I came across Journey4ward from word of mouth. I had just lost my only son left to gun violence and felt no one understood or cared. This organization is filled with parents just like me, that is trying to figure out how to get back on the path we were so happy on. One we knew how to maneuver on and for some of us, we were ready to reap the benefits of our journey. This organization has a founder that not only can relate, but she's always there. She gives us an outlet to express our feelings that some may feel is crazy, harsh or judge us from them just not knowing the affect that this pain cause. This organization makes it were we don't have to mourn in silence or keep our pain hidden in order not to disturb the norm of society. I'm thankful for this organization and feel it's much needed
In 2016 my 21 yr.old was murdered at the end or our street.I struggled emotional, physically and mentally.I was looking for help, and I only came across short time counseling.I found this organization on facebook. Which has offered me so much support.It has provided a way to connect with others in my same situation. From the volunteer counselor, to the group meet ups, I feel it has helped me to speak freely of my feelings and concerns and be able to receive feed back from others who truly understand. It has helped me forward in my healing.It has given me a network of go to people when I consumed in my grief.If it wasn't for this organization, I truly dont know how I would have continued in this emotional heart breaking Journey. Jenny Morgan(JePatricks Mom)
Journey 4ward has helped me get through a hard time of grief. This year I have faced many challenges where I have needed someone who cares. Covid-19 has caused me to slow down and spending time in counseling has given me hope again. I will always be thankful for this organization.
My name is Laquinqua Wilson and my experience with Journey 4ward has allowed me to breathe a little. Although I’m still grieving and my pain and heartache is still there I can manage it with the assistants of this group and members who are going through what I am.Honestly I didn’t know how I was going to make it and through talking with Cathy and others, I realized thatI’m not alone. I know that when I’m going through one of my darkest days or having a breakdown or having a moment I can always count on journey 4ward and it’s members to help me or me and even being some assistant to others...Being able to have someone and a group to help fight this battle of Survivors Speak has been an rewarding experience.Through this group,I have learned that; although our lives are different; our pain is the same!
Great support service for survivors and their families. They have a great program for the youth as well.
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Journey4ward has taken me on a journey that I never would have imagined that I would be on. Working with our community by educating the youth at the local schools and detention centers, working with local police and city officials to promote a culture of non-violence, and by working with women who have lost a child to such a violent crime as murder has been eye-opening to say the least. There is so much work to be done, and I have personally seen that there are not enough of volunteers doing the work. One student in a recent Youth Impact session said "there are not enough adults doing something about it". This is not the first student to make it known that the do not feel safe ANYWHERE. Our young men and women "check out the nearest exit" in ANY building they go to, because they are afraid of what "could" and "does" happen. Every 3 hours someone is murdered in Texas. Sad. Horrible. Unacceptable.
I am proud to be a part of Journey4wards efforts. We have recently added Traumatic Grief Counseling as one of our outreach services on top of the founder personally reaching out to grieving mothers by calling first and then by going to the home to let the mother know that not only does she share her grief but there is also an entire group of women in Journey4ward that shares that same grief and who are there to support her during this traumatic time. If any non-profit deserves grant funding, it is Journey4ward.
Bravo for the great work and for being an active part of helping our community become a better place. Kudos for supporting and encouraging the grieving families during this unimaginable transition of "before" the traumatic event and "after" the traumatic event, because life will never be the same for these families.
Journey4ward makes a difference and is an impactful non-profit!