their overall health and safety.
by Joyce Kyles | Feb 13, 2013 | Radio Appearance, Walking In to A New Life
I had the wonderful privilege to be a guest on WDIA’s Bev Johnson Show. One of the things that I appreciate most about this experience is the way that Ms. Johnson allowed us to speak openly and freely about domestic violence. It wasn’t a sugar coated interview, meaning, it wasn’t one filled with standard questions and feel good answers. We talked about my life, my experiences as a victim and how those experiences have impacted my life as a survivor and advocate.
I appreciate those that called in and shared their stories and asked some rather in depth questions. A couple of them were a bit harder to answer than others, only because I am human, and while I am comfortable with my decision to discuss this subject and my experiences in particular, it can still be touch a spot that still holds some hurt, embarrassment and yes, sometimes even anger. Nonetheless, every question and comment was addressed with honesty and transparency. It also provided some great topics of discussion for future blogs.
What I gathered from the the interview is that 1, there are a lot of people in this city, both male and female that are hurting as a result of domestic violence on some level; 2, I realize now more than ever that I am not alone in my experiences; 3, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. is moving in the right direction with its mission statement to stop domestic violence and help stabilize victims using education and microenterprise development; and 4, I know that people love and respect me for who I am and what I’m doing. When I started this journey, I was very reluctant to share many parts of myself because while many people speculated, not everyone knew the depths of my hurt, my embarrassment, my like of resources or self esteem. What I’ve found is love, refuge, kindness and respect. I’ve been called brave, motivational and inspiring; all words that I would not have even fathomed people using to describe me a few years ago. What I truly am is humbled, grateful and encouraged. I have learned so much from so many, with my children being at the top of the list. I am inspired by their resiliency, despite all we’ve been through, and it makes me proud.
Again, it is truly an honor to have been on Ms. Johnson’s show today. Kudos to her for wanting to address this issue in such a candid and professional way.
by Joyce Kyles | Feb 9, 2013 | Pamper & Support Day, Speaking Appearances, Walking In to A New Life
WIANL, Inc., in collaboration with The Circle of Inspiration, celebrated it’s 1yr anniversary of Pamper and Support Day on Saturday, February 9, 2013. Victims, survivors and advocates all enjoyed an afternoon of open, honest discussion about domestic violence, where we are in our walk and goals for healing and positive transition. In addition to the normal support group session, attendees participated in a symbolic balloon release at the conclusion of the event, having written on the balloons all of the negative/hurting/things that we wanted to ‘release’ from our lives.
After the balloon release, participants were able to partake of various foods and beverages and given Mary Kay gift bags. They were led to a separate room where stations of clothes, shoes, accessories and toiletries were available for them to take home. Haircare products, diapers and baby wipes were also available.
Pamper and Support Day was established a year ago in an effort to give victims and survivors an opportunity to relax, share experiences and be catered to, and to receive tangible basic necessities so often needed when dealing with domestic violence. Many times, victims are encouraged to leave, but not given the tools needed to do so. Pamper and Support Day is our way of providing some relief to the emotional and financial struggles that victims and survivors often face when making decisions about their situation and their ability to transition from victim to victorious.
