Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Owens.
Kristen , can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My focus has always centered on mental health and trauma. I have been passionate about helping children and families develop skills to move past the trauma, lack of resources, or other barriers in their lives that prevent them from meeting the goals they have for themselves. I have worked in Boston providing counseling services to individuals and families since completing my master’s in counseling psychology from Northeastern University in 2009.
In November 2016 tragedy and trauma hit close to home when my family experienced a horrific event related to domestic violence. I lost my aunt, uncle, cousin and her unborn child in a senseless attack that, unfortunately, has become all too common. HOPEE 4 Change Inc. (Helping others Persevere, Empower and Educate for Change) is the way I am choosing to make sense of our tragedy. I decided that while we have many services in place to assist women and families that are currently victims of violence, we have extremely limited resources focused on preventing violence at all ages and demographics.
In November 2017 HOPEE 4 Change began its developmental stages determining what its short and long-term goals would be. I spent time researching current organizations, research from UNICEF, WHO, and CDC;, as well as outreach to community members. In March of 2018 the Commonwealth recognized HOPEE 4 Change Inc. as a corporation, in April 2018 we went live on social media and began fundraising, in May we were accepted by the IRS as a 501 (c ) 3, and demandDrive, a Boston based business services firm, started a month long fundraiser to assist with materials needed to implement the social emotional healthy relationships curriculum that HOPEE 4 Change will be implementing in schools in the fall of 2018. HOPEE 4 Change is currently in the process of organizing their first official fundraising event that will be held at the Abigail Ogilvy Gallery on June 28th 2018 and all proceeds will go to developing and implementing social emotional curriculum focused on healthy relationships as a means to decrease violence throughout the life span.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting a new anything comes with its challenges, starting a nonprofit is no different. Developing connections, understanding each necessary step and then finding ways to execute each step with no access to funds has been a challenge, but one that I believe is worth making. Business is tricky, and nonprofits have an added layer to them due to multiple stipulations at both state and federal level, but once you learn or develop a cohort of advisors, things begin falling into place. An ongoing obstacle is finding donors, both at the individual and corporate level, that want to provide In-Kind Donations. All you can do is kept trying and eventually you will find someone, don’t get discouraged!
HOPEE 4 Change (Helping Others Persevere Empower and Educate for Change) – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
HOPEE 4 Change Inc. (Helping Others Persevere Empower and Educate for change) is a grassroots nonprofit that is developed around having a safer and healthier world for everyone. We believe that through social emotional learning focused on healthy relationships we can prevent many issues related to domestic and relational violence in the future. One current focus of ours is developing and implementing this curriculum in grades k-12 to all students as a way to provide education on healthy relationships and violence prevention. Another part of HOPEE 4 Change is focused on education and advocacy for those who have been victims of violence. We will work with individuals that need help finding resources such as shelters, attorneys, and advocates. What really sets us apart from others is our primary focus on prevention. Our resources and curriculum are provided for all to benefit from – not just select few who have been pre-determined.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me success is doing the best you can and not giving up. Success is working through obstacles and redefining goals as needed. If I make a positive difference in someone’s life that is success. If more children are not affected by violence in their communities, schools and homes. If more community members feel safe walking home. If more partners feels supported, valued and cared for in their relationships then we have success.
Pricing:
- $50.54 per student annually to have access to HOPEE 4 Change SEL healthy relationship curriculum
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hopee4change.org
- Email: info@hopee4change.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopee4change.org/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HOPEE4Change
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