WOMEN OverCOME

Over the past year, I've spent a lot of time trying to find what I could do to help victims of date rape, particularly on college campuses where it is an epidemic. Unfortunately, a vast majority of date rape victims never speak out about the incidences. After meeting Felicia Gordon, head of the Angels of Hope program, I got involved.

The past 60 days, we've been working on fundraisers to help get the message out to more people about date rape and drugs that are now being used to incapacitate victims. Felicia has an anonymous email program for youth who have been sexually abused so that they can get counsel and advice via email. As of now, there are over 300 youth being serviced by this program, but many more who need it. The fundraiser was to expand the program so that we can possibly approach college campuses with our services. We're also trying to set up a website and get other things going. Our goal amount was $20,000 and we met it this past week, thanks a lot to the following women and volunteers:

• Olivia Charles, Abuse Advocate, Motivational Speaker
• Amy Russell, English Professor
• Regina Mitchell, Abuse Advocate, Former Victim
• Lacresha Hayes, Author, Advocate, Former Victim
• Patricia Vaughn, Founder of Wings of Healing and Hope

These women came together and found donations in unlikely places. We are hoping that we can grow in size and number and keep helping victims of sexual abuse. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please email Felicia Gordon at feliciag1973@gmail.com and ask her about the WOMEN OverCOME program.