Meet Our Alumni

There is no instruction manual for dealing with trauma, but there are ways to ensure the child feels safe and heard. If you suspect that a child has experienced sexual abuse, here are some healthy steps that you can take to begin healing.

As parents and caregivers, we are not in complete control over what happens to our children, but it is our responsibility to protect our children by deciding which adults have access to them. Healthy relational boundaries are a necessary factor in preventing child sexual abuse. These boundaries determine and gauge the health of all relationships.

Learning about the causes and effects of sexual violence in our communities will provide understanding and strategy as we seek to disrupt the cycle of child sexual abuse. If we are to leave an impact, our efforts must be paired with prevention-focused conversations to inspire shifts in African culture. 

It’s not always easy to spot signs of child sexual abuse, and there may be instances where you are uncertain whether or not it is happening. But listening and trusting your parental instincts is the key. If you are not sure whether your child has experienced sexual abuse, here are some warning signs that may help.

One day, my pastor spoke on supporting the broken. This message struck my core. Is this not what the church was meant for? I summoned all the courage left in my tiny body to tell my pastor what I had been subjected to by my perpetrators. He asked me if I screamed or if I have told anyone since. I took a deep breath and simply said no. He firmly and loudly told me that I must have wanted it, pronouncing his judgment against me.

By learning how to best care for your child and growing a strong support network, you will be able to move towards healing with your child. This intention and standard must begin with you in the home. If you are reading this right now, you are taking a huge step in the right direction.

“I am a survivor.” The first time I said those words out loud, I felt a mixture of relief and immense pain. I remember not wanting to elaborate any further, as just thinking about it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Imagine sex being introduced to you as a violation of your body at age five, and then being told you had imagined it!

There is no instruction manual for dealing with trauma, but there are ways to ensure the child feels safe and heard. If you suspect that a child has experienced sexual abuse, here are some healthy steps that you can take to begin healing.

Children with special needs are also vulnerable to sexual abuse, and I see high incidences of sexual abuse cases among my students. As a teacher, I use the knowledge Freely in Hope has given me to advocate for children with unique abilities.

Monica Coleman is the author of memoir “Bipolar Faith” and a proud Hope Circle member. Here are some important insights she has learned for those looking to create awareness around the mental health struggles of Black women.

Meghan Tschanz is the author of “Women Rising”, host of the “Faith and Feminism” podcast, and a proud Hope Circle member. Here are some important insights she has learned for those looking to advocate for women in their community.

Black History Month is not only an opportunity to honor Black people from all periods of American History, but to also celebrate their indelible imprint on the world today.

In 2021, we reached over 1,401 people through the leadership of our scholars! See the impact you helped created at Freely in Hope!

Freely in Hope’s first-ever Advocates Connect Conference brought together 76 professionals, practitioners and activists with a commitment to anti-sexual violence work. See what we learned!

GivingTuesday’s Starling Collective is a global fellowship and experimental learning lab for grassroots leaders and movement builders. This year, our founder, Nikole Lim, was selected as a member of the 2021 cohort!

Linda Toto means “protect the child” in Kiswahili. This program impacts parents and caregivers from diverse socioeconomic and tribal backgrounds, especially those living in informal and rural communities. These educational workshops train parents and caregivers on sexual abuse awareness, prevention, and response.

Survivor-advocates stood to learn from our speakers on the rise of teen pregnancies, child marriage, and rape perpetuated by those close to home. We also learned how to stand for justice and report sexual violence in digital spaces. The conference came to a close with positive affirmations, inspiring music and dance, and a meal. We were glad to end with all of our partners and participants feeling hopeful in the fight against sexual violence.

Pendo’s Power is Freely in Hope’s first illustrated storybook that equips children to use the power of their voices and stop child abuse. Lydia Matioli, our Program Manager, created Pendo’s Power to empower parents to build trust and establish safety measures with their children.

Imagine that you’re a part of a global community encircling each and every scholar in Freely in Hope’s program. Through your support, they are given opportunities to thrive in their education and leadership journey.

Being a survivor myself, I know how important it is to feel understood. Survivors need to be supported in the healing process and not left alone to fight the trauma. While dealing with PTSD, I found that allyship healed and empowered me.

Eighty-five supporters of FIH recently completed a 5k run fundraiser, where they were rewarded with boba at the finish line. This year, the Bubble Tea Run was organized by Katey Lau, a high school student in San Francisco.

Unlike merit-based scholarship programs, a scholar’s journey at Freely in Hope can last between 4-9 years! Scholars engage in a holistic approach to lead toward healing, transformation, and leadership.

Through your support, I have been able to heal from my trauma and support other survivors of sexual violence. It is through you that I am able to pursue my degree in psychology and gain respect in the workplace. I am a product of your support. I went from someone who was unable to smile or even say her name to someone who cannot stop talking!

I find my healing through art and storytelling. I am narrating my own story in a way that brings healing to others by encouraging them to be open and embrace storytelling too.

How we lead in crisis can strengthen team dynamics. Hear from our staff members in Kenya and Zambia as they share authentic and insightful reflections on the things they’ve learned about leadership during the pandemic.

Freely in Hope had great suffering and great celebration in 2020. This was our 10th Anniversary, and, though we couldn’t celebrate as wanted to, we spent much time in reflection to celebrate the successes of the year as a global community.

The need for self-care and rejuvenation makes us human and should be embraced as a tool for better advocacy. Here are 5 points to help you practice intentionality in caring for yourself.

The need for self-care and rejuvenation makes us human and should be embraced as a tool for better advocacy. Here are 5 points to help you practice intentionality in caring for yourself.

Advocating with survivors in our life is a journey that is incredibly nuanced with beautiful lessons along the way. If you want to learn how to support survivors better, here are 4 tips for advocates, from a survivor.

If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, here are 5 important messages by survivors for survivors.