Her Magazine - May 2023

Laura King with The Center for Family Violence Prevention

Dear Friends, Meet our team

Christina Ruotolo is the editor of Her Magazine, Regional Events Director for APG Media, and a published author. She is also a part-time bookseller at Barnes & Noble and teaches creative writing at Pitt Community College. Christina enjoys cooking, reading, writing and spending time with her boyfriend Craig and their rescue dog, Reyna.

Photographer

Kris Fay is a photographer based out of Greenville. She and her husband, Patrick, own In Bloom Studios. She is a graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in interior design. She has always loved planning spaces and composing designs, and her friends often say she is good at making things pretty. She utilizes her training and experience to capture an image that tells its own story. She specializes in portraits, maternity and first year, wedding and engagement photos, graduation photos as well as business development photos.

Jessica Cary is a current Dietetic Intern from ECU at Pitt County Health Department. A native to eastern North Carolina, Jessica plans to spend the rest of her life here as her passion for rural N.C. nutrition education grows. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food and Nutrition from Meredith College. She will graduate from East Carolina University in May 2023 with her Masters of Science Degree in Nutrition and sit for her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist board exam. In her free time she loves to be anywhere outside in the sunshine.

I had the pleasure of serving as a board member for several years for the Center for Family Violence Prevention in Pitt County. One of the events that we managed every year was a fashion show and luncheon to help raise awareness and funds for domestic violence victims. One of the most powerful memories of my years on the board was the year we set out pairs of shoes in all sizes from children to adults in the pre-function area. Each pair of shoes represented a child, man, or woman who had lost their life due to domestic violence. Each pair of shoes had a story attached to them. Each pair of shoes was a life not fully lived and dreams not fully realized. Each pair of shoes was a message of hope and a painful reminder that over 100 lives were just lost in the last five minutes to domestic violence. There will always be someone in need of help and the Center for Family Violence Prevention in Greenville has been helping victims since 1983. They focus on the intervention and prevention of domestic violence and the empowerment of survivors as they move forward in life. The non-profit organization is committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and promoting healthy family relationships within our community. This special shopping issue of Her Magazine centers on Laura King who just retired as Executive Director of the Center for Family Violence Prevention with over thirty-one years of service to our community. We have partnered with this wonderful organization for our May 4, 2023 Her Magazine Shopping Spree where customers can “Shop to STOP Domestic Violence”. A portion of ticket and raffle sales will go back to the organization that operates My Sister’s Attic, My Sister’s Closet, and My Sister’s Place. This year when you shop at one of their stores for friends, family, and yourself, you are also helping a victim of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, you can the 24/7 crisis line at 252-752-3811.

Blessings,

Coach Chris

Contributor

Christy Jones, also know as Coach Chris is an improvement coach for leaders. She helps them break free from feeling overwhelmed and prepares them to take their teams to high levels of performance. Contact her at www.beginmonday.com.

Christina Ruotolo

13 Her Shopping Shoes & Accessories

14 Her Advice: Clean out your closet

17 Her Health: Focus on fiber

17 Her Recipe: Peanut Butter & Chia Berry Jam English Muffin

Meet Her

18 Laura McRary King

Christina Ruotolo Editor

Kris Fay

Jessica Cary Contributor

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an imitate partner in the United States. Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. For anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence in our area, they can seek help from the Center for Family Violence Prevention which has been in operation in Greenville, North Carolina since 1983. They are a non-proft organization focused on the intervention and prevention of domestic violence and the empowerment of survivors as they move forward in life. They are committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and promoting healthy family relationships within our community. Behind the scenes and on the front-lines has been Laura King, an advocate for domestic violence victims in eastern North Carolina. At the end of March, 2023, Laura King, Executive Director of the Center for Family Violence Prevention retired with over 31 years of service building a responsive community for domestic violence victims. Her retirement is not at end to her voice in the community, it’s just a beginning. Laura hopes to continue to provide part-time support to the organization in the areas of special events planning and launch, outreach, public speaking engagements, fundraising, and store sales

LAURA KING

RETIRES FROM THE CENTER FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AFTER 31 YEARS OF SERVICE

and operations.

For Laura, coming to work for the Center for Family Violence Prevention was more than just a job. It was a personal mission and having been in a domestic violence situation herself, she knew frst hand. “As a domestic violence survivor, I have been committed to insuring that domestic violence victims in my community did not have to deal with this problem on their own. I wanted to insure that they had the support they needed to safely leave an abuser and the support they needed to move into a new life,” King says.

Laura King began her journey as a voice for victims of domestic violence in 1992 as a volunteer with the Center for Family Violence Prevention. Over the span of 31 years, she worked in various capacities from volunteer, board member, store manager, and ultimately, Executive Director for the last 4 ½ years. Laura King has impacted the organization and community in signifcant ways from assisting with the founding of My Sister’s Closet in 1996, My Sister’s Attic in 2013, and My Sister’s Place in 2020; the planning and implementation of the annual Domestic Violence Impact Luncheon since 2020 and serving on the statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team.

She was also vital in raising awareness and more than $300,000 in monetary donations via outreach events, presentations, speaking events, and fundraising drives; and leading eforts to explore the feasibility and plan for a Family

BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO PHOTOS BY KRIS FAY

Justice Center for Pitt County. Prior to working with The Center for Family Violence Prevention, Laura attended UNC Chapel Hill and worked for 38 years as an independent contractor selling specialized surgical equipment.

In the last twenty years during Laura’s tenure, the Center for Family Violence Prevention has grown exponentially. “In the earlier years, we might have served several hundred victims/survivors a year. In 2022, we provided assistance to 1192 people who sought our help. Our society has a much better understanding today of the dynamics of a domestic violence relationship,” King says. Local law enforcement ofcers are trained to correctly respond to domestic violence situations and recognize the inherent and continuing dangers.“These cases are no longer treated like an argument that got out of hand, telling the parties to essentially ‘kiss and make up.’ In our community, we are especially fortunate to have such a well-trained and understanding law enforcement response,” King says.

The Center for Family Violence Prevention is a safe space for individuals who are domestic violence victims seeking a safe haven for themselves and their children. Help is just a phone call away. Victims can call the 24/7 crisis line at 252-7523811 and the frst thing staf will do is ask them, “Are you safe?” If the answer is no, staf encourages them to contact law enforcement, then ofers safe shelter to them and their children. Their safe house currently accommodates 26 victims with accommodations for adults and children. A construction project is currently underway to add additional space for eight more survivors.

A victim’s chances of being murdered increase 75% when they attempt to leave an abuser. “If a victim contacts us while still living with the abuser, we ofer safety planning so they can escape in the safest way possible, and at the safest time. They now recognize the long-term impact on child victims/witnesses of domestic violence. Their children’s counselor works

with them to address the trauma they have sufered to insure they don’t carry the impact into adulthood to negatively impact their later lives,” King says.

The Center for Family Violence Prevention provides services to all victims who ask for assistance, all races, all genders, all ages. Services are provided in both English and Spanish and all services are provided at no charge.

The Safe House is just one of the services that The Center for Family Violence Prevention ofers to those who need help. Other services include education and training, court services, counseling, and parenting classes. When possible, the agency provides fnancial assistance for transportation, food, child care, rent, utilities, and medical expenses. When needed, assistance with clothing and household items is available through the agency’s resale stores, My Sister’s Closet, My Sister’s Attic, and My Sister’s place. For Laura, there are so many rewarding parts of the job, but her favorite part of her position with the Center for Family Violence Prevention was when she volunteered as a victim’s court advocate.

“I was happy knowing, at the end of the day, that I had done something to show understanding to a victim, and that their life was at least a little bit better because of what we had done together that day. I also strongly believe that to end domestic violence, our citizens need to be educated to understand what is happening to victims, how domestic violence is a predictable cycle, and how dangerous it is to leave an abuser. It’s not just a question of “why doesn’t she just leave?” King says.

Even though Laura King has recently retired, she will continue to support and help the Center for Family Violence Prevention. “I will always have a place in my heart for this critical cause and plan to serve the agency in a part-time capacity. I hope to continue working on community education and raising funds so that these essential services can continue and expand into the future,” King says.

“I wanted to insure that they had the support they needed to safely leave an abuser and the support they needed to move into a new life.”

WITH

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BY COACH CHRIS

When I was growing up, I can remember my mother used to clean out my clothes at least four times per year with the changing of each season. We would take half of a Saturday morning and go through each piece of clothing to see if I could currently wear it and if not, she would bag it up and we would hand the clothes down to some of my younger cousins. This was a frustrating time for me because I wanted to go outside and play in the sunshine, but she was determined that we were going to get rid of anything that I could not use anymore to make room for what I really needed in “the new season.”

You know, this memory made me think about how life is right now. There are so many of us who probably could use “a closet clean out” within our lives to make sure that we have room to receive the things that are about to happen for us as our seasons change. I have the distinct honor of coaching so many leaders who seem to have a lot of clutter, chaos, and close contact of stuf that really needs to go. I want to share with you a few things that I think are critical if you are going to embrace a new season in your life and move forward with good things happening all around you:

1. You have to get rid of what you do not need anymore! I am saddened by the number of people who hold on to things they do not need anymore because it clogs up the fow of what could be. I want to encourage you to get released from anything that is hindering you from becoming who you desire to be in life and from experiencing the joy and peace that you are entitled to as a human being. You must make your mind up that you will not hold on to any negative thought, attitude, relationship, or action that could cause you to be limited in your freedom, your happiness, and your best life. In other words, clean out your life’s closet!

2. Help someone else. I truly believe if you and I are going to live a fulflled and full life, we cannot be self-centered. Pastor Trev Evans with Koinonia Christian Center once said “we were designed for relationships, and we were not made to do life

alone.” We are called to help each other. We are chosen to be instruments of impact. We are designed to empower others so that they can be all that they need to be. We have to learn how to weather our personal storms and then “hand down” the lessons that we learned. We must help someone else.

3. Don’t be frustrated and weary—the season will change. Sometimes there will be times when you will prefer one “season” over the next but the bottom line is that regardless of what season you fnd yourself in, fnd a place of strength and happiness. You may be going through a “winter season” right now and the cold and bitter climate of your life seems to be mocking you. You may feel alone or feel as though no one understands. I want to encourage you—your “spring season” is coming. You may be in the “summer season” of life and you feel as though life is hot and causing you to sweat more than usual. Don’t be weary my friend—it will cool of, it always does. I want to encourage you to not get weary and frustrated because things will change.

You know, I thank my mom for making me clean out my closet at the various seasons of life. I didn’t appreciate it then, but I now know that “cleaning out my life’s closet” is paramount for me to live a happy, healthy, and whole life. Until next time, my friend… consider if you are at a place where you need to clean out your closet—if so, go ahead and make room for the “new” clothes (opportunities, relationships, experiences and more) that are coming your way!

Christy Jones, also know as Coach Chris, is an improvement coach for leaders. She helps them break free from feeling overwhelmed and prepares them to take their teams to high levels of performance. Contact her at www.beginmonday.com.

Focus on Fiber

BY JESSICA CARY

Fiber plays an important role in everyone’s daily diet as an essential nutrient. When you think of fber, popular snacks such as granola bars, sweet treats and cereal might pop into your mind. But what is fber? Dietary fber includes the parts of plant foods your body can’t digest or absorb. Unlike other food components, such as fats, proteins or carbohydrates — which your body breaks down and absorbs — fber isn’t digested by your body. There are two types of fber; soluble and insoluble. Both should be a part of a balanced diet and can be found naturally in plant food sources. Soluble fber can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Examples of soluble fber include oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits and carrots. Insoluble fber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system. Whole-wheat four, wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables, such as caulifower, green beans and potatoes are good sources of insoluble fber. The daily recommendation for fber is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men per day.

Examples of foods that are naturally high in fber:

1 large pear with skin (7 grams)

1 cup fresh raspberries (8 grams)

½ medium avocado (5 grams)

1-ounce almonds (3.5 grams)

½ cup cooked black beans (7.5 grams)

3 cups air-popped popcorn (3.6 grams)

1 cup cooked pearled barley (6 grams)

WAYS TO ADD MORE FIBER TO YOUR DIET:

■ Start adding fber to your day at breakfast. Try whole grain toast topped with chickpeas and avocado or make a bowl of oatmeal with nuts and berries.

■ Choose whole grains. Look for bread that lists whole grain four as the frst ingredient. Try whole grain versions of foods such as rice or pasta.

■ Focus on non-starchy vegetables. Start dinners with a salad. Add spinach, broccoli or a bag of frozen mixed vegetables to your meals for a fber boost.

■ Add beans or other legumes. Adding legumes such as lentils and peas or diferent kinds of beans (pinto, kidney, lima, navy, garbanzo) to salads, soups, stews or casseroles. You can also puree legumes to make dips and spreads. For example, hummus, which is made from chickpeas, is a great dip for veggies such as celery, carrots, radishes etc.

■ Snack on fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Choose fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, bananas or baby carrots as a snack. Keep nuts such as almonds, sunfower seeds and pistachios handy for a quick fber-friendly snack.

TIP: Start to increase your daily fber intake gradually. Too quick of a change can cause uncomfortable digestive problems such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea or cramps. Drink plenty of water to help keep the fber moving through your digestive system.

The purpose of this article is to educate readers on the importance of fber and how it can improve their overall health. Consider how you can get more soluble and insoluble fber into your daily diet. Think about how often you eat fber. Do you get a serving of fber-rich food every day, once a week, once a month or never? Remember fber has the ability to help lower cholesterol and glucose levels and to improve digestive health. How will you start increasing your fber?

SOURCES:

https://www.eatright.org/health/essential-nutrients/carbohydrates/easy-ways-toboost-fber-in-your-daily-diet https://www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-and-women https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/role-of-fber.html

Peanut Butter & Chia

Berry Jam English Muffin

The addition of chia seeds in the quick “jam” topping adds heart-healthy omega-3s to this healthy breakfast recipe.

Total: 10 mins Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup unsweetened mixed frozen berries

2 teaspoons chia seeds

2 teaspoons natural peanut butter

1 whole-wheat English mufn, toasted

Instructions:

1. Microwave berries in a medium microwavesafe bowl for 30 seconds; stir and microwave 30 seconds more. Stir in chia seeds.

2. Spread peanut butter on the English mufn. Top with the berry-chia mixture.

NUTRITION INFORMATION PER 1 MUFFIN

262 calories; protein 9.8g; carbohydrates 40.5g; dietary fber 9.4g; sugars 12g; fat 9.3g; saturated fat 1.5g; vitamin a iu 7.1IU; vitamin c 9.1mg; folate 45mcg; calcium 234.3mg; iron 2.5mg; magnesium 88.2mg; potassium 274.1mg; sodium 286.8mg; thiamin 0.3mg.

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1 1/2 fat

Jessica Cary is a current Dietetic Intern from ECU at Pitt County Health Department. A native to eastern North Carolina and plans to spend the rest of her life here as her passion for rural NC nutrition education grows. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food and Nutrition from Meredith College. She will graduate from East Carolina University in May 2023 with her Masters of Science Degree in Nutrition and sit for her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist board exam. In her free time she loves to be anywhere outside in the sunshine.

PHOTO & RECIPE ADAPTED FROM https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/255160/ peanut-butter-chia-berry-jam-english-mufn

Laura McRary King

GREENVILLE, NC • age 74

Tell us about yourself: I’ve been married to my husband, Patrick King, for 46 years. We have four children and eight grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with family. I love gardening, cooking, reading, and traveling.

If you could have dinner with any famous person dead or alive, who would it be and why? Rosa Parks. I would talk to her about how she summoned the courage to stand up to those who wanted to oppress and control her.

Signature scent: I don’t wear perfume very often, but when I do, it’s Cashmere by Donna Karan

Favorite outfit: Jeans and a sweater

Favorite movie: Sleepless in Seattle. I love happy endings!

Favorite place to visit and why? Key West, Florida. It is such a beautiful place, the climate is perfect, and when I’m there, there are no demands on my time or state of mind.

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