My mothers special day!

Today is my mothers birthday, and I got the opportunity to spend some time with today. Im usually very busy with work and school...but not today! I would just like eveyone to know how very special my mother is to me. She is the strongest woman I know! To tell you the truth, she has never let me down when I needed her the most! My mother, is tough, she says whats on her mind...and usually shes right.."don't tell her I said that". Her life experiences make her wiser than most! Thank you mom for always being there for me, and never letting me down. To have you at my side means the world to me!! Your amazing! Happy Birthday mom, hope your day is special, and please just know you are loved very much!!!

Be Happy...be your happiest!

Hello friends and family! Today,and tomorrow, make decisions for yourself that impact you in a positive manner. I pray you have the power to be strong in whatever you do. Be happy in life! Your wonderful, your amazing, and you deserve nothing less than be the happiest YOU, that you can be!!!

The Holidays are near so open your hearts!

Well Thanksgiving is around the corner, and then shortly after Christmas. The weather is much cooler and sets the mood! Time to show your thankful for all you have, but most imortantly offer your time and your heart to those less fortunate. So I challenge you, to be more involved, to open your minds and your hearts, and find a way to reach out and make a difference in our communities!! The reward you will feel!!!

Quotes I love and live by:

Q 1. The last of the human freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances. -Victor Frankl 2. Right now you are one choice away from a new beginning—one that leads you toward becoming the fullest human being you can be. -Oprah Winfrey 3. Every choice you make has an end result. -Zig Ziglar 4. Happiness or unhappiness is often a matter of choice. -Anonymous 5. Happiness is not by chance; but by choice. -Jim Rohn

From my Reading List

To Our Members-November 2011 Dear Members, Thank you –Two simple words, one amazing message. These two words convey partnership, gratitude and appreciation. As executive director of New Beginning in Garland, I know how passionate advocates, volunteers and partners are about ending violence in our community. Agencies throughout Texas have a variety of programs designed to aid families who have been affected by domestic violence, as well as extensive preventive programs with objectives meant to end the use of domestic and teen violence. Many people across the state have worked daily to create and strengthen partnerships to help keep families safe. Because of their efforts, family violence programs have level funding from the state legislature, which is an amazing result during a time when many other funding sources are steadily declining. This outcome would not have been possible if not for the dedication of so many people, many who choose to volunteer their time, talent and resources to make this hoped-for result a reality. Being a part of the domestic violence field in Texas is a humbling experience. On one side, we are surrounded by a powerful group of people who are willing to use the resources and connections at their disposal for a greater good. On the other side, we interact daily with another group of people who seek safety and support because it has been taken away, a group that is larger than ever. Across the state, family violence providers are experiencing an unprecedented level of demand for services. The number of calls to hotlines is increasing; the level of demand for emergency shelter is elevated. Yet, those seeking shelter do not have the level of resources available to them as before. Thus they need to use shelter services for longer periods of time than in previous years, a phenomenon that is new to us, but perhaps one that was the reality for victims of family violence during other economic downturns in our country’s history. The difference today is the fact that safe, supportive services exist to keep survivors and their children safe. The difference today is the fact that an army of people have worked for the last three decades to create a better today and tomorrow for survivors of family violence and their children. I am thankful for all those who have gone before us, who have paved the way for survivors of family violence to have safe places to go; who have walked through history to enact laws that provide safety and protections; to those today who continue to champion the cause, who choose for their life’s work to be focused on an end to domestic violence. We have much for which to give thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to all! Jennifer Morrison Executive Director New Beginning, Garland TX TCFV Allocations Committee and Policy Committee M

A Family Members Pain

I heard a story today that brought tears to my eyes. She said something very encouraging to me about my stance on violence against woman. She said that she could not be anymore proud of me for what I am doing to bring light to a common issue. She then told me a story I want to share with you. She said that she was a victim of domestic violence by her boyfriend when she was younger. She said the first year they were together was so amazing. It was fun and exciting and frankly the IT couple of their time! After that year, it all went down hill and it started off with small things like what she could or could not wear. Then comments that she was unattractive and no one wanted to be near her or even look at her. The mental abuse escalated and turned from bad to worse. Now, she was not allowed to go anywhere, our hang out with friends and even turned very physical. Behind closed doors, shaking, slapping and even punching began...then the abusive displays were in public...but no one helped. It's like everyone was scared of him. Years went by and all that time and energy was helping no one, but hurting her. She was embarrassed and scared to leave, and courage she did not have...until she finally fell madly in love with another man...a son she had together while in this relationship. She found courage in the son ,she had to leave a man that she knew if she stayed around long enough could, and might escalate to the abuse of their son. So she left him after 5 long years of abusive.....some people sometimes dont get this lucky, and never have the chance to leave. The trend was downward.. We need courage from somewhere...

November 2011

Well its a new month, Halloween has come and gone. The weather is getting much cooler.Great weather to gather with your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you. You know we get busy in our lives and forget to tell those ppl close to you just how much they mean! Today stop and smell the roses, life is happening all around us, take the time to appreciate those who mean so much, because life is too short. Hug someone today!! Smile!!