"I just listened."

As you know, on Wednesday I attended The Women's Fund Blogging Against Violence event at NBC-13. Scroll down to yesterday's post to see more. As I promised, I am featuring some of the interviews I had with the many attendees.

Today meet Jean Newsome. Jean, an RN, has written and self published a book titled Homeless Hearts. It all started when Jean's son was diagnosed with cancer. She shared with me the shock, the fear, the worry, the emotional roller coaster. In her words, she walked the floor and finally felt like she would burst if she didn't do something! Thinking that helping others might be theraputic, she found herself at Pathways Women's Shelter here in Birmingham. As she volunteered more time, she found herself sitting and just listening over a cup of coffee with the residents. They poured their hearts and their stories out to her. That's when she realized there was a story to tell, and she must be the one to do it. Amazingly, when she started seriously collecting the stories, most of the women didn't seek anonymity, rather they wanted their names used and their stories told! Out of 22 interviews she chose 12 that most represented the variety of circumstances that put these women out on the streets of OUR city. Why did you write this book I asked? Her reply was, " To heighten awareness about the consequences of domestic violence." Indeed I heard that all afternoon, women often stay in abusive situations , because they can't financially afford to leave, or they are afraid for their safety and that of their children if they dare leave. I'm thinking Homeless Hearts is a book we ALL need to read.

I am personally looking forward to perhaps collaborating with Jean on a project in the future.

For information on purchasing Homeless Hearts please go to: homeless hearts@gmail.com

A portion of the proceeds will go to local charities for homeless women and children.

Blogging Against Violence - Part I

As I have said many times, this blog has opened many doors for me and introduced me to many wonderful people and causes here in my hometown. Today was certainly no exception. I was asked to participate in the first ever Blogging Against Violence. NBC-13 and The Women's Fund joined forces and pulled off an amazing event. They brought together area bloggers , as well as NBC -13's coverage, and provided us with an outstanding number of professionals that were available for interviews from 3:00 -7:00 today. The lineup was impressive. Dedicated police officers, lawyers, victims of domestic violence that have stepped forward to tell their stories, judges, and agencies from city to statewide that provide the much needed services ( with never enough funding). I can assure you that four hours was not enough time to hear their stories and witness the tireless work they do for our women and children that are the victims of domestic violence. Hearing the cold hard facts was not easy at times, but we all need to hear them! I have an 8:00 deadline ( hence my Thursday blog is coming to you on Wed. night!) so tonight I am posting some photographs of the event. In the days to come I will highlight some of the dedicated people I was privileged to meet today.

As you can see, some blogged as they interviewed. You know me well enough to know I can't talk and do anything else at the same time!