By Dana Bristol-Smith
With tears in her eyes, she said, “I just want to say thank you. I know that I was meant to be here. I know that we are all meant to be here.” Those were the words of one of the women who came to our very first class in El Cajon. Her gratitude was felt by all.
I’m always excited on the first day of class because I know what’s in store for the women. And, it’s very different than what they’ve been experiencing.
They’ve felt alone for a long time. Many are dealing with depression and the aftermath of trauma. They’ve been let down and abused by those they love. Most feel hopelessness and despair.
But that changes because they are met by love and a judgement-free environment. They are welcomed with smiles and new support by our instructors like Marti and Ruth in the photo. They realize that they are not alone and that others have walked the same difficult road. By the end of the first class there are some tears, hugs and new hope for a better tomorrow. They are ready to take new leaps and create powerful change in their lives.
Thank you to our friends at Cushman Foundation for making these new leaps possible.
