Community Partner: The Younique Foundation Research suggests that one in four girls is sexually abused before the age of 18 thats an estimated 41.5 million adult American women who are survivors. Think of the women you know and love your mother, your sister, your college roommate, your best friend, your gym partner, and your co-worker who helps keep you sane when life is scary. One of every four of these women is statistically a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and may have been carrying feelings of shame, guilt, and other post-traumatic symptoms for years, or even decades. The Younique Foundation exists to help these women find the hope and healing they deserve. Founded in 2015, The Younique Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that provides healing services through The Haven Retreat, Finding Hope Support Groups, and other online resources. The organization was formed after founders Shelaine and Derek Maxfield learned that someone close to them had been sexually abused as a child. Both were heartbroken to learn that many survivors of child sexual abuse take blame and guilt upon themselves. Thats not fair, Derek remembers saying to Shelaine. Somebody should do something about that. The Maxfields envisioned a healing retreat nestled in the mountains where survivors could begin or continue their healing journeys. Since 2015, more than 3,000 women have attended The Haven Retreat in one of two locations in Georgia and Utah. In 2019 alone, The Younique Foundation facilitated the start of 40 Finding Hope Support Groups in eight countries, including New Zealand, Ireland, and Austria. Third-party research confirms that The Haven Retreat successfully helps women heal from the impacts of child sexual abuse. Some of the healing benefits survivors experience are comparable to receiving 1524 weeks of group psychotherapy for trauma. On average, participants: Experience a 23% reduction of PTSD symptoms. See a 21% improvement in well-being. Feel 9% more confident that they can cope with their traumatic experience. These positive effects have been shown to be sustained for one year after participating in a retreat. The Younique Foundation wants survivors of child sexual abuse to know that they are not alone, that they are not broken, and that hope and healing are possible. The brain is malleable and can learn how to heal. Through recovery, survivors can learn to recognize and manage triggers, discover passions that motivate them to heal, and develop self-compassion. The Younique Foundation is also dedicated to the eradication of child sexual abuse and focuses prevention efforts through its brand, Defend Innocence. Education is critical to responding to sexual abuse and preventing it. As such, Defend Innocence focuses on empowering parents, caregivers, and community leaders to protect children through community and online resources. These resources seek to facilitate safe, open discussions and to give parents and caregivers a starting point for these discussions. You, too, can support survivors in their healing journeys and help put an end to the epidemic of child sexual abuse. Learn more about The Younique Foundations healing resources at YouniqueFoundation.org and Defend Innocences prevention resources at DefendInnocence.org. The Younique Foundation11675 Great Oaks Way, Suite 175Alpharetta, GA 30022YouniqueFoundation.org DefendInnocence.org 801-341-2308
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