Womenlines guest contributor Maiye Waller from North Carolina, United States, is sharing this month about a fundraising event ‘First Annual Masquerade Benefit Ball’ which is upcoming on November 14th, 2021 at 7:30 by her organisation ‘The Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation and The Loss Group Project’ in Florida. This event is going to celebrate survivors of Domestic Violence, Loss, Homelessness, Suicide (a friend, a family member of the victim, or even have a story of surviving their own attempt)!
Empowering The Community Through Unity
As we wrap up October, the year is just about to kick off what we know is the busiest time of the year. The Holidays. Regardless of Covid 19, We can’t forget about the two most important holidays of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. With these wonderful times often come those tough times. Some people don’t have a big family, some people don’t have a family at all, some people have family, but it doesn’t feel like it. I personally know some people who may have a small social circle or even lack opportunities for socialization due to their work or children. Whatever it may be, no one deserves to be alone or depressed during this time of the year. We commonly speak on togetherness and giving during these times. This year more than ever we should be coming together. There has been a rise in Suicides and Domestic Violence cases since the start of Covid here in the US. “The increased incidence of psychosocial problems, exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric disorders and fear of infection, uncertainty, isolation, unemployment, stress and mass panic have all contributed to one of the most concerning causes of mortality: suicides” (World Health Organization, 2020).
Now, as many of you’ll have read previously, I speak a lot about my son Mace. He was born right on time! I say that because it was my favorite time of the year! The Holidays. But after I lost him, I realized that those same holidays would now be dreadful. I only dreamed of what these times of the year would be like for us. I barricaded myself in my apartment. I didn’t celebrate the holidays like I used to. I was away from my family, and I honestly wasn’t in the best place at the time to just book a flight and go home. The Holidays were beginning to feel like the longest, darkest, most isolating time of the year.
As the years went on and I went on to find joy and light again, those holidays got a little easier to handle. However, I still have my moments. I know that anyone who has experienced a loss of any kind can relate to that feeling.
With Covid 19 hitting us how it did last year and still being ever so present, we need to come together. Covid has caused a huge rift in the socialization that we are so used to, the togetherness that we all need most.
As Leaders, we have to also let the members of our community, (the survivor) know that they are not alone and that there are resources out there for them. There are organizations that have events that are mainly about bringing the community together and showing them that we are all better united than divided. It’s not hard to pick up someone when you see them down. One of the best ways to help deal with isolation and depression during the Holiday season is to reach out to friends or family for support or get involved in your community.
This month, The Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation and The Loss Group Project will bring the community together for our First Annual Masquerade Benefit Ball on November 14th, 2021 at 7:30 pm. This fundraising event will be celebrating survivors of Domestic Violence, Loss, Homelessness, Suicide (a friend, a family member of the victim, or even have a story of surviving their own attempt). If you are here to tell the story, you made it! You are a survivor. I felt this event was a need in our community but more importantly before the Holiday isolation or depression can hit. If you would like to join us and our partners for this event, please follow the links below. I have also listed the SUICIDE PREVENT HOTLINE phone number as well as the DOMESTIC VIOLENCE hotline. If you would like to learn more about The Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation please visit our website.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). If you are being abused by your partner, know there is nothing you have done or are doing to cause the abuse.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
AGAIN, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
NAMI FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Education | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Maiye Waller
Are you looking out for physical health, leadership skills, business excellence tools to be the best version of yourself? Subscribe to weekly powerful updates of Womenlines for free. Click https://www.womenlines.com!
Follow Womenlines on Social Media
