VOSAS MAGAZINE Vol 3 Issue 2 by VOSAS MAGAZINE

Letter from... The Editor GOOD MORNING GORGEOUS… One thing about life is that it is forever changing. Some days will be amazing and others not so much. The key is your approach. I remember many years ago, during a rough time in my life, I was having a conversation with a lady at my job. The subject turned into the things that were going on in my life that should have truly brought me down. After I told her about them, she asked me how was I able to smile and always seem to be in a good mood. I really didn’t have an answer for her. She said to me, “God has blessed you with a cheerful heart.” I will never, ever forget those words. I didn’t feel that way at the time, but I vowed to myself that I would try my best to live up to God’s blessing. On your worst days, you are still amazing. You may not feel like it, and that’s okay. If you have to cry, it’s okay. Tears have a way of cleansing the heart. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. And you wake up, I want you to look in the mirror and we say, “Good Morning Gorgeous.”

Dee Marie Chief Editor President/CEO

Survivor’s Story 6

Dr. Sandra Michael-Johnson

Dr. Sandra Michael-Johnson, we thank you for your courage to allow us to interview you as our featured story. Sexual abuse has been a taboo topic in our society and communities for many years and has been di cult for survivors to come forward with their truth, understandably. As we begin this interview, I want to acknowledge that each story we are able to share with our readers is giving other survivors the permission to seek their own healing. We know this story will be a blessing to many. Let’s begin. How were you able to overcome the trauma of your past? Overcoming my traumatic experiences was a little challenging. I did not realize I was su ering from trauma until I started my nonpro t foundation. I realized that I had to address the painful reality of the after-e ect. I had to discover my inner strength, which is a process that needs time, space, and a sense of safety. The most challenging part was accepting that I allowed someone to control my thoughts and actions, which created a feeling of hopelessness. I developed a negative outlook and I felt damaged and unworthy of a better life. I did not want others to view me as a failure or weak. I allowed someone else to chip away my self-esteem with constant criticism or insults, which enabled me to question my sense of self concerning the world. The trauma caused me to lose the sense of safety and security, in uencing me not to trust others. I did not speak about my abuse until I birth "The Power of Faith Foundation." When I became certi ed in "crime victims" and started helping others through their traumatic experiences. I realized I was traumatized as well. Then I decided to pursue my Ph.D. in Psychology to understand trauma and further assist victims/survivors. The more I help others, the better I feel, and it empowers me to keep working towards healing others and myself.

As a survivor, what do you feel was the most important bene t of seeking your personal healing journey? Sometimes we may think we're healed and no more work is needed. This statement can't be more from the truth. Healing is a continuous journey, and we must always learn to appreciate ourselves, set boundaries, advocate for ourselves, and build self-esteem. The most crucial bene t of seeking my healing journey is having a sense of peace and safety. I realized my body and mind are my miracles, and it was my duty to protect both. I took the time to accept that I was in an unhealthy relationship by knowing that I could take control of my life. The healing journey will continue as I embark on helping women nationally and globally. At this time, we are launching the foundation in West Africa.

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Telling the truth about sexual abuse can allow survivors to begin to walk in freedom, but at the same time cause issues with family members, or others that may not believe the truth. How important was it for you to have a support system? Over the years, I realized I had done a disservice to myself. I tend to deal with the abuse in private and silently. If I had disclosed that information, I know I would have had family support. However, I was ashamed and did not want to get the abuser in trouble; it was a family member. I kept that secret from a child until I was an adult, and I did not disclose my experiences until 2015. After I revealed the abuse, it was essential to have a support system. I had overwhelming support, which enabled me to overcome and begin the healing process.

What would you say to other survivors that want to speak up, but just not sure how? I would normalize other survivors' feelings and acknowledge that the experience that a ected their lives is worth speaking about. I also tell survivors to permit themselves to feel any type of way they see t, however, never fall into the mindset of feeling worthless or ashamed. Always let them know it is not their fault, don't blame themselves. Unfortunately, I blamed myself for everything that happened to me. This method was my only coping mechanism until 2015. Although we use the language "survivor" when describing those who are recovering and has overcome past trauma of sexual abuse, we here at VOSAS Magazine believe that we are not made to only survive, but to thrive. Tell us what thriving feels like to you. Thriving feels free and peaceful. I feel like I am thriving because my story of abuse has touched hundreds of people and given them the courage to speak out. I thrive because I am no longer ashamed, and I have built a platform for women to share their stories. I no longer feel like I am not su ocating; I can breathe and smile at the same time. I also thrive because this is my life and my story, and I OWN it; no one can tell my story but ME.

“..this is my life and my story, and I OWN it; no one can tell my story but ME.” -Dr. Sandra Michael-Johnson

The book is based on several women, including myself, that has experienced abuse. There are di erent types of masks described in the book. I wore a functional, avoidance, a con dence mask. However, no one knew the abuse we su ered because our masks were our shield. I chose these masks because this is how I felt and lived my life at that time. Functional Mask is because my outer appearance was awless; however, there were so many things I did not like about myself. I was lost and did not know which direction to go. That did not stop me because I realized I needed another mask to continue living my life as I saw t me at that time. This brings me to Avoidance Mask, which was to do whatever I needed to do to avoid the pain of what others think of me and protect myself. I found myself detached and not attending functions that involved crowds. Lastly, Con dence Mask was the most powerful of them all. This Mask enabled me to keep people from getting close to me. I did not want anyone to see my insecurities and my lack of self-esteem. I did not want others to know I had experienced abuse, and these masks combined kept me until 2015 when I decided to remove them and allow the world the see the woman behind the Mask. Removing the masks was such a relief. I was mentally and physically exhausted. The pain would never go away. Therefore, I surrendered... I cried, prayed, journaled, and prayed again until God said it was your time. Let go and behind your healing process. It was very uncomfortable; however, I was determined to make a change to help myself and others. The masks were a temporary bandage, and I will tell every woman I come across to remove the Mask. It is your life and your story. Don't allow shame to keep you in the same place for the rest of your life.

Lastly, we know you are an author of "Faces beneath the Mask." The title alone is so powerful. Unfortunately, a lot of us wear a mask daily, largely due to our own insecurities. Tell us about the book and the importance of removing our masks.

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Andrea Jackson, CIT , contributor Supervised by:Jean Moretto, PhD, LPC

Andrea completed her Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling May 2017 from Lindenwood University. Andrea believes that a primary means of change lies in developing a strong therapeutic and collaborative relationship. She utilizes a strengths based approach in working with clients to develop a unique t to their personal needs and draws from several modalities including, but not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy and solution based work. Andrea has worked with clients of all ages and has dealt extensively with depression, anxiety, sexual abuse and behavioral issues. When requested by the client, Andrea nds that seeking God authentically in session results in healing and can lead to life forming changes. Andrea is a member and also on the board at Moving4ward Ministries, a 501c3 organization created to provide the community of St. Louis and St. Charles counties of Missouri, a place where adult survivors of sexual abuse ages 18 and older, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, can feel safe sharing experiences that has caused lasting e ects on professional resources so healing can begin. Andrea is Youth Mental Health First Aid Certi ed.Andrea is also a member of the International Honor Society of Counseling Professionals, Chi Sigma Iota.

HELP WITH ANXIETY Anxiety is the most common mental health condition see in the United States. It impacts roughly 18% of the population. Nearly half of the individuals diagnosed with depression also experience some form of anxiety. Anxiety differs from the occasional stress all people experience. Clinical anxiety is an ongoing chronic symptom. People with anxiety find themselves on edge most of the time. They may expect something bad will happen, even if there is no evidence for that fear. That state can easily cause social complications. Some with anxiety struggle to control emotions. They can become overly self-conscious or avoidant. Psychotherapy can help people with anxiety regain their compass in life. A person can provide context for their emotions by identifying causes. Rather than being paralyzed by fear, they can understand their emotions, accept them, and make real progress toward their goals. Like depression, anxiety can manifest in different forms, including: • Generalized Anxiety – this is characterized by constant, intense anxiety. The worries often seem disproportionate to the concern. • Social Anxiety – this involves high levels of stress within social settings. It can deter relationships and encourage isolation. • Phobias – they are unusual and intense fears of a setting, situation, or object. People with phobias go out of their way to avoid their triggers. • Selective Mutism – this is a social phobia most commonly seen with children. Children with selective mutism have the ability to speak, however, they find talking difficult in social situations outside the home. 11

Bene ts of being physically active:

1. Controls weigh 2. Increases Energ 3. Reduce your risk of heart diseas 4. Better slee 5. Lowers stres 6. Improves your mental health and moo 7. Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression 8. Sharpens thinking and learning skill 9. Lowers blood pressure and improves heart healt 10. Helps body manage blood sugar and insulin level

Beginning an exercise regimen can sometimes be overwhelming. We go to the gym and sometimes don’t have a clue where to start. Keep in mind being active is just that, being active. 30 minutes of physical activity a day can de nitely improve overall health. Start by taking a walk outside. Now that spring is here and the weather will soon be beautiful, taking a stroll with a nice breeze, not promotes physical health but mental health as well. LET’S MOVE

2022

The rst Tuesday of every April is the SAAM Day of Action. The Day of Action is an opportunity to start off the month with highly visible and coordinated actions. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan an event, post SAAM-related social media content, or participate in the #30DaysofSAAM Instagram challenge. You can also nd your own way to get involved on April 5th.

Wear Teal on the Day of Actio Chances are someone in your life is a survivor of sexual harassment, assault, or abuse, even if they have never shared their story with you. Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention — on April 5th and post a sel e to Twitter or Instagram using #SAAM2022. By wearing teal, you are signaling that you support survivors and are a safe person to talk to if they need to reach out. Sign up for the SAAM Day of Action.

#30DaysofSAAM

Instagram Challenge • April 2022 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Join advocates, activists, survivors, and supporters who are getting involved in Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April on Instagram. Daily prompts encourage creative ways for you to raise awareness, educate, and connect with others — plus you have a chance to win prizes every day you participate.

3 My Message to Survivors

4 Info to Know

5 SAAM Day of Action

6 Teal Ribbon in the Wild

Wear teal and share a selfie to help us turn the internet teal. Be sure to cross-promote on other social media platforms using #SAAM2022.

Place a teal ribbon somewhere in nature or an unexpected place.

11 Safer Online Spaces in Action

12 Three Things I Use to Stay Grounded

13 This is What Activism Looks Like

One of the ways to build a safe online space is to develop shared agreements that everyone follows. Come up with or share an example of a ground rule for an online community that promotes the wellbeing of all participants.

Share three items, supportive words, songs, or activities that help you stay grounded. Present your three things as a collage, list, etc.

Show us what your activism looks like during SAAM — do you volunteer? Post on social media? Create art? Share the ways you reach out to people in your community and advocate for survivors during the month.

Find a statistic about Share a message of what sexual harassment, you want survivors to know assault, or abuse and come or examples of what to say up with a creative way to when a survivor shares illustrate or highlight it. their story with you — for instance, I Believe You. 10 Letter of Support

Write your own support message for support for survivors of sexual assault. Consider phrases like Support Survivors, You Matter, Your Strength Keeps Us Going.

7 Handwritten Words of Encouragement

Share a SAAM haiku, quote, sidewalk chalk drawing, or inspirational message in your own writing or style. 14 Doing My Part Through Art

Friday

Saturday

1 Share About SAAM Online

2 SAAM Event Shout-Out

The internet is a powerful tool for spreading awareness. Help us spread the word by posting about SAAM somewhere on the internet, whether that’s decorating your online space teal or helping to educate others.

Lots of SAAM events are happening this year — both online and in person. Post details about one you’re hosting or share a flashback photo from a previous SAAM event.

8 How I Get Digital Consent

9 SelfCare Snack Exchange

Consent is necessary in all interactions, including on the internet. Share a way that you make sure to get consent online — for example, asking before posting a picture of someone. 15 Positivity Shout-Out

Share something that lifts Print and complete the you up and brings you joy SAAM coloring page, save from the online world. it and color digitally, or Online spaces can be create your own illustration safe, respectful, inclusive, for SAAM. Take an artistic and joyful. Whether it’s shot of your finished pet pictures or words of product. affirmation, share what lifts you up and makes you feel connected online.

Share self-care snack or recipe ideas. The more creative the presentation, the better.

16 How I Relax

Snap a picture showing us your favorite way to reenergize. This might be curling up with a good book, doing a crossword, or exercising.

Prompts continued on next page

SPOTLIGHT

Introduction Dr. Sandra Johnson is the Founder and Executive Director of "The Power of Faith Foundation, a national organization dedicated to enhancing advocacy for victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by cultivating a community of leaders and advocates skilled in survivor-centered advocacy. Dr. Johnson experienced domestic violence at a young age; however, she took the necessary steps to leave her abuser safely. She had two surgeries due to the injuries she sustained. After years of abuse, Sandra mustered up enough courage to leave. Years later, Dr. Sandra tragically lost a sister due to domestic violence. Through Dr. Sandra's trauma, she founded "The Power of Faith Foundation," a nonprofit organization that helps domestic violence and sexual assault victims and survivors. Dr. Sandra is a visionary and has spent several years advocating for domestic violence and sexual assault victims/survivors. Dr. Johnson stated, "God put it on my heart to create a platform to help others while helping myself to ensure my pain was not going to be in vain. I navigated the law, the judicial system, the recovery, and all other aspects of recovery by myself." I named the foundation "The Power of Faith" because I always say that God created us to endure specific life challenges, and we may not understand the assignment until later in life."

Dr. Johnson also stated, "I have witnessed several women experiencing domestic violence throughout my life. Giving birth to "The Power of Faith Foundation," Dr. Johnson hopes to save people from staying in an abusive relationship. "I must admit, I overstayed my welcome for sure just because of fear 18 and the feeling of unworthiness. I am unsure if I

stayed because of love, fear of the unknown, shame, and a sense of loss. I do believe after you've been in an abusive relationship for so long, you lose your sense of self-worth and alter your life around your abuser." Dr. Johnson said her goal is to help change the mindset of domestic violence victims and help them see their life from a di erent lens and understand their self-worth. Dr. Johnson stated, "throughout seven years of assisting victims/survivors and their families, the mental state includes experiencing shock, scared, ashamed, powerful, useless, and insecure. Their symptoms include hostility, social and emotional isolation, ashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and self-destructive behavior. About The Power of Foundation The Power of Faith Foundation is a nonpro t organization dedicated to providing emotional mental support and resources for individuals with life challenges such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other crime victims and families experiencing the pain of losing loved ones. As a foundation, we are committed to raising awareness about crime victims and ways to improve our communities. We encourage and support victims'/survivors voices to be heard, save lives by speaking out about their abuse, and understand there is no nish line to healing. The Power of Faith Foundation bene ts from grants, local fundraising events, sponsorships, and generous donations. We support victims/survivors of all ages in all stages of their lives and challenges, o ering knowledge, encouragement, and trusting relationships.

The C.I.A. program addresses the following risk and protective factors:

WHY THE POWER OF FAITH FOUNDATION? The Power of Faith Foundation is a safe place for victims/survivors to learn how to express their feelings and grow to improve their lives. Sharing their unfortunate experiences will encourage others to accept their past challenges and focus on the present and future. Many people in today's society are fearful or ashamed of sharing their life challenges due to a lack of support. Victims/survivors focus on what the world thinks and how and why they allow themselves to be in threatening situations? Challenges may include, however, are not limited to domestic violence abuse, the loss of a loved one from brutality, or some personal abuse such as: mentally, physically, rape, sexually, etc.

- Communication Skills - Con ict Resolution Skills - Connectedness to School, Family, and Community - Academic Success - Emotional Competency - Self-E cacy Skills - Leadership Skills Our goal is to ensure youths work to their most signi cant potential and focus on academics. Women In Action Women in Action (WIA) is a Women Community Based Program committed to assisting women at age eighteen to live positive lifestyles through intervention and prevention programs. Our focus is to be a resourceful support system that contributes to women in our communities. In our e orts to serve, we have designed generation areas to provide services to Youth (ages 18-24 years old) Adults age (24 years and older). As a community provider, we will provide resources and projects that bene t victims, survivors, and at-risk individuals and families related to trauma prevention and community services.

Education and Training Program The ve steps healing program will include taking active approaches to: Forgiveness Unmask Self-love Breaking the Silence Letting go Mentoring, coaching, support groups, counseling, and training will help victims/survivors create an opportunity to achieve their goals through furthering their knowledge and skills to ful ll their dreams. The programs will enable victims/survivors to develop aspirations for the future, providing an opportunity to live without guilt or shame and awareness through continuous mentoring, coaching, support groups, and training sessions.

Mental Health, Trauma-Informed Care, Support Group & Education • Case Management/ongoing assessment • Advocacy • Support Group sessions • Individual counseling • Family support and education • Housing

Children In Action "Children In Action" is a program that provides children with skills and techniques to express themselves while embracing "Who They Are." By learning how to communicate e ectively, embracing their feelings, and learning how to communicate them respectfully through individual and group activities. The C.I.A. Mentoring curricula use ageappropriate content and activities that youths will learn skills through teamwork and build healthy relationships to help them discover 'Who They Are" and learn to understand others.

Your Voice Matters Join Our Team The Power of Faith Foundation can lead you to "a greater version of yourself.". Always exercise your strength (will to live) because it is like a muscle in your body; it can get weak or strong depending on how often you use it. Let's make a di erence and encourage others to share their stories and release all the toxins in their minds and allow faith to guide us to greatness

Youths will learn the importance of reducing the risk of bullying and treating others as they want to be treated while building resiliency around socialemotional skills and relationships. Youths will learn how to develop strong relationships with people in their lives (school, home, etc.) by participating in individual and team activities. Children will learn to be accountable for their actions, respect others, and embrace the beauty of "Who They Are."

Dr. Sandra Johnson

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Greetings VOSAS Community! I am Dr. Dawn Richards and I am pleased to share my fashion journey with you. I would first like to tell you a little about myself. I am a widowed mother of 2 wonderful adult children, Lance who is 26 and Brianna who is 24. I have two bonus children, my godson Brandon who is 25 and my niece Ariyah who is 9 (imagine that!), and an American Bully grand dog named Wop. I am the owner of Dawn’s Designs and Invitations, etc., a graphic design and custom apparel business. I am also the founder of the Titus 2 Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to help underserved high school students navigate their high school careers and be well informed of their post-secondary options. I was a high school business education teacher for 20+ years before I transitioned to working for the state department of education as the Career Pathways Director for the St. Louis Region. I am very passionate about education on all levels. I am a proud graduate of Fisk University in Nashville, TN, and I love Jesus! My #1 love language is quality time so I love spending time with my family and friends. We don’t have to be doing anything in particular, but it’s the time that makes me happy. Finally, I want to tell you about my favorite things. I am a die-hard fan of Mary J. Blige and New Edition. My favorite color is green. If you want to see me at peace, you can’t go wrong by sending me to the beach, giving me seafood, or Trolli sour gummy worms. My goal is to leave a legacy for my family and to make a positive impact on all those I encounter.

confidence. I wouldn’t label myself as a fashionista but I do like to dress up and shopping is a sport for me. I love rhinestones and sequins and I typically find a way to include some kind of sparkle in my outfits. Before I get dressed, I usually visualize my outfit and then find what’s in my wardrobe to make it happen. If I don’t have it, I don’t mind taking a trip to the mall to find what I need. Sometimes the vision works and other times I have to go back to the drawing board and when that happens, I just have wardrobe additions for the next outfit. LOL During the pandemic I only wore leggings and t-shirts. I was very excited when it was time to get out because I have so many things that I wanted to wear. I must admit I am guilty of shopping on-line and buying things in anticipation of one day having somewhere to wear it. I live by the motto “you never know when you may need it”. I don’t always feel my best so dressing up lifts my spirits. I love a great outfit whether it be comfy, casual, business, cocktail or formal attire, I am there for it all! My favorite style however would have to be comfy. In addition to dressing up, I love to rock a good sweatsuit, hoodie, and of course my leggings. I don’t believe there are any set rules to being fashionable. It’s all about how you feel. What works for one person may not look so great on the next. Rock what makes you happy. Whatever you choose to wear, wear it well and make sure you take pictures! I’ll leave you with this quote from an unknown author; “The sun does not ask for permission to shine and neither do I.” Do you Boo!

Now that you know a little about me, let me explain how I derive my sense of fashion. I was actually honored when Dee asked me would I be willing to write about my style and why I like to dress up. In all honesty I often don’t feel very pretty, so dressing up gives me a boost of 23