In 2002, Darnetta was trapped in an abusive relationship with the father of her child. The violence only increased over time, and when he broke a bone near her eye and she needed reconstructive surgery, she knew she had to leave – for her own safety and the safety of her children.
“I moved to a new house, but he followed me,” said Darnetta. “So, I took my kids and moved to Milwaukee to start over.”
She was trying to navigate life in a new city while dealing with the trauma of her past when she found the Sojourner Family Peace Center, a domestic abuse treatment center in Milwaukee and partner of Aurora Health Care.
“While I was there, I listened to others’ stories. I started writing poetry, which helped other women and in turn, helped me heal too.”
Darnetta finished school and started working at Aurora Health Care in 2012. Last year, she accepted a position at Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services, which offers emergency care, counseling, emotional support and forensic nursing to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Services are provided to survivors at no cost because of philanthropy.
“I work as an advocate for survivors. I help provide resources to help them become self-sufficient and get their power back,” she shared. “I do everything I can because I’ve been there; I understand what they’re going through, and it’s hard.”
Recently, Darnetta shared her story and read a poem at Share the Light, an event that is planned and implemented by survivors and is part of their healing therapy. It showcased different therapeutic modalities, especially art therapy.
The event was sponsored in part by a generous donation from Giving Circle members. The Giving Circle is a donor group with members who pledge $1,000+ annually to Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services. Each year, the group votes on how the funds are allocated based on leadership requests. The group has around 25 members, many of whom are founders.
“It was a quiet, intimate event with survivors sharing their experiences through poetry, music and art. And I’m grateful to the donors who helped make it possible. They believe in what we’re doing at Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services. It gives us a lot of hope.”
How you can help
Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services relies on the generosity of donors to offer programs and services to survivors at no cost. Please consider making a gift today.