Web of Benefit

Acts of Courage

2012-02-25T22:27:00.000-05:00

By: Debbie Clarke Crispo

A more courageous woman you will never find,than the one who leaves it all behind.
She laughs in the face of adversity, for she is attending “Hard Knocks University”.
She walks down a lonely road, her heart bears a heavy load. Should she stay or should she go, she hears him coming – Oh no….

He can be so loving and so kind,Maybe she will trust him just one more time.
He always cries and says he’s sorry, He says he’ll change and not to worry.
She wants to leave, but is not sure when. He batters her spirit once again.
She walks down a lonely road, her heart bears a heavy load. Should she stay or should she go, she hears him coming – Oh no….

As her children cry, her resolve gets stronger.She can’t let them see this very much longer. The sun comes up and the day begins. How much longer should she pay for her sins? She dresses the children and sends them to school, her batterer cries and says he’s a fool.
She makes him lunch and sends him to work,She reflects on last night, and thinks she is the jerk. If she puts on some makeup, and keeps the house clean, maybe he’ll come home and not be so mean. He comes home from work, and they don’t even fight. He takes her in his arms and says he’ll make it right.
She goes on with life, doing the best that she can.Her husband is good (he’s become a new man.).
The children are playing and making some noise.He say’s he can’t take it and goes out with the boys. He’s been gone for two days now, and worrying is no fun. When he arrives, there’s no time to run.
She walks down a lonely road, her heart bears a heavy load. Should she stay or should she go? She hears him coming - Oh no..
He batters her face and tears at her clothes,She bears the abuse, but a secret she knows… All those nights he was gone, (the hours were many) left her enough time to talk to Penny. When she called the hot line, she was very unsure. She thought for abuse, there wasn't a cure. Penny told her to work, and every nickel to save, and when she was ready to leave, she should be very brave. She walks down a lonely road, her heart bears a heavy load. Should she stay or should she go, she hears him coming – Oh no….
She packed up her children, and ran like the wind! Finally she realized she hadn’t sinned. She ran to a shelter, and empowerment she did find! For once in her life, she had peace of mind. She worked very hard and went to school, for never again would she be played for a fool. She has a safe home now, and her children are well; she has left behind their living hell.

She laughs in the face of adversity, for she has graduated from “Hard Knocks University”! A more courageous woman you will not find, Than the one who left it all behind.

Indulge!

2012-02-24T17:10:00.005-05:00

Combine wine, cheese, chocolate and add a group of amazing supporters and speakers and you’ll get a recipe for a night of indulgence! On February 11^th, we did just so! We hosted our first annual chocolate and wine celebration, Indulge! , to celebrate self-sufficiency and economic empowerment. We raised over $6,000, which will fund 12 Self- Sufficiency Grants. These grants empower survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their dreams; they are used for: housing stabilization, education, computers, child care, transportation, health care and micro-financing small businesses. With our pay-it-forward philosophy, the proceeds of this event will help us touch the lives of 48 survivors of domestic violence. We also awarded two grantees with the Woman of the Web award.

There was also a silent auction consisting of over 35 donated items, including gift certificates, jewelry and big ticket items such as a vacation to Barbados and Red Soxs tickets. Music was played by a beautiful harpist, Nancy Kleiman. Food and flowers were generously donated from local businesses including: Roche Bros, the Kueh’s, Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop, Paradise Bakery, Papa Gino’s, Bertucci’s, Edible Arrangements, Harry & David’s, Yama, Costco, and Taza.

Silent auction item were generously donation by: Treat Cupcake Bar, The Elephant Walk, Blue Ginger Restaurant, Wahlburgers, Alma Nové , Square Café, A Matter of Brilliance, Elizabeth Grady, Yama Restaurant, Margaritas , Johnnies on the Side, Milestone Restaurant, JP Licks, Trader Joe’s, 1-800-Baskets, Quebrada, Purple Ink Insurance Agency, Ardan Salon, Ideal Barber, Sculpture Day Spa, Bravo Baskets, Tom James Co., Laser Skin Care Solutions, Jillian’s Lucky Strike, Tennessee’s BBQ, Wagon Wheel, Captain Marden’s, Victory Lane Restaurant, FreshCity, Whole Foods, Anne Goh, Debbie Crispo, Debbie Gray, Sue Ellen Harwood, and Lee Laraby.

Web of Benefit would like to thank all the participants, donors, and volunteers. None of it would have been possible without your help and support!

Happy Birthday to Us!

2012-02-22T09:38:00.001-05:00

What a monumental day. We have reached our 1,000th grant and our 7th year anniversary of giving grants. In total over the last seven years, we have touched the lives of over 4000 women through our grants and pay-it-forward philosophy! We want to thank all of our collaborators, funders, volunteers, team, and donors for all the support through the years. Together we are changing lives and empowering women to rebuild their dreams. Thank you!

A Grantee Story

2012-02-17T22:21:00.004-05:00

In February 2012, one of our grantees, Angela, received a laptop and a small amount of micro-financing for her new public speaking business from Web of Benefit .She is on her way to becoming a minister and inspiring women in Chicago and beyond. She is also writing a book to help women realize their dreams. Below is Angela's Story. If you are interested in having Angela inspire your audience, please contact us at info@webofbenefit.org

_____________________________
When I was five my first monster showed up, its name was (sexual) abuse. When I was ten my second monster arrived his name is (verbal/mental) abuse.   At the age of eighteen I experienced an unprovoked attack.   I was a rape victim. Many memories of my childhood were lost. Several years cannot be accounted for. I lost the distinction between what was real and unreal. When I had awakened (meaning what my life had become) I was experiencing the worst monster of them all (My reality). I’ll call this monster Life.

Allow me to introduce myself my name is Angela. I’m a single mother raising and supporting my 3 daughters and son. In all I have 6 children, all but three have the same father. My children have been my inspiration and my biggest fans. July 27, my first grand daughter was born. She became my motivation for life, As I look back on that day. Her future flash before my eyes. A decision was made to make a difference in my life as well as my children. I couldn’t bear to lose another generation to the environment, and the condition under which I have lived and survived.

I dropped out of school in the 10^th grade, I returned to school on many occasion unable to complete the course. I left hoping to one day return. Over the years I continued to struggle with my education. Without a high school diploma the doors of opportunity began to close one by one and the future for me was gone. Eventually I turned to thoughts of suicide, depression, loneliness and mental illness. Working below my own potential, I accepted jobs that would perceive about 15% of my household. My household total gross was about 90%.

My family has been through homelessness, three times living within government housing/ programs, evictions, utility cut offs and tragedies that you could only imagine in your nightmares. I realize one thing through-out all of this: I was lost in the system.

At the age of 20 my life spiraled out of control. I looked for help there was none to be found. There was no one to look at as a role model, no big sister, and no mentors. I was left to understand life on my own terms.

I have enjoyed working on several events regarding the experience concerning racism, homelessness, domestic /sexual violence. I have had the pleasure of being among the International Group Toast Masters, and the foundation of my strength comes from my membership with Labor of Love and Apostolic Deliverance Churches.

38 years ago I died Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually. My first encounter of sexual abuse took place in a dark room Most of my life I was locked in a mental hell. I have decided to share my life and my story because of that little girl who lost herself so long ago. November 10, 2011 at 7: 00 pm during one of my profound speaking event that little girl walked out of that room and my destiny has begun.
_____

Through Web of Benefit's Self-Sufficiency Grant Program, women like Angela are given the financial support and mentoring in order to rebuild their dreams and create lives free of abuse for themselves and their families. To donate to Web of Benefit, click here: webofbenefit.org/DONATE

Women's Support : Becoming Our Own Role Models

2012-01-18T14:59:00.001-05:00

There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women.

"As women embrace the fullness of who they are as individuals, they may find themselves supporting other women, helping others to reach the level of inner comfort and outer freedom that they themselves have found. Among those who are less sure of themselves and their place in the world, it may be more common to criticize other women than to seek their help. But there are things that a woman can only learn from another woman, as there are things about being a man that can only be learned from other men. We all recognize that we have much to learn from each other regardless of gender, but sometimes we could use a supportive role model that gives us a more precise example of what and who we can become.

There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women. It is only natural that the pendulum swings out of balance for a while so that we may have the experience of what we do not want. It is up to women to bring the pendulum back into balance and bring back the sacred sisterhood we yearn for at our core.

If we envision a world where women support each other and help each other find their place in an ever-changing world, then we can become the change we want to see. Jealousy, envy, criticism, and judgment are refuges for the insecure. As we help others to become self-assured, we create a world in which all people help each other, regardless of gender. Only women can make the change in how women are seen and understood, not just by other women but by the world at large. The way we speak about each other to other women and to the men in our lives informs everyone to treat us with the respect that all women, and all people, deserve."- Daily Om

You're Invited!

2012-01-17T22:37:00.002-05:00

Join us for a night of indulgence

Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tastings,

Auction, Music, Awards

February 11, 2012 * 5:30-8:30 p.m.

1458 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA

(The Presbyterian Church)

Tickets: $50

Tickets can be bought by emailing info@webofbenefit.org

All proceeds will empower survivors of domestic violence to become economically independent through grants for education, housing, laptops etc.

Summary of Activities 2011

2012-01-02T14:00:00.001-05:00

Summary of Activities 2011

Johanna Crawford helps survivors of domestic abuse – and urges them to do the same

2011-12-16T13:02:00.003-05:00

Johanna Crawford founded Web of Benefit to help women escape domestic violence and build new lives.

By Kendra Nordin, Staff writer / December 12, 2011

Needham, Mass.

Johanna Crawford says the night she witnessed her father almost kill her mother is only one of two things that motivates her each day to help survivors of domestic violence.

The second came four decades later when she handed a woman at an emergency shelter two $20 bills from her wallet – and gave the woman hope.

"As I was driving home [that day] … I thought, 'I can do this. I can change someone's life for $40.' And then I thought, 'I have to do this,' " Ms. Crawford says.

Within one year, she went from being a volunteer at a shelter for abused women to establishing her own nonprofit organization, Web of Benefit, designed to empower survivors of domestic violence with financial aid using a unique mentoring approach.

By awarding small grants for such things as housing, education, and transportation, Web of Benefit offers a crucial leg up to women trying to push past the fear of abuse. Perhaps more important, Crawford asks that those she helps "dream big."

Her grant applications include a "Dream Proposal" with three questions: What is your biggest dream? What are the steps and goals to reach your dream? What is the estimated cost of the first step of your dream?

It may sound simple, but for women trying to navigate the emotional and physical pain surrounding domestic violence, imagining a better life can seem impossible.

"Most of the women who are survivors have kind of a turned-off light; they don't dream or visualize what their life could be," says Jessica Estrada, who runs a financial literacy program for Family Rescue in Chicago and collaborates with Web of Benefit. "When they are in an abusive relationship, they are dominated by the abuser's lifestyle. They are not living the life they wanted to be living."

The amount of domestic violence taking place in the United States is hard to measure. A quarter to a third of American women will be touched by domestic violence in some way, according to some estimates.

It isn't just physical abuse. The US Department of Justice's definition includes physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological domination. All of it de-livers a burden of shame that can prevent a woman from reporting incidents or moving to a safe environment.

Crawford herself has lived through the pain of domestic violence. As a teenager she watched as a dispute between her parents escalated until her father's hands grabbed her mother's neck in a crushing grip. Crawford and her older brother intervened by pushing their father out of the house.

His violent physical attack was never mentioned in the family again.

"The words 'domestic violence' were not used when I was growing up" in the 1950s, Crawford says. "And there were certainly no laws against it."

After her two daughters had grown, Crawford realized she wanted to do something to help women who had suffered from domestic violence. She signed up to work as a volunteer answering the hot line at Transition House in Cambridge, Mass., an emergency women's shelter.

On a fall day in 2003 a call came in from a woman fleeing an abusive relationship. She had just arrived in Boston on a bus from Chicago.

"I went to meet her. It was a mother and two young children and two black trash bags with all of their possessions," Crawford recalls. "She had just gotten on the first bus out of town" and ended up on the East Coast.

Back at the shelter the woman pulled Crawford aside to say she had left town so fast she didn't have anyone's birth certificates and needed $40 to send to City Hall in Chicago to get the documents. Could Crawford help?

"She said to me, 'I don't even have 40 cents,' " Crawford recalls.

Even though Transition House forbids volunteers from giving money to clients, Crawford found herself slipping the woman all that she had in her purse – $40 for the document fees and then another $20 for shipping expenses – anything left over could be used to treat the children to a meal at McDonald's.

It was just the boost the woman needed to start taking steps toward self-sufficiency. And it was just the inspiration Crawford needed to get organized.

Crawford, whose warm smile softens an otherwise no-nonsense appearance, is the kind of woman who follows through once something seizes her imagination.

By September 2004, using her own funds, Web of Benefit was legally recognized as a nonprofit group. By February 2005 it had given out its first grant.

In 2009, Web of Benefit expanded to include organizations in Chicago. Today, Web of Benefit has awarded 945 self-sufficiency grants by working with 58 collaborating organizations in Boston and 22 in Chicago.

By focusing on small grants Web of Benefit is able to respond to requests for help within 24 hours, avoiding the red tape that can slow the process in government-run or -aided organizations.

Crawford interviews each applicant herself.

"Jo's best contribution is her ability to speak to these women from her heart to their hearts and create an immediate one-on-one connection," says Liz Caton, who serves on the board of Web of Benefit and has been a friend of Crawford's for about 25 years. "She has a very good ability to open up and let these women trust and let them know that things are going to be all right."

Crawford says each woman she meets needs to be reminded that she deserves the best. "The grant is only the vehicle in which I get to talk to and mentor these women," says Crawford, who does not ask them for any specifics surrounding their cases of abuse.

Instead, she gauges if an applicant is ready to see herself as a "survivor" – not a victim – of domestic violence. In addition to being free from an abuser, all applicants must be free from substance abuse for at least six months. If a woman doesn't seem ready to leave a relationship, or able to take steps toward self-sufficiency, Crawford will postpone awarding her a grant.

Beyond offering temporary financial assistance, Web of Benefit also seeks to create a community of women who help one another.

"I believe the most powerful thing in the world is being able to help someone else," Crawford says.

In an act of "paying it forward," each recipient of help must in turn help three other women who have been abused. By assisting other women – e.g., baby-sitting, driving another woman to an appointment, donating old clothes – the abused women realize that they, too, can make a difference.

Rose (not her real name) was living at Transition House when Crawford handed her a Dream Proposal card to fill out. It was the last thing Rose wanted to do. She barely spoke English. All she wanted was a little financial help so that she could take an English language class.

Back home in Algeria, Rose had completed a bachelor's degree in business management. Rose moved to the US to join her husband, a banker.

But not long after she became pregnant with her son, her husband became abusive, and she had no choice but to flee from him. Finding refuge at Transition House seemed the best thing she could do. The next step would be to learn English.

An independent life seemed out of her reach. Her husband had confiscated her green card, and she had no funds of her own. Fulfilling her dream of becoming a graphic designer seemed nothing short of impossible.

"Everything that I have achieved so far is possible because of what Jo gave," says Rose in now near-perfect English, adding that she was lost and confused before she met Crawford. "[Web of Benefit] has given me the opportunity to study English and the financial help opened the path."

An initial grant of $375 paid for her replacement green card. Another grant paid for a monthly subway pass so she could attend English classes across town. And finally another $100 was used toward the purchase of a desktop computer.

Rose is now a graphic designer and a math tutor and is completing her studies at a local community college. Her next goal is to earn an MBA.

"I cannot wait to finish my education and give back to my community," says Rose, who has full custody of her 4-year-old son. "Any community that needs my help, I will help them."

Crawford continues to expand her own dreams. "When I started I thought, 'Wow, if I could help 100 women, that would be amazing," she says. Today she's given out nearly 1,000 grants – and counting.

"Now I want it to be a national organization," she says. "Every city needs us."

Free Ebook on Domestic Violence until Dec. 13

2011-12-12T19:51:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a resource we stumbled across today. She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle was published to raise awareness for domestic violence and child abuse. Until December 13, you can download it for free as an ebook. We haven't read it but the review suggest its a great compilation of stories and poem. To download it, click here.

WOTW Presents "Economic Empowerment Through Collaboration"

2011-12-07T15:51:00.003-05:00

WOTW Presents "Economic Empowerment Through Collaboration"

featuring:

Jo Crawford, Founder, Web of Benefit

Yesenia Romo, Director of Sexual

Violence & Support Services, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

Kelly Goodall, Director of Economic Empowerment, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Working side by side, these empowered women are representatives of organizations that advocate for eradicating violence against women and children, ensuring their safety and access to services, and create avenues to pay it forward. They are the role models for "One Mission, One Voice.

Wednesday, January 18, 2011

Time: 8:00-9:30am

Mid-America Club

200 E. Randolph, 80th FL

Chicago

Members click here to pay

Non-Members click here to pay

For further information call 312.467.0607 or email info@womenwotw.org

Join Women of the World Today

Community Work Services

2011-12-01T22:48:00.013-05:00

We wanted to share with you a great opportunity to bid on hotel and support a great cause. Community Work Service (CWS) is a leading and innovative organization helping adults to transform their lives through employment. CWS provides effective job training, placement and support services that lead to greater economic self-sufficiency and advancement for our graduates. Proceeds from Hotels and Holidays will be used to support CWS’ Hospitality Training Programs.

Hotel and Holidays Auction Is Officially Open!

Make your bids now to support people on the
path to greater self-sufficiency. Community Work Services is excited
to announce that our online auction - Hotels and Holidays is NOW OPEN.
You, your friends, and colleagues now have the opportunity to bid on hotel stays generously donated by some of the top Hotel companies from December 1-
December 14, 2011. Pick your favorite hotel and bid on a stay for a good cause.
These hotel stays, many including breakfast packages, can be utilized at a time
that’s convenient for you in 2012. A luxury hotel stay will be the perfect gift for
you or loved ones as the holidays are right around the corner.Proceeds from
Hotels and Holidays will be used to support CWS’ Hospitality Training
Programs. Place Your Bid. Tell Your Friends.
Enjoy a Relaxing Vacation. View All Auction Items

Auction Highlights: Be Sure to Check Out All the Items!

View All 11 Items

Boston Harbor Hotel
Enjoy a one night deluxe accommodations for two at The Boston Harbor Hotel located in Boston¿s picturesque Rowes Wharf. Situated on one of the oldest wharfs in the nation, the clean lines and classical shape of the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wh...

Value

$500.00

Current Bid

Bid Now!

Fairmont Hamilton, Bermuda
Enjoy a two night deluxe accommodations for two at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda. Overlooking the stunning blue waters of the breathtaking harbor, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, Bermuda's Hotel, offers everything you could possib...

Value

$600.00

Current Bid

Bid Now!

Lenox Hotel
Enjoy a one night deluxe accommodations including breakfast for two at The Lenox Hotel, located in Boston's historic Back Bay. Discerning travelers seeking a luxury hotel in Boston come to The Lenox Hotel in the historic Back Bay, at the corner o...

Value

$280.00

Current Bid

Bid Now!

Thompson LES New York
Enjoy a two night deluxe accommodations for two at The Thompson LES Hotel located in New York City¿s Lower East Side. In a collaboration of some of the flashiest names in contemporary art and design. Thompson¿s Lower East Side property is for the...

Value

$740.00

Current Bid

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View All 11 Items

Community Work Services

174 Portland Street Boston, MA 02114

Ph: 617-720-2233

Women Power

2011-11-11T19:57:00.002-05:00

We found another great post from Daily Om about the power of women. Makes us think of Web of Benefit's Sponsorship Circles. Have you heard of them? The mission of a Sponsorship Circle is to fund one or more our of Self-Sufficiency Grants of $500 each. These circles may include a group of friends or co-workers or a family. The grants will aid in the reclamation of the power of the feminine spirit by assisting women in reaching their highest potential, free from the threat of violence. Individually designed grants will be awarded for housing stabilization, education, technology, transportation costs, micro-financing and more. Learn more>

"The Whole Is Greater
Women’s Circles

Women’s circles perfectly illustrate the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Women's circles are formal or informal gatherings in the interest of bonding, sharing energy, and creating ritual. The origins of women's circles are ancient, but their applications are as modern as the women who participate in them. There are no hard and fast rules as to how to form a women's circle or how to run one. Some circles invent their own agendas, rituals, goals, and ceremonies, while others borrow ideas from sources as far-ranging as Buddhist or Native American cultures. Some circles are open to new members at all times, while others prefer to practice with a set number of members, closing the circle once that number is reached.

In a typical gathering, the women who are present sit in a circle. Generally, for the sake of cohesiveness, one woman is chosen to lead the circle each time. Allowing a different woman to lead each meeting allows for a multi-perspective approach to the process. One circle leader may choose to create and teach a ritual involving using the voice to release negative energy, while at the next meeting another leader may feel inspired to lead a silent meditation. On the other hand, a circle may choose to be more focused over the long term and gather around a particular intention, such as working together to determine a course for healing Mother Earth. When the healing feels complete, the women may choose to stay together with a new focus for their work, or the circle may disband.

At their best, women's circles perfectly illustrate the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The work that can be accomplished within the loving embrace of our sisters is far more powerful than what we could achieve on our own. If you are not already part of a circle, you may want to start one. Follow your intuition as to the women with whom you'd like to work, reach out to them, and set a date to begin. After that, you can simply allow the circle to create itself. Men need not be forgotten when it comes to circles and they, too, can come together to form their own circles and create strong bonds and healing in a way that is specific to all men" (C) Daily Om

Web of Benefit Fundraiser for Survivors of Domestic Violence

2011-11-01T21:28:00.000-04:00

With jewelry or not, please join us for a night of friends, food, wine, and raffle!

For What Its Worth...

November 9th, 6-9 p.m.
22 Howe Road, Needham, MA 02492

Aimee Berrent, owner of A Matter of Brilliance, will join us to provide updated verbal appraisals of your special jewelry. $25 per appraisal (3 for $50)
100% of proceeds will go to survivors of domestic violence!

The Harwoods will also be showing their custom designed silver for the holidays. 15% of sales will be donated to Web of Benefit.

RSVP by 11/2: jsc@webofbenefit.org or 617-285-1900

Jess' Story

2011-11-01T13:17:00.000-04:00

My name is Jessica. I am a 29 year old, who lives to tell the story of a child who found a way out! I am going to travel through my childhood briefly so you can understand a bit of my struggles. Although my story has a large dark undertone to it, what I want you to focus on is the light that I found to carry me out.

As a young girl, I was very frightened of most things, but a very courageous girl in other ways. In 4th grade I remember beating my head against the wall until it bleed, but all I wanted to do is cry all the time. I then started cutting myself with sharp objects, until I found that a razor did so much more. I cut myself almost every day. On the outside I was a very happy girl, but on the inside I want my life to be over. What people didn't know was what I was dealing with; I was being abused by my dad, as well as being abused sexually, emotionally and physically by my brother until I was 16 years old. My brother’s made it very clear to me that he wanted to kill me.

As an adult I was still stuck in this cult (that is what I see it as). The church I was involved in tried to brain wash me into believing that the devil made all this up and these memories were not real. One time at camp when the preacher was preaching that no matter what your parents do they are your parents and you have to love them regardless; listening to adults preach this acceptance of parents regardless of their actions hit me too hard. After high school, I ended up moving away from home for two years to remove myself from the life that was tearing me up inside. However, I returned home because someone close to me was fighting lung cancer and because I saw how my moving away affected mother. Placed back in the toxic environment, I started cutting as well as overdosing on prescription pills. I was placed in the hospital numerous times but my only goal was to get out in order to leave this world. I ended up overdosing on Xanex again in November of 2009, this time I had cardiac arrest and woke up on a vent. A stranger found and helped me. This rather small act of a stranger helping me was life-changing. It wasn't until that stranger reached out her hand to me that I realized that there are people out there who care. I asked God from that day forward to give me the strength to go on and for the strength to forgive all the wrong that was done to me. So that I may help someone who is reaching out there hand waiting for someone to grab it. Because for all the times when I needed someone’s compassion and care the most, there was no one there reaching for my hand. It doesn't matter what kind of trauma you have endured in your life. Pain is relative- just because you haven’t suffered the worst there is to suffer doesn’t make your pain any less. If it is enough to make you hurt yourself or want to die, it is enough, and nothing is too little. People get too focused on what others have been through and start comparing. Don’t compare, simply have compassion for yourself and other’s struggles.

It has been over a year, since I have hurt myself in anyway. I have definitely had times of struggle but the difference is now I am able to reach out and grab someone’s hand. I have learned to ask for help and to know I DESERVE help. I know that I am not alone. . I find after I get through the thoughts or struggles at the time- that it passes. My favorite phrase has become "this too shall pass". It’s so very true even though at the time it doesn't feel like it will but it always does.

Jess has said that if anyone is looking for an ear to listen or someone to talk to, she is available by email- jjess2630@aol.com. She is also on facebook.

Elizabeth's Dream

2011-10-25T14:00:00.001-04:00

A Dream
By Elizabeth P.

I have a dream that someday all women will be free from the slavery that still oppresses so many women all over the world. Women are slaves in the home, in the church and in society. I will tell you many examples of this slavery. But my dream keeps me going. Women are strong and we will keep using our voices and our minds and our spirits to make change happen. Someday we will be free from this slavery and our little girls will not have to go through what so many of us have gone through in our lives. My dream will come true.

At Home
At home, women are still terribly oppressed as mothers and homemakers. In some countries, even if both the husband and wife work outside of the home, when they get home at the end of the day, only the woman has domestic obligations. While the man sits down and relaxes, the woman must start her "second" work day. She must cook for the family. She must clean. She must do laundry. She must care for the children. All the while, the man is grumbling, "Where is my dinner?!"

As terrible as this story above sounds, for many women this situation is normal and at least it is somewhat safe. Sometimes when the woman doesn't do what she is told to do, the man beats her. Domestic violence is everywhere. Many women live every day in fear. This is slavery.

Fortunately, in this country, this situation is slowly changing. The expected roles of women and men are changing. The new generation of women is getting to use their minds to help society and men are using their hearts to support family life. This is one of the reasons that I love America and this is part of my dream, that women will eventually be free from slavery.

In Religion
In many religions, women also face oppression. Many men base their ideas and laws of today on the Bible, Torah, and the Koran etc, not realizing that at the time when these books were written, women were really slaves. These old laws do not make sense in our society today. For example, in almost every religion, only men have the right to minister. Old laws said that women could not speak in public. This is no the law of God. It is the law of men.

Religion also oppresses women by controlling what they wear and how they look. Some religions still even today require that women only wear dresses. Some religions require that a woman's body be completely covered except for her eyes. Is this fair? Is this equal? Is this freedom? I have a dream that women will be free from this kind of slavery.

In Society
Women are also oppressed out in society. There are many examples of how our societies treat girls and women like slaves. It is so bad that I call it torture. I will give you a few examples.

There are countries where it is a common practice to cut off the clitoris of girls because they believe that women have no right to have pleasure. Isn't it crazy? Some people want to make it sound like it is not so bad, as if it like when a boy is circumcised. But really it is mutilation. It is torture.

In some societies, when a man dies, they bury his wife with him-alive! Another culture has a law that says if the husband dies, the woman can never marry again. Is this fair? When the woman dies, the man can re-marry!

In many places in the world, girls are still sold into forced marriages. Sometimes these girls are only 9 or 10 years old and they must have sex with grown men. Is this marriage or is this slavery?

There is still so much ignorance about the status of women today. I hope that one day women will be free from the slavery that we still suffer in many parts of the world. When these terrible stories are no longer true, my dream will have come true. It is possible. Women are strong. Women are smart. When we all work together and are united, we can accomplish so much. Women, united together, can make the greatest changes in the world.

Biography of Elizabeth P.
Elizabeth was referred to Web of Benefit by a Transitional Living Program in Newton, Massachusetts in September 2005. She had fled an abusive husband and was in poor health, needing financial aid to help pay for multiple doctor visits and necessary medications which she could not afford. Her life was in jeopardy at this time. Web of Benefit realized that, before she could think of defining and pursuing her dream, she needed very specialized medical help. After six months, with her health greatly improved, she began working toward her dream of becoming a Medical Translator for Brazilian women who could not advocate for themselves due to the language barrier they faced. In the past 12 months, Elizabeth has taken multiple English classes, graduated from the Women to Women Program, and has become an American Citizen. She is well on her way to realizing her dream and plans to make her life's work helping other women in need. Web of Benefit is honored to have been able to assist this extraordinary woman in defining and accomplishing her dream.

Marie's Story

2011-10-18T16:14:00.001-04:00

In the past year and a half of my life, there have been more changes than any other time I can remember, and almost all of those changes have been positive. I left an abusive relationship in May 2006, and at the same time I also went into a detox for alcohol and drug addiction. The abuse had fueled the drinking, and probably vice versa as well. I am happy to say that I have been drug-free since May 17, 2006 and that my life has become one that I can be proud of. I have been living at a halfway house for women for over a year now, and this house has helped me to stay sober and also to find myself as a strong and capable woman. I am surrounded by women who want me to succeed, and this gives me so much strength. However, a few months into my recovery, I began to feel like maybe, as good as my life was, that something was still missing.

This something turned out to be a plan for my future. I had lived so many years just thinking in the immediate present and 'surviving' that my dreams had sort of disappeared. In the past 9 months or so, I began to really be able to imagine my future again. I am lucky enough to have a Bachelor's in Psychology, which I completed in my early 20s, but I decided that I want to go on to get a certificate in substance abuse counseling. This would have been absolutely impossible without the help of Web of Benefit. Financially, there was no way I could have managed this. However, my mother told me about Web of Benefit and urged me to apply for the grant. I was so surprised and happy to get this grant. I was able to enroll in a program at Middlesex College, and it is exactly the program that I need right now. Because of the help from Web of Benefit, I have been able to have much of my school paid for, and this allowed me to save a little bit of money for the first time in years.

With this little bit of money, I am now looking to move into my own apartment in Tewksbury, MA, which is where the halfway house is located. I am doing this in order to stay connected to the house, but also live independently, which is what I feel I need in order to have confidence in myself that I really can do this 'on my own'. Without the Web of Benefit grant, either school or housing would have had to wait, and my life would not be what it is today. With my education, I am going to help other women who have survived abuse and alcoholism/drug dependence. I am so happy for this chance to give back, and to use my own experiences to help others. I have also passed on information about Web of Benefit to other women in my house, and I have been very vocal about how very much you have helped me to pursue my own long-forgotten dreams.

Thank you with all my heart.

-Marie, WOB Grantee

Groupon Campaign

2011-10-14T23:47:00.000-04:00

Thursday night our Groupon campaign officially closed after two days of fundraising. With the help of all those who contributed financially and through word of mouth, we finished the campaign with 133 donations, totaling $1,330. This was 3x our original tipping point! This money will be used to award Self- Sufficiency Grants to survivors of domestic violence.

We just want to say thank you to everyone who helped us with this campaign. Together we are empowering women to rebuild their dreams. Follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with our grant giving!

Web of Benefit's Groupon Campaign Lauches Today

2011-10-11T08:59:00.001-04:00

Starting today and ending on this Thursday, for just two days, GROUPON is hosting a fundraising campaign for Web of Benefit. 100% of the donation will go straight to Web of Benefit. Groupon works on a "tipping point" system which requires a certain number of people to buy the deal before the "deal is on." Our tipping point will be 40 purchases of a $10 donation. We need your help to "seal the deal."

How to join our campaign: Follow this link. And click the “buy” button on the left. Fill out the information and click enter and the donation will be processed! You will receive a tax letter in the mail after the campaign is over.

If you are not able to make a financial donation, please consider sharing the word through your social media. For example, post or tweet : “Empower Survivors of Domestic Violence with a $10 Donation on @Groupon http://www.groupon.com/deals/gt-web-of-benefit @Web_of_Benefit”

Together we are empowering women to rebuild their dreams!

Groupon to Feature Web of Benefit

2011-10-04T13:29:00.006-04:00

October 11th through October 13th, Groupon (Boston) will host a fundraising campaign for Web of Benefit. They are a city based daily deal website with a corporate social responsibility arm called G-Force which creates nonprofit partnerships. We are honored to have been chosen to collaborate with them.

How It Works: Groupon works on a "tipping point" system which requires a certain number of people to buy the deal before the "deal is on." Our tipping point will be 40 purchases of a $10 donation. 100% of the donation will go straight to Web of Benefit. On October 11th, Groupon will open the fundraiser and it will continue until 11:59pm on October 13th.

Donations will go to fund our Transition to Self- Sufficiency Program, which awards Self- Sufficiency Grants to survivors of domestic violence for housing stabilization, education, computers, child care, transportation, health care and micro-financing small businesses. We have just reached our 915th grant given and we would love your help in reaching 920 grants with the this campaign!

Once the campaign starts, we will be posting the link to our Groupon fundraiser and examples of tweets and facebook posts you can use when the campaign if you want to help us spread the word!

One Flaw In Women

2011-10-04T09:29:00.002-04:00

Women have strengths that amaze men...
They bare hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give..
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

http://my.opera.com/angel292005/blog/one-flaw-in-women

Our Worth

2011-09-14T13:20:00.003-04:00

As a victim of any unjust crime or oppression, it is easy for us to feel as if our self-worth has been stripped away from us at the hands of our abuser. Self-worth is not fleeting, nor can it be taken way unless we allow it. This beautiful, inspiring, and insightful Daily OM passage states "[our] worth is intertwined with [our] very being."- it is a constant, a never changing characteristic. For anyone who has ever questioned the difference between self-worth and self-esteem or even their own worth, the passage below is a must read.

Enjoy!

______________________________________________________________

"An Unwavering Connection to the Infinite
Worth

Your worth is not a product of your intelligence, your talent, your looks, or how much you have accomplished.

Though much of who and what we are changes as we journey through life, our inherent worth remains constant. While the term self-worth is often used interchangeably with self-esteem, the two qualities are inherently different. Self-esteem is the measure of how you feel about yourself at a given moment in time. Your worth, however, is not a product of your intelligence, your talent, your looks, your good works, or how much you have accomplished. Rather it is immeasurable and unchanging manifestation of your eternal and infinite oneness with the universe. It represents the cornerstone of the dual foundations of optimism and self-belief. Your worth cannot be taken from you or damaged by life’s rigors, yet it can easily be forgotten or even actively ignored. By regularly acknowledging your self-worth, you can ensure that you never forget what an important, beloved, and special part of the universe you are.

You are born worthy—your worth is intertwined with your very being. Your concept of your own self-worth is thus reinforced by your actions. Each time you endeavor to appreciate yourself, treat yourself kindly, define your personal boundaries, be proactive in seeing that your needs are met, and broaden your horizons, you express your recognition of your innate value. During those periods when you have lost sight of your worth, you will likely feel mired in depression, insecurity, and a lack of confidence. You’ll pursue a counterfeit worth based on judgment rather than the beauty that resides within. When you feel worthy, however, you will accept yourself without hesitation. It is your worth as an individual who is simultaneously interconnected with all living beings that allows you to be happy, confident, and motivated. Because your conception of your worth is not based on the fulfillment of expectations, you’ll see your mistakes and failures as just another part of life’s journey.

Human beings are very much like drops of water in an endless ocean. Our worth comes from our role as distinct individuals as well as our role as an integral part of something larger than ourselves. Simply awakening to this concept can help you rediscover the copious and awe-inspiring worth within each and every one of us."- Daily OM

Vagina Monologues & Babson College

2011-09-05T12:09:00.002-04:00

On behalf of our clients and staff at Web of Benefit, I want to give a big thank you to the work of students at Babson College who put on a production of Vagina Monologues in March of 2011. Web of Benefit has just received 90% of the proceeds of that event. Through this donation, we will be able to award two Self- Sufficiency Grants for laptops to women going back to school. With our pay-it-forward philosophy, this donation will touch the lives eight survivors of domestic violence! Thank you for enabling us to help women rebuild their dreams!

(C)

You Deserve to Have Your Dreams Come True

2011-08-18T10:03:00.010-04:00

(C)

Walt Disney once said, "If you can dream it, you can do it." But often there is a block between our biggest dreams and creating them in our lives. For many of us the worthiness piece and the "I need" piece are the biggest inhibitors. We often think that we do not deserve our biggest dreams. Once we remember our worth and power, we find the courage to create the life of our dreams. Read More Following along with this notion, is Daily Om's passage on Personal Power. Enjoy!

You Deserve to Have Your Dreams Come True
"Many of us have do not understand what personal power means. We have been given the false notion that power is bad—that it is something we use to exert our will upon others. In fact, when our personal power is intact, we are neither overbearing nor meek. We have a clear sense of our strength and the impact we can have on others. This actually enables us to be more sensitive. Personal power is what permits us to work on behalf of our dreams and desires. It allows us to realize that we are worthy and deserve to be heard. In addition, our personal power lets us extend the respect we know that we deserve to the people around us. There is no reason to be afraid or ashamed of fully owning your power.

Another way to nurture your personal power is to honor your dreams and desires by making concrete plans to manifest them in the world. Start by making a list of things you want, and let yourself think big. Choose one goal from the list and commit to bringing it to fruition. In addition, break the goal into tasks that you can work on each day. Know that you deserve to have your dreams come true and that you have the power to bring them into being. "

Quotation from a Collaborator: Catholic Charities

2011-08-15T15:09:00.000-04:00

"I just spoke with my client, who was very excited to hear that you will be sending a laptop to my office address. Your advice about FAFSAH was right. I learned something and [grantee's name] was empowered by getting the information herself. This was a wonderful experience for her; exactly what she needs as she plans to leave the New Hope Apartments program in March 2012. She is a very hard worker but often is not very optimistic about the future. On the drive back to the office after our meeting with you, she was noticing Camrys on the road and I could tell that she was thinking she might own one someday!

I was encouraged by your support and positive attitude. I plan to use your dream exercise at one of our group meetings. Thank you for your generosity."- Kathie Cunningham, Catholic Charities

His Self- Esteem by Janine Hall

2011-08-10T21:01:00.001-04:00

Below is a poem from one of our grantees about abusers.

One thing I found out about abusers is that they have low self-esteem.

They will be the first one to shatter your dreams.

IT seems the more they hate themselves,

They take out their anger on you.

When you had nothing to do with what

They are going or have gone through.

It makes him feel better to down me.

When the only down person is him I see.

You call me names but all of them

Are actually the image of you.

When you look in the mirror

Now I understand clearer

Why abusers have self- esteem problems

Cause nobody ever took the time to solve them.

(C)