Christine Budzowski, as Vice President of the National Episcopal Church Women, first reached out to AWBW in 2013 after doing research to find organizations that worked with women and girls who were victims of violence and abuse. She was not looking for personal transformation when she got involved, but that is exactly what happened. She shares,

After learning of AWBW, I reached out to see if we could use art made by AWBW participants to illustrate poems and meditations in honor of the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. The art was very well received and showed me how art opens up pathways to healing for both the victims and those helping them.

I find AWBW inspiring because it is the brainchild of one woman who has inspired others through her heart and her art. AWBW encourages everyone to join in a community of healing and transformation and I’m so honored to be part of this creative journey.

I decided to give a monthly contribution because it is easy to build into my budget and I don’t even have to remember to send a check. It is such an easy way to give!

I look at the Touchstones on my work desk and am amazed at their transformative power and how they connect us to one another. They remind me that through my monthly donation, I am supporting the continuation of healing through art to help make this world a better place.

My vision is to also inspire others to become monthly donors so they know they are opening the opportunity for others to use art to change their lives.

Christine is now using Touchstones at church retreats and with service groups. She finds that Touchstones empower participants to bring thoughts and intentions alive and deepen relationships with one another. We are grateful to Christine for all she is doing to ensure the sustainability of our work, spread the word about AWBW, and connect our communities through the creation of art!