Agency needs help in aiding violence survivors

When she was crowned Miss Yuma County for 2012, Briana Schmidt said she couldn't wait to see where the year would take her.

Well, it's nearly two months later and Schmidt has found her way to the Healing Journey, a small nonprofit agency that helps improve the lives of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, where she volunteers her time working with teens and children.

“It is dear to my heart. Crown or not, it is something I want to continue doing. It is important to show these kids that they are worth so much more than they think they are.”

Schmidt, who has a history of abuse in her own family, spends a couple of days a week with Healing Journey, sharing her time and personal experiences with eight to 14 children and teens. She said children are often so traumatized by the emotional and physical pain caused by their abuse that imagining a better life can seem impossible.

“I'm trying to show them it doesn't matter where you come from or who you are, you just have to be yourself. They are beginning to have hope and know they aren't alone. They are starting to live the life they were meant to live.”

Estrella Fitch, who started the Healing Journey, says she already sees a difference in the children Schmidt spends time with, especially one young girl whom Schmidt takes along on some of her Miss Yuma County obligations.

“She is making a big difference,” Fitch said. “I warned her when she started that these children weren't her normal Sunday school children. But they all love her.”

Fitch said the demeanor of the young girl who latched on to Schmidt has changed completely, having gone from a quiet and withdrawn child to one who is always the first to want to take part in whatever happens to be going on.

Fitch said while her agency is small, with only six volunteers, she knows they are making a difference in people's lives. However, she also said the Healing Journey is experiencing some growing pains: from only one night a week to three times a week, including one night in which two group sessions are held.

Fitch said although she is trying to get some grant funding, she needs money to help pay for emergency material such as food and shelter for victims.

“I know Yuma has a big heart,” Fitch said.

Anyone interested in donating to the Healing Journey can stop by Sun Bank and make a deposit into the agency's account. For more information, call Fitch at 920-3760.