“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women,” argues Maya Angelou. And in a local residence in Plano, women are standing up for themselves each and every day. Since 2002, Emily’s Place has served as a way for women and their children who are escaping abusive relationships to move from surviving to thriving.
Through their continuum of care centered on three pillars--personal empowerment, economic empowerment, and family empowerment--the women are able to grow in their self-confidence and self-sufficiency through their time at Emily’s Place, which can last for up to two years. In the words of one resident, “Emily’s Place helps you strive to be your higher self, to maintain a positive mindset. It shows you what you can achieve with time and patience.”
It is this mission which originally attracted Colleen Campbell, chief executive officer for Emily’s Place, to serve in a leadership capacity. “I came out and did a tour before the interview, and that was it. I could see and feel the work that was being done here.”
Colleen says that many of the women and families are not only escaping physical abuse, but also the mental turmoil that comes with it. Oftentimes, abusers isolate their victims and control them financially, so Emily’s Place works with each family to help them reestablish themselves as independent women. Colleen explains, “We have several moms that have purchased cars since they've been here. When they are able to purchase their own vehicle, it's just a wonderful thing for them as they experience the independence that comes from having your own car.”
Thankfully, Colleen is not alone in the fight against domestic violence, as Emily’s Place works with counselors, case managers, mentors,, and more. “We couldn't do what we do without the support of our community, and that is in the form of volunteering, financial donations through our Amazon wish list, or item donations for our boutiques.
“We try to meet our families, our moms, where they are when they get here. We had a mom that came this week with two children and she just had two small bags. So when they get here, we take them shopping in our women’s and children’s boutique, free of charge. Our boutiques have clothing, shoes, purses, hair accessories, makeup, and everything they need so that they can feel good about how they look and feel after they get here.”
One of the highlights of many of the women’s experiences at Emily’s Place is the community they build. One resident recalls, “I still visit the residents who used to be my housemates. I see several of us as family. It’s a sisterhood.” Colleen encourages volunteers to consider joining in their Dinner for the Soul event as a way to model strong family relationships. “Volunteers, whether individuals or groups, are invited to come and serve lunch to our families on Sundays after they get back from church, and a lot of times our volunteers will stay and have lunch with our residents. It's a great opportunity for role modeling for our families to see other families who have healthy boundaries.”
To learn more about Emily’s Place or get involved, visit their website at www.emilysplacetx.org or call (972) 424-7775.
"Emily’s Place helps you strive to be your higher self, to maintain a positive mindset."