Voices of Tomorrow

A Word From Mark

Dear Friends of Radiant Futures,

Radiant Futures was founded in 1976 during the height of the women’s movement. Our start was a little rocky, to say the least. Our mission was not welcomed by many members of the community. We were called out for meddling in family affairs, disrupting the family unit, and challenging the religious teachings of the time. Within the first year of our inception, we had to relocate our shelter, not because the women’s lives were in danger, but because our neighbors did not want us in their backyard.

Our origin story is one of perseverance and resilience. It has laid the foundation for our 47 years of work and continues to be at the heart of our journey. As we embark on another month dedicated to domestic violence awareness, I am reminded of all we have accomplished and the work that lies ahead.

Domestic violence (DV) impacts 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men; and LGBTQIA individuals experience domestic violence at a higher rate than heterosexual, cisgender individuals in our country. Called a public health crisis by the Centers for Disease Control, it affects the lives of not only survivors, but the communities they live in and the generations to come.

The spirit of perseverance and resilience we were founded on is needed for us all to eradicate domestic violence and build communities free from violence. We invite you to join us this Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to celebrate our collective accomplishments and learn how you can continue to support the movement.

In appreciation,

Mark

Read More From Mark

A SAFE Journey: Linda’s reunification with Sadie

Linda and David had gotten married young, and shortly afterwards welcomed their daughter Sadie into their lives. After a couple of years of trying to make it work, Linda and David decided to divorce, but they were committed to co-parenting Sadie.

A few months after the divorce, Linda met Paul and was immediately taken by his charm, wit, and smile. Their relationship moved fast, and within the first year they were living together and completely inseparable. Their relationship was great unless she had to cancel or change plans because she needed to be there for Sadie. Paul would usually pick a fight with her when she got home, calling her names and shouting, and saying how life would be easier if she didn’t have Sadie. She thought he just needed more time to adjust to the new situation.

Linda's Journey Continues

Reaching Survivors through Community Programs

Our community department offers a range of programming and services tailored for survivors of domestic violence and/or human trafficking. Our purpose revolves around assisting survivors in reclaiming their power throughout their journey, supporting them with the necessary resources to achieve success in various facets of their life. Domestic violence is seen as a societal taboo subject which often exacerbates the challenges faced by survivors, leading to stigmatization, and hindering their efforts to seek assistance and safety.

One of the services that we offer is our Personal Empowerment Program (PEP). PEP is a 10-week psychoeducational program that dives into a diverse range of topics directly relevant to the experiences of survivors. Topics include discussions about healthy relationships, red flags, and adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and the role that plays in our adulthood. The primary objective of this program is to equip individuals with strategies, tools, and knowledge essential for personal growth and self-actualization. By addressing key aspects of their journey and providing them with the requisite skills, we aim to strengthen the resolve of survivors to navigate their lives with resilience and determination.