Breaking the cycle of violence is not easy. Maura works every day to do just that, helping one person at a time. The following story shares an update of former Adult Windows Participant, Maura, and what she’s accomplished since then. To see her original story, click here.

“Personal Needs Flower” Maura keeps with her at work

Abuse had been a part of my life since childhood. There was no place in which I could express myself, no person to whom I could reveal what was happening.

Art was a catalyst in my journey and helped me turn all the negative into positive things.
–Maura, Survivor and AWBW Facilitator

The A Window Between Worlds art workshops provided me with the liberty to be myself and to express the hurt, as well as the dreams and goals that I had. After being introduced to AWBW in a counseling group, I continued participating in special AWBW projects and was a speaker representing AWBW at many events. I also decided to go back to school.

Maura with her son, 2016

During school I worked as a counselor and facilitated Windows Workshops for adult and children survivors of domestic violence. This year I completed my Master’s degree and started a new position as a foster care social worker, where I continue to lead Windows Workshops.

I experience first-hand the positive change that these art workshops bring to my clients. I witness shut-down clients open up and express things they have never shared about before. The art brings a positive change to them, just like it did for me.