The Dresses and Dreams Project has started a series of workshops called “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” where we have partnered with SAFE Family Justice Centers for a two hour class. Kimberly Anderson and Dawn Schultz of The Dresses and Dreams Project (and both survivors of DV) along with Aiko Holdaway of SAFE, Temecula Valley, were the instructors. The subject matter in these workshops are basic and in-depth education on domestic violence awareness and healthy relationships. Because of COVID restrictions, we offered the first class in this series in an online webinar format, and had great participation and success.
The workshops are available to students and others, ages 15 and up. Each participant receives a certificate of completion provided they attend the entire workshop. As the workshops conclude we send each participant a survey to complete, and are able to capture their pertinent requests, feedback, and whether or not they have an urgent matter they would like to speak to someone about. Participants are able to request any or all of our resources and referrals, and throughout the workshop they are reminded of emergency numbers and ongoing support offered if they are in a crisis situation.
Attendees of “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” 101 expressed a desire to continue the in-depth series of classes, with two local high school students desiring leadership training and curriculum to take the class to their high school campuses and clubs. “We realize that this, as well as suicide prevention and addiction, are topics that are real and happening now. This is really not discussed in depth in the high schools and kids are lost, broken, and in trouble. If nothing changes, nothing changes”, says Dawn Schultz, founder of The Dresses and Dreams Project, who gave her own testimony about DV and unhealthy relationships at the workshop. SAFE Family Justice Center offers emergent assistance for those in any type of domestic abuse, including legal assistance, relocation, as well as follow up and aftercare programs for all ages.
Family dysfunction leading to violence affects at least two out of every ten individuals. The numbers are based on reported cases only so may be much higher. It can cause decades, if not lifelong hardship and even lead to death. “We can not only help save lives and livelihoods, but also for the next generations who will stand a chance of making good choices if they see that their mom and/or dad are good role models as parents. This is a generational problem, and we need to help break the cycle and try not to just say it’s somebody else’s problem to deal with,” says Dawn.
The Dresses and Dreams Project is planning their next workshop to hit in February, 2021. Watch for details on Instagram, fb, MeWe, and Snapchat!
The Dresses and Dreams Project is looking for support as we continue to grow due to the overwhelming need for these types of programs to rapidly be put in place. We are 100% volunteer-run and our Operation Prom Girl Program and any of our year-round workshops and events are free.
To donate:
PayPal- dressesanddreamsproject.com
Venmo- Dresses and Dreams Project
By Check:
The Dresses and Dreams Project
23905 Clinton Keith Rd. 114-299
Wildomar, CA 92595
